MIAMI — Virgin Voyages is counting down the days until the debut of its fourth vessel, Brilliant Lady, hitting the high seas in September 2025.
Upon its debut, the ship will embark on a cross-country trip with a series of longer itineraries up to 14 nights. For its inaugural season, Brilliant Lady’s North American tour will feature iconic homeports and ports of calls like New York City to Bermuda and Canada, Los Angeles to Mexico, Miami to the ABC Islands, and Seattle to Alaska, along with one epic voyage through the Panama Canal.
“Virgin Voyages started as a simple idea for me and has blossomed into the world’s top cruise line with a full fleet of ships. This ship is going to be brilliant in every possible way, and that includes the incredible new places we can travel to. Alaska, LA, New York – here we come!” said Sir Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Group.
As Virgin Voyages’ final vessel in its current fleet of Lady Ships, Brilliant Lady boasts many of the signature touches guests have grown to love about the cruise line, which was voted the best large-ship liner in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards. These include red balcony hammocks, over 20 award-winning eateries, a ‘Happenings Cast’ in lieu of a traditional cruise director, and a collection of high-end wellness spaces ranging from a yoga perch to a mermaid-inspired spa.
And like its sister ships, Brilliant Lady will feature a new mermaid designed by Toronto-based illustrator Janice Sung. The new guardian takes inspiration from both Renaissance paintings and traditional Japanese and Chinese art.
Brilliant Lady’s Mermaid
Starting in September 2025 from New York City, Brilliant Lady’s inaugural season includes routes from the following:
New York City || September 2025 – October 2025
Five voyages from 5-13 nights || MerMaiden: September 5, 2025
Bringing it back to where it all started, Virgin Voyages kicks off the Brilliant Inaugural Season tour in New York City. Following a premiere showcase for New Yorkers, Brilliant Lady will sail from Manhattan Cruise Terminal with itineraries ranging between five and 13 nights. The glittering archipelago of 100+ islets and cays await in Bermuda while Canada’s Quebec City shines for its charming European ambience, rich history and incredible architecture. Other new ports of call include Maine, Charleston, Boston, Halifax, and New Brunswick.
Miami || October 2025 – April 2026
17 voyages from 7-12 nights || MerMaiden: October 17, 2025
Warming up for the winter season, Brilliant Lady will embark on a collection of extended Caribbean getaways with options between seven and 12 nights. Sailing from the company’s LEED-gold Terminal V in Miami, the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire & Curaçao) in the Southern Caribbean, along with Cartagena, are standouts. Guest favorites like Turks & Caicos, Antigua and Grand Cayman are back, along with newcomer Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
Panama Canal Crossing || March 2026
One epic voyage for 16 nights
This crossing from Miami to Los Angeles spanning 16 nights is just one of several options in the brand’s Sea Change Series, what Virgin calls its legendary, bucket-list repositioning voyages. Departing on March 21, 2026, Brilliant Lady will say adios to Miami, sailing south towards Colombia and Panama before its eight-hour passage through the Panama Canal. After a day at sea, guests will sail to Costa Rica and Antigua before enjoying a final stop in Los Cabos prior to arriving in Los Angeles on April 6th.
Los Angeles || April 2026 – May 2026
Four voyages from 5-8 nights || MerMaiden: April 7, 2026
Five- to eight-night itineraries along Cali’s West Coast include calls in Baja California, Puerto Vallarta and San Diego. California’s coastal gems like Santa Barbara and Catalina Island put the classic Spanish architecture, golden beaches and waterfront promenades on full display.
Seattle || May 2026 – September 2026
Voyage details coming soon || MerMaiden: May 2026
Summer 2026 will take Brilliant Lady to the vast landscapes of Alaska. Wildlife is abundant, giving Sailors ample opportunities to spot some of America’s most elusive animals including bald eagles, orca, seals, bears and humpback whales. Departing from Seattle, Virgin Voyages will offer a mixture of itineraries from May through September.
Alaska Front(ier) of the Line Pass
Given the anticipated high demand for Alaskan voyages, starting May 8, 2024, Sailors can submit an early deposit to secure their priority window to book one of the limited Alaskan itineraries before they open to the public. Placeholders are $500 for Sea Terraces, $1,000 for RockStar Quarters and $2,500 for Mega RockStar Quarters.
Brilliant 4 You Pass
Following the overwhelming success of its Summer Season Pass, which sold out in less than 48 hours, Virgin Voyages is introducing a “Brilliant 4 You Pass” with unprecedented access to all of Brilliant Lady’s MerMaiden voyages. Digs in a RockStar Suite (Seriously Suite) are complemented by one Shore Thing per voyage.
Sailors previously slated to sail on Brilliant Lady will be given priority access to book a MerMaiden voyage. For more information go to www.VirginVoyages.com.
