Cruise News

Virgin’s Newest Cruise Ship Set for NYC Debut in September 2025

Virgin Voyages’ upcoming new ship, Brilliant Lady, will debut in September of 2025, giving US cruisers a first look at the line’s fourth vessel. The news follows a series of delays and cancelled voyages in 2024.

A large Virgin Ship Brilliant Lady, debuting in 2025, sailing on the ocean at sunset. — (Photo Courtesy of Richard Branson/Facebook)

The ship will sail across North America for the inaugural season with multiple American homeports. It includes a Panama Canal transit, enabling it to offer West Coast itineraries.

“This ship is going to be brilliant in every possible way, including new places we can travel to. Alaska, LA, New York,” said Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson.

Inaugural Sailings from New York City

Aerial view of Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline at sunset, featuring colorful clouds and the New Virgin Ship, Brilliant Lady, reflecting on the water. — New York (Photo courtesy of Virgin Voyages)

Starting in September 2025 from New York City, Brilliant Lady will operate five voyages from 5-13 nights to Canada and Bermuda. New ports of call include Charleston, Boston, Halifax, and New Brunswick.

The ship will transfer to Miami to homeport from October 2025 to April 2026. These extended Caribbean cruises range from seven to 12 nights. It will call at Turks & Caicos, Antigua, Grand Cayman, and a maiden visit to Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Brilliant Lady will then reposition to the west coast via a 16-night Panama Canal transit.

A Panama Canal Transit and Alaska Summer Season

Snow-capped mountains reflected in a tranquil lake at sunrise, with clear skies and a forested shoreline, marking the debut of the Virgin Ship Brilliant Lady in 2025. — Alaska (Photo courtesy of Virgin Voyages)

For spring and summer 2026, Brilliant Lady will sail out of Los Angeles and Seattle, which will take in Virgin’s first Alaska cruise season. Anticipating high demand for Alaska sailings, customers can secure a stateroom with a deposit, available to book from May 8, 2024.

Brilliant Lady will feature the signature amenities on its three sister ships, such as the high-end wellness offerings of a mermaid-inspired spa and yoga perch. The cruise line will share details of new dining and entertainment options available on the new ship in the coming months.

Virgin said that the Brilliant Lady was constructed with an adapted frame that enabled it to sail through the Panama Canal and navigate the glaciers of Alaska. The ship will be adorned with a new mermaid designed by Toronto-based illustrator Janice Sung.

Brilliant Lady will join Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, and Resilient Lady in the Virgin Voyages fleet.