Virgin Voyages is expanding its horizons, introducing its adults-only cruise experience to the New York and Los Angeles markets in late 2025. The announcement marks a significant milestone for the 2-year-old cruise brand, which has primarily operated out of Miami since its inception.
New Sailings Announced
Starting in September 2025, the Brilliant Lady, the latest addition to the Virgin Voyages fleet, will commence its maiden voyage from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. This launch will introduce travelers to a series of voyages spanning from five to thirteen nights, featuring destinations such as Bermuda, Charleston, Boston, and various Canadian ports including Halifax and Quebec City.
After its stint in New York, the Brilliant Lady will reposition to Miami, followed by Los Angeles and Seattle, continuing its North American expansion. The ship will offer a range of journeys touching exotic locales across the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and even a special 16-night Panama Canal cruise in March 2026.
Brilliant Lady: Features and Delays
Originally slated for a December 2023 debut, the Brilliant Lady’s introduction was postponed nearly two years due to unforeseen delays. This next-generation ship promises to redefine cruising with an array of unique amenities, including a tattoo parlor, a colorful karaoke lounge, and a strictly adult environment, ensuring a vibrant party atmosphere onboard.
Detailed Itinerary
Virgin Voyages has meticulously planned a variety of itineraries for the Brilliant Lady, catering to a diverse array of interests and destinations. Here is a bullet list outlining the planned sailings:
- Maiden Voyage:
- Departure: September 5, 2025
- Departing from: Manhattan Cruise Terminal, New York City
- Destinations include: Bermuda
- Additional New York Sailings:
- Dates: September to October 2025
- Voyage Lengths: Ranging from 5 to 13 nights
- Key Ports: Bermuda, Charleston (SC), Boston, Halifax, Saint John, Quebec City
- Miami Sailings:
- Dates: October 2025 to April 2026
- Voyage Lengths: Ranging from 7 to 12 nights
- Key Ports: Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Cartagena (Colombia), Turks and Caicos, Antigua, Grand Cayman, Ocho Rios (Jamaica)
- Panama Canal Cruise:
- Date: March 21, 2026
- Voyage Length: 16 nights
- One-way voyage from Miami to Los Angeles
- Key Ports: Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico
- Los Angeles Sailings:
- Starting: April 7, 2026
- Voyage Lengths: Ranging from 5 to 8 nights
- Key Ports: Various locations along the west coast of California and Mexico
- Seattle Sailings:
- Dates: May 2026 to September 2026
- Specific details and destinations to be announced
From tropical getaways to the Caribbean to scenic explorations of the Alaskan coast, the offerings are designed to captivate and appeal to the modern traveler seeking a unique cruise experience.
Booking and Deposits
Prospective travelers can look forward to booking their passage on the Brilliant Lady starting May 8, 2024, with the introduction of the Alaska Front(ier) of the Line Pass, requiring a deposit ranging from $500 to $2,500 based on cabin selection.
Virgin Voyages’ Market Position
Virgin Voyages seeks to attract a younger, more modern crowd who may not consider themselves typical cruisers. With no buffets, no strict dress codes, and entertainment centered around interactive dance parties and DJ sets, Virgin is positioning itself distinctly within the cruise industry, aiming to draw guests looking for an unconventional cruising experience.
Final Thoughts
With the upcoming launch of the Brilliant Lady, Virgin Voyages is poised to make a significant impact on the cruise industry, challenging traditional norms and catering to a new generation of cruisers. As it sets its sights on major coastal cities and beyond, the cruise line continues to innovate and redefine what it means to vacation at sea.
