Virgin Voyages Unveils Brilliant Lady for North American Exploration in 2025
Virgin Voyages has set sail on a new adventure with the announcement of their latest ship, Brilliant Lady. Scheduled for a grand debut in September 2025, this cruise liner promises an exhilarating journey across North America, offering voyages ranging from 5 to 14 nights.
Embarking from four bustling hubs – New York City, Miami, Los Angeles, and Seattle – Brilliant Lady will introduce travelers to exciting destinations. These include a maiden voyage through the Panama Canal and thrilling expeditions in Alaska.
Natasha Salzedo, director of itineraries & destinations at Virgin Voyages, expressed excitement, stating, "We're embarking on a true North American odyssey, uniquely crafted by Virgin Voyages. It's akin to the ultimate road trip, but at sea."
The maiden voyage of Brilliant Lady is scheduled for September 5, 2025, departing from New York City. Passengers will have the choice of cruising to Bermuda's pink sand beaches and Charleston's charming streets, or witnessing the vibrant fall foliage of New England and Canada, with stops in Boston, Maine, Halifax, New Brunswick, and Quebec City.
Following its inaugural journey, Brilliant Lady will set course for Miami, offering winter escapes to the Caribbean. With 17 voyages ranging from 7 to 12 nights, passengers can indulge in tropical delights like Turks & Caicos, Antigua, and Grand Cayman, with a new stop in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
In a remarkable voyage through the Panama Canal, Brilliant Lady will transition from Miami to Los Angeles, spanning 16 nights of adventure. Along the way, passengers will explore Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Los Cabos, Mexico, before basking in the beauty of Southern California during April and May. Four additional voyages will offer exploration of Baja California, Puerto Vallarta, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Catalina Island.
Brilliant Lady's journey will culminate in Seattle in May 2026, marking Virgin Voyages' inaugural season in Alaska. While specific itineraries are still under development, the ship is expected to remain in the Pacific Northwest through September 2026.
As the final addition to Virgin Voyages' Lady fleet, Brilliant Lady will accommodate up to 2,762 passengers and boast a weight of 110,000 gross tons. Frank Weber, senior vice president of fleet operations, hinted at forthcoming design elements tailored for Brilliant Lady, including a new category of Sea Terrace cabins.
"We've tailored certain aspects of the ship to navigate through the iconic Panama Canal," Weber revealed, highlighting enhancements like snug Sea Terrace cabins and additional hammocks on balconies.
Further enhancements and surprises are in store for Brilliant Lady, with promises of expanded culinary offerings, live entertainment, and immersive experiences to be gradually unveiled in the coming months.
Bookings for Alaska sailings will commence this summer, with Virgin Voyages introducing an exclusive "Alaska Front(ier) of the Line Pass" for eager travelers. Placeholder reservations will be available starting May 8, 2024, with prices starting at $500 for Sea Terrace cabins.
Additionally, a "Brilliant 4 You Pass" will grant access to all four "MerMaiden" voyages aboard Brilliant Lady, offering priority booking to passengers previously scheduled to sail on the ship.
