Virgin's ship Brilliant Lady starts her MerMaiden Voyage from NYC on Sep 5th

   August 27, 2025 ,   Cruise Industry

Virgin Voyages prepares to debut Brilliant Lady upon her “MerMaiden” voyage from New York City on September 5th, 2025, styled to evoke the vibrant character of destinations across the globe. She carries the imprint of NYC’s dynamic energy, Miami’s Latin flair, Los Angeles’ optimism, and the adventurous spirit of Alaska.

The ship design and interior motifs have been conceived to cultivate community within elegant design, inviting passengers into settings where memories can form naturally.

At the heart of the vessel lies the Roundabout Atrium—a central gathering space where deep navy banquettes and jewel-toned seating establish clusters for intimate conversation. A softly lit compass, glowing in blues and purples, serves as a subtle reference to the hush of Alaska’s twilight.

In place of a traditional tavern, the Draught Haus has been reinterpreted as a social anchor—offering craft beer alongside barista-made coffees, cocktails on tap, and sparkling wine for shared toasts. The lounge is envisioned as a crossroads of connection across all hours of the day.

At the Athletic Club toward the stern, one entire wall has been removed to open a frameless view of the sea. Circular daybeds face outward, arranged for communal viewing of glacier calving, whale sightings, or Northern Lights displays—all set against fuchsia and signature red accents under light-sail canopies.

The Spanish-inspired Rojo by Razzle Dazzle venue finds warmth in terracotta and crimson hues, its wall art rooted in custom line narrative. It is a lounge designed around lingering—sharing tapas-style plates, in generous conversation clusters, where evening extends with ease from one storyteller to the next.

Staterooms with Sea Terraces (balcony cabins) have been reimagined: balconies now accommodate two red hammock chairs rather than one, a design choice that implicitly invites companionship through shared views.

Brilliant Lady’s itineraries span from New England to Alaska, Bermuda to the West Coast, offering voyages across North America. The debut season will unfold across 5- to 16-night journeys—each voyage underscoring the ship’s intent to unite exploration with elegantly staged social spaces.