Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady Now Launches Maiden Cruise from New York City, Featuring Exclusive Eco Friendly Itineraries

Published on July 24, 2025

Virgin Voyages new cruise ship, the Brilliant Lady, will be setting sail on its maiden voyage in September 2025, in what is a major milestone for the cruise liner. The 110,000-ton ship, which has just emerged from drydock at the Fincantieri shipyard in Palermo, Italy, will sail on its maiden voyage, a five-night cruise to Bermuda from New York City. It represents the new U.S. Northeast homeport for Virgin Voyages, a new alternative that will be available for those who want to experience the cruise line’s distinctive offerings. The Brilliant Lady will head off on a number of Caribbean, Panama Canal, Alaska and Mexican Riviera itineraries after her first Bermuda cruise, extending its geographical range.

Maiden Voyage and Itinerary

The Brilliant Lady’s maiden voyage will take place September 5, 2025, on a roundtrip itinerary out of New York City. This 5-night Bermuda cruise will feature two days at sea and two days in port at King’s Wharf, Bermuda, a favorite port of call for visitors because of the beautiful beaches and fun culture. The voyage is part of Virgin Voyages’ first time calling to the U.S. Northeast and the cruise line continuing to sail to new destinations.

Following the Bermuda sailings, the Brilliant Lady will cruise on a selection of Caribbean itineraries, including 7 to 12 night journeys between Miami and destinations like St. Maarten, Tortola, and Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The cruises will take place from October 2025 to April 2026. After the Caribbean season the Brilliant Lady sails to the Panama Canal looking east for a 16 night itinerary via Costa Rica, Guatemala and Mexico. The ship will then move to the West Coast, where it will sail cruises to the Mexican Riviera, with additional summer deployments to Alaska and Canada in 2026. These places offer a chance for passengers to visit a variety of cultural and natural sights and sounds while also getting a taste of Virgin Voyages trademark adults-only brand of cruising.

Ship Features and Amenities

The Brilliant Lady will be the fourth ship in Virgin Voyages’ fleet and will offer a number of new features designed to enhance the cruise experience. The Brilliant Lady is an adults only ship, as with all its sister vessels, being for guests age 18 and older. The policy maintains a serene, upscale environment throughout the ship, where adults can revel in the ship’s array of dining, entertainment and activities without the stress of kid friendly amenities.

The gym Kwai Fong and the night club Nonsense also offer the themed party great music for youThe Brilliant Lady has more than 20 restaurants, including Korean barbecue, Mexican food, and has a strong emphasis on inclusivity. Dining is included in the cruise fare, and plenty of onboard activities are offered, too, from immersive theater and offerings from live performers to wellness services. There are also wellness areas, a casino and a spa on board the ship. Visitors may choose from hundreds of activities, including conventional spa treatments as well as more unusual options such as zip-lining, water sports. Something for everyone, whether you’re a laid-back traveller, the adventurous type or a culture vulture.

Environmental Considerations and Sustainability

Virgin Voyages has been in the early wave of the industry’s move toward sustainability, and the Brilliant Lady fits right in with that effort. The ship is designed to minimize its environmental impact, using such environmentally friendly technologies and practices as efficient engines, optimized hull shape, and recycling of engine heat. The vessel has state of the art equipment to prevent waste, make more out of energy and cut carbon emissions.

Brilliant Lady can operate using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), a key target for Virgin Voyages as part of the line’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact. This ethos of sustainability spans to its eating habits, where wastage of food is kept to a minimum, and ingredients are sourced responsibly.

Booking and Availability

Bookings for the maiden voyage of the Brilliant Lady and its further sailings are now open. Those who are interested will need to go to the Virgin Voyages website to see itineraries, available cabins and book their trip. The ship has accommodations to suit all budgets, from Sea Terrace rooms with balconies, to fully equipped suites with added space and top-of-the line amenities.

The Bermuda cruise will be priced from $2,704 per cabin, with options to add on longer sailings or premium rooms. Passengers pay one price-and everything is included, except for specialty dining, shore excursions, and personal services such as spa or fitness-training appointments.

Future Prospects and Expansion

The delivery of the Brilliant Lady is just the latest sign of Virgin Voyages’ continued expansion in the highly competitive cruise industry. The inclusion of this ship alongside it’s growing list of itineraries into new territories such as the U.S. Northeast, firmly places Virgin Voyages as one to book with for the future of cruising.

With the continued expansion of the cruise line, additional vessels are anticipated to be added to the fleet in order to accommodate the rising demand for sustainable and premium travel options.

Conclusion

The Brilliant Lady is a major milestone for Virgin Voyages as the company offers its world class luxury, sustainability and adventure to the open waters. Featuring an array of things to see and do, the ship is a destination of itself matched to any travel style. Whether you are planning a journey to the Caribbean, journeying through the Panama Canal, or visiting the coasts of Alaska, Brilliant Lady can provide a stand out experience during your vacation. With Virgin Voyages blazing the trail towards sustainable cruise travel, the Brilliant Lady will be the jewel in their fleet, delivering holidaymakers an unforgettable voyage with as small an environmental footprint as possible.

(Source: Virgin Voyages Official.)