Virgin Voyages has unveiled its fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, joining the fleet with striking décor, bold entertainment and an adults-only approach that sets it apart from traditional cruising.
The ship brings the brand’s signature style to new destinations and promises British holidaymakers a refreshingly unconventional cruise experience. GB News had a first look before it sets sail in the coming weeks.
Brilliant Lady stays true to Virgin’s modern take on cruising - no children, no buffets, no dress codes. Instead, it offers a boutique hotel atmosphere designed for a truly indulgent holiday.
The cabins are modern and smart, with intuitive lighting, hammocks on private balconies, and tech features like a “Cinema Mode” that transforms the room into a personal theatre - great if you want a cosy night in.
Expect fantastic entertainment throughout the ship
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The Wake offers upscale dining
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The new ship is currently in Portsmouth
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There are plenty of exciting dining options on board. There’s no main dining room, and no buffet queues. Instead, guests can choose from a curated selection of restaurants included in the fare.
New to Brilliant Lady is Rojo by Razzle Dazzle, a Spanish-inspired venue serving tapas, lobster paella, and fun cocktails into the small hours.
Other venues include The Gallery, a street food-style marketplace, and The Wake, a sophisticated restaurant, as a chic brunch venue. It’s dining with flexibility and flair, and it all comes without any additional charges.
Entertainment on board is a highlight and much-loved by visitors. Like other Virgin Voyages ships, it offers immersive and playful experiences.
Up With a Twist combines cabaret with cocktails and cuisine, or discover a fun murder mystery, drag performances, live music and extravagant parties.
Guests can also look forward to the return of its famous Scarlet Night, Virgin’s now-iconic shipwide party where everyone dresses in red for a night of dancing, theatrics and surprises.
Don't forget to see the sparkly hallway, which is a signature on Virgin Voyages ships and a brilliant place to snap a picture.
For British travellers, the appeal of Brilliant Lady is not just the onboard experience but also the wide-ranging itineraries. From September to October 2025, the ship sails from New York, calling at Bermuda, Boston, Maine, Quebec and Halifax.
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Don't miss the sparkly hallway for a photo opportunity
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There’s no main dining room, and no buffet queues
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It will head to the Caribbean for the winter, offering sun-soaked routes from Miami to islands like Aruba, Curaçao and Antigua.
A 16-night Panama Canal sailing connects east to west, with the ship then operating out of Los Angeles before heading north to Alaska for the summer 2026 season.
For those in the UK looking for something new in cruising, Brilliant Lady delivers a modern yet laid-back option. It comes with no hidden fees - Wi-Fi, dining, tips and group fitness classes are all included, although upgrades are an option on some dining and drinks.