New Virgin Voyages ship Brilliant Lady to launch from New York in 2025

Brilliant Lady – the latest cruise ship from Virgin Voyages – will sail North America from September 2025, offering extended itineraries of up to 14 nights unlike ever before.

The inaugural season of Brilliant Lady’s North American Tour will feature highly sought-after homeports and iconic destinations such as New York City to Bermuda and Canada, Los Angeles to Mexico, Miami to the ABC Islands, and Seattle to Alaska, including a remarkable journey through the Panama Canal.

Sir Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Group, said: “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!”

– READ MORE: What’s entertainment like on Virgin Voyages? –

As the final addition to Virgin Voyages’ current fleet of Lady Ships, Brilliant Lady will retain the features that have endeared it to guests so far, including stylish interior spaces, signature red balcony hammocks and a wide array of award-winning dining options.

Additionally, the ship will introduce innovative elements such as an adapted frame for navigating the Panama Canal and exploring rugged landscapes like Alaska’s glaciers and fjords.

Brilliant Lady will also introduce a new mermaid design, blending influences from historic Renaissance paintings and traditional Japanese and Chinese art, fashion and beauty. Further details of dining and entertainment options are still yet to be revealed.

Virgin Voyages’ CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu commented: “[Holidaymakers] know that stepping onboard a Virgin vessel means eating Michelin-inspired foods at no extra cost; awakening the senses during a complimentary morning yoga class; walking away fulfilled without feeling nickelled and dimed.

“We’ll always challenge ourselves to keep things fresh and exciting, and that starts with expanding into extraordinary new destinations, while simultaneously inviting new artists, chefs, and musicians to enhance that quintessential Virgin vibe.”

– READ MORE: How to keep fit on a Virgin Voyages holiday –

New York City: September 2025 – October 2025

Five voyages spanning from 5 to 13 nights | Maiden voyage: September 5, 2025

Following an exclusive premiere for New Yorkers, Brilliant Lady sets sail from Manhattan Cruise Terminal offering itineraries ranging from five to 13 nights. From the archipelago of Bermuda to Quebec City, this itinerary includes stops at new ports like Maine, Charleston, Boston, Halifax and New Brunswick.

Miami: October 2025 – April 2026

Seventeen voyages lasting from 7 to 12 nights | Maiden voyage: October 17, 2025

As winter approaches, Brilliant Lady embarks on an array of extended Caribbean getaways, departing from the LEED-gold Terminal V in Miami. Highlights include visits to the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire & Curaçao), Cartagena and newcomer Ocho Rios, Jamaica, renowned for its lush tropical rainforests and pearly shores.

Panama Canal Crossing: March 2026

An epic 16-night voyage

Embarking on March 21, 2026, Brilliant Lady bids farewell to Miami, journeying south towards Colombia and Panama for a passage through the iconic Panama Canal. Virgin Voyages guests will then have the chance to explore Costa Rica’s jungles, immerse themselves in the culture of Antigua, and finally, dock in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles: April 2026 – May 2026

Four voyages ranging from 5 to 8 nights | Maiden voyage: April 7, 2026

Experience the charm of Los Angeles as Brilliant Lady docks in the city of stars. Passengers can explore California’s West Coast with calls in Baja California, Puerto Vallarta and San Diego while admiring the classic Spanish architecture and golden beaches of Santa Barbara and Catalina Island.

– READ MORE: Miami cruise port guide –

Seattle: May 2026 – September 2026

Voyage details to be announced soon | Maiden voyage: May 2026

Brilliant Lady ventures into the vast landscapes of Alaska during the summer of 2026. Departing from Seattle, Virgin Voyages offers a variety of itineraries from May through September, promising encounters with wildlife and stunning natural scenery.

Alaska Front(ier) of the Line Pass

To meet the anticipated high demand for Alaskan voyages, “sailors” can secure priority booking by submitting an early deposit starting May 8, 2024. Placeholders range from $500 for Sea Terraces to $2,500 for Mega RockStar Quarters.

Brilliant 4 You Pass

Following the success of its Summer Season Pass, Virgin Voyages introduces the “Brilliant 4 You Pass,” offering unprecedented access to all MerMaiden voyages aboard Brilliant Lady. Featuring accommodations in a RockStar Suite and one Shore Thing per voyage, travellers can enjoy exclusive experiences ranging from freshwater fishing in Alaska to a catamaran sail to Cabo’s famous Arch.

– READ MORE: All the coolest things in cruise right now –