Brilliant Lady

The 2023-built / 2025-inaugurated MS Brilliant Lady cruise ship is the fourth and final vessel in the Virgin Voyages fleet. The ship’s name was officially announced on April 26, 2022. Her sisterships (identical in design) are Scarlet Lady (launched February 2020), Valiant Lady (May 2022), and Resilient Lady (May 2023).

All Virgin cruise ships were built by Fincantieri at the Sestri Ponente shipyard (near Genoa, Italy). Brilliant Lady was initially scheduled for delivery in July 2023 but was delayed to March 2024 due to supply chain disruptions and crewing challenges affecting construction and staffing timelines.

The vessels are known as "Lady Ships"—a nod to Virgin Group’s British heritage and the traditional term “your ladyship.” A team of acclaimed designers contributed to the fleet’s innovative “adult cruising” concept and contemporary ship interiors. The companies involved in the interior and naval architecture include Roman and Williams (NYC), Concrete Amsterdam, Tom Dixon's Design Research Studio (London), Gem Srl (Italy), Softroom (London), WORKac (NYC), Knibb Design, HL Studio (UK), HKS Architects (Dallas), and PearsonLloyd (London).

Virgin Voyages (formerly Virgin Cruises) is a new cruise line company headquartered in Plantation, Florida (USA). Established in December 2014 as a joint venture between Virgin Group Ltd (UK, 49% stake) and Bain Capital LP (USA, 51% stake), the adults-only brand (minimum age 18) officially began operations in April 2020.

The vessel (IMO number 9870654) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311001167) and registered in Nassau.

Brilliant Lady is owned by VC SHIP FOUR LTD and operated under charter by VIRGIN VOYAGES LTD.

Decks and Cabins

MS Brilliant Lady staterooms total 1408, including 78 Suites, 1030 Balcony, 95 Oceanview, and 105 Interior cabins. The ship’s crew (1160 members) are accommodated in 813 crew cabins.

The vessel has 17 decks, of which 13 are accessible to passengers and 9 contain cabins.

In January 2019, Virgin Voyages revealed details about the RockStar Suites—premium accommodations designed by Tom Dixon Design Research Studio. All staterooms are equipped with smart technology, including mood lighting and sensors that automatically adjust lighting based on guest movement. The ship has 78 RockStar Suites, including 15 "Mega RockStar Suites" (9 Gorgeous, 2 Posh, 2 Fab, 2 Massive). Most are located on Deck 15, with one exclusive bow-facing Owner Suite ("RockStar Suite Sailor") on Deck 16.

Inspired by music and rock-and-roll, the suites feature retro-futuristic décor in deep blues with iridescent dichroic accents in the bathrooms. The Massive Suite includes a music-themed bedroom (with electric guitars and an amplifier) and a private bow-facing terrace with a Jacuzzi, 6-seat dining table (with built-in stairs), circular sofa with low table, padded sun loungers, two hammocks, outdoor shower, catamaran net canopy, and live plants. All 78 RockStar Suites are also equipped with record players.

All RockStar Suite categories (SB–Brilliant, SG–Gorgeous, SP–Posh, SF–Fab, SM–Massive) feature marble-clad bathrooms (with hot tubs, premium bath products, rain showerheads, and Peek-a-Boo dichroic glass doors and windows), Terrazzo flooring, Tom Dixon furniture, large mirrored vanity tables, L-shaped sofabeds (sleep 2), low tables, storage cabinets, 3-door wardrobes, 55-inch smart TVs, gold-plated vinyl turntables (with curated record collections), complimentary full bar (with nautically-themed barware kits), brass and leather finishes, and bedroom chaise lounges.

RockStar Suite guests enjoy exclusive access to Richard’s Rooftop (a VIP club lounge on Deck 16). Perks include complimentary airport-ship transfers (private drivers), priority helicopter service arrangements, luggage handling, express VIP walk-down service at the Virgin Voyages Miami Cruise Terminal, anytime boarding, early access to onboard events, complimentary laundry and clothing pressing, nightly swimsuit drying, personal RockStar Agents (butlers), on-request hair and makeup crew, complimentary access to the Thermal Suite at Redemption Spa, all-inclusive premium drinks (available shipwide), free in-room bottomless bar, and curated shore excursion options.

All Virgin cruise ship staterooms offer standard amenities including a European King-size bed with premium linens and plush bedding, wall-mounted reading lamps, bedside tables, a mirrored vanity table/writing desk with stool, a large wardrobe, an electronic safe (in the closet), and a 4K smart Ultra HDTV with infotainment system. Balcony staterooms feature large private verandas furnished with padded loungers, a low table, a 2-seat sofa, a Yellow Leaf hammock, and a dining table (custom-designed to fit an ice bucket). Access to the balcony is through floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors.

Each cabin is equipped with a custom-designed "seabed" and Virgin's signature "mood lighting," a feature familiar to Virgin America customers. The lighting automatically adjusts based on passenger movement. The ship also offers staterooms tailored for groups (with 4 bunk beds) and single travelers. Cabins are available in 21 categories. Balcony cabins ("sea terraces") come with step-out verandas and are serviced by "Rockstar Coordinators" (personal assistants), while "personal wardrobe teams" assist with packing and unpacking.

Shipboard Dining Options – Food and Drinks

Dining on Virgin Voyages ships is entirely included in the cruise fare, with no extra charges for any of the 20+ onboard dining venues. The company eliminates the typical surcharges associated with specialty restaurants, offering all guests complimentary, made-to-order meals across all eateries on Brilliant Lady.

As part of its sustainable travel initiatives, Virgin Voyages bans single-use plastics and does not feature any buffet-style dining. All food is made-to-order to minimize waste, reduce energy consumption, and lower emissions. The savings are reinvested into high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, skilled culinary staff, and clean technologies.

Virgin’s ships break away from traditional cruise dining norms. There are no main dining rooms, buffet lines, dress codes, fixed dining times, or assigned seating. Instead, guests enjoy boutique-style eateries—20+ in total—each offering a unique experience, all included in the fare.

Here is the complete list of Brilliant Lady restaurants and food bars:

• The Galley – A casual dining hub modeled after a modern food hall, featuring eight quick-service shops and carts including a panini station, bakery and pastry shop, taco shack, noodle bar, burger grill, sushi bar with bento boxes, soup and salad station, and a 24-hour American diner.
• The Test Kitchen – A lab-inspired venue offering avant-garde, chef-driven cuisine. Menus are presented as ingredient lists, encouraging guests to discover flavors as the meal progresses. Also functions as a cooking school.
• Wake – A 5866 ft² (545 m²) aft steakhouse and seafood restaurant with stunning views of the ship's wake. Inspired by The Grill in New York and The Wolseley in London.
• Geonbae – A vibrant Korean BBQ venue hosted by "the loudest servers at sea." Meals begin with complimentary soju and include interactive drinking games.
• Pink Agave – A lively Mexican restaurant offering shared plates and DJ music until late. Includes porthole seating, a private dining room, and a stylish bar area.
• Extra Virgin – An Italian trattoria serving handmade pasta, arancini, and seafood specialties.
• Dock – A beach club-inspired eatery (220 ft² / 20.4 m²) serving Mediterranean small plates, dips, and salads. Features wooden deck chairs, day beds, and loungers.
• The Pizza Place – Offers complimentary oven-baked, gourmet pizzas by the slice in a beach club-style setting.
• Sun Club Cafe – An outdoor venue serving light bites and healthy options.
• The Sip – The ship’s wine bar and champagne lounge offering premium wines and traditional British Afternoon Tea service.

Razzle Dazzle is the ship’s vegan-vegetarian restaurant, also featuring the Red Bar juice bar with a rotating cocktail menu. Twice per cruise, the venue hosts the popular "Drag Brunch" with live performances by drag queens. The restaurant’s name and design pay homage to the naval camouflage technique from the World Wars, using bold black-and-white patterns.

In 2025, Brilliant Lady introduced two new dining concepts: Rojo by Razzle Dazzle (Spanish cuisine) and Lucky Lotus by Razzle Dazzle (Chinese cuisine, originally debuted on Scarlet Lady in November 2024). Rojo offers a Spanish-American fusion brunch menu during the day and transforms into a specialty venue in the evening, serving pintxos, tapas, and large plates. The beverage program, developed with Barcelona’s Onada Consulting, includes vermouths, sangrias, sherries, and cava spritzes.

Also introduced in 2025 was an updated Gunbae (Korean BBQ venue), serving traditional items such as Kimbap, Bulgogi, Bo-ssam, and Korean beverages.

All passengers ("Sailors") have access to complimentary filtered and sparkling water at all dining venues and bars. Refill stations are available throughout the ship.

Using the Sailor App, guests can access the secret "Champagne Button" by shaking their phone. This feature—called "Shake for Champagne"—delivers a 750ml bottle of Moët & Chandon Brut Imperial in an ice bucket with two glasses to their location anywhere onboard.

Shipboard Entertainment Options – Fun and Sport

Each Virgin Voyages ship features 93% oceanview cabins and 86% balcony staterooms ("sea terraces"). Entertainment offerings include a casino and multiple live performance venues that replace traditional cruise ship theaters.

The ship's signature venues include:

• Athletic Club (top-deck aft) is an outdoor fitness area with a boxing ring and gym equipment. Part of the Sports Deck, it features a raised jogging track (Runway Track in red-white), a sundeck with open-air lounge (double daybeds, semi-circular loungers), triple netting area (220 ft² / 20.4 m² overlooking lower decks), 10 private cabanas (with cushioned beds, low tables, lounge chairs), beverage service from the Sports Bar, foosball tables, a swimming pool, and showers. Designed by Concrete Amsterdam, it's inspired by 1920s New York City sports clubs.
• Sun Club – Sun Worship Sanctuary with open-air relaxation areas.
• MyBeast – An outdoor playground and poolside gym zone.
• The Crow's Nest – Aft sundeck offering 360-degree ocean views, furnished with loungers and red mats, and hosts sunrise/sunset yoga sessions.
• The B Complex – An indoor fitness center with Technogym ARTIS equipment and studios for cycling, yoga, cardio, and spinning. Features floor-to-ceiling windows.
• Gym and Tonic Bar – Serves cold-pressed juices and healthy beverages.
• Aquatic Club Sundeck – Poolside Oasis with the Aquatic Club Bar.
• Two Pools – Including the main Well-being Pool, surrounded by the MyBeast playground and fitness equipment.
• The Manor – A 2-deck high disco nightclub with a large dance floor. Designed by Roman and Williams, this venue draws inspiration from Richard Branson’s first Virgin music studio. It's designed for innovative shows, music, and socializing, featuring multi-level platforms and dramatic lighting.
• The Dock – An aft Deck 7 outdoor lounge with cushioned wooden furniture, loungers, deckchairs, and daybeds.
• Richard's Rooftop – A top-deck VIP area exclusive to Suite passengers. Outfitted with daybeds, circular loungers, umbrellas, and colored crystals that create rainbow reflections. Named after Virgin's founder Richard Branson.
• Ministry of Ground / Ministry of Ground Too – Specialty coffee bars serving Intelligentsia coffee and made-to-order beverages. Located midship on Deck 7 (within The Galley), the main venue was designed by Softroom (London) and features porthole windows, comfy seating, and retail items for sale.
• Redemption – The ship’s spa complex on Deck 5, including a Mud Room, Salt Room, Hydrotherapy and cold plunge pools, Jacuzzi, Thermal Suite, treatment rooms with quartz beds, salon services (Dry Dock, Blow Dry Bar, Stubble and Groom), mani-pedi spa. By night, the space transforms into a lounge with live DJ entertainment.
• The Scene – An event space used for various onboard gatherings.
• Squid Ink – Tattoo studio operated in partnership with World Famous Tattoo Ink, offering tattoos with vegan ink, body piercings, and permanent makeup using certified vegan pigments.
• The Red Room – A multi-form theatre designed by Auerbach Pollock Friedlander and WORKac. It transforms into four configurations: alley stage, Proscenium, flat-floor dance, and reverse stage. Offers six original shows including productions by Randy Weiner.
• The Groupie – A private karaoke lounge that also functions as a cinema and VIP casino lounge.
• The Den – A flexible event space used for games and private events.
• Resident and local DJs perform live in all ports of call, enhancing the onboard party atmosphere.
• Voyage Vinyl – A record shop with listening stations, curated vinyl collections, and a DJ booth for live performances.
• JLo Beauty – A shop selling skincare products from Jennifer Lopez’s beauty brand.

Draught Haus (Deck 7, next to Voyage Vinyl) is the ship's taproom, serving eight draft beers, craft bottled brews, boilermakers (beer cocktails), shots, and shot cocktails. Growler service allows guests to carry drinks around the ship. The bar features rustic décor and a themed beer tap display. Virgin’s exclusive craft beer (English Pale Ale) is brewed in collaboration with Miami's Wynwood Brewing Company, using English yeast and American malts and hops.

Main entertainment venues include The Red Room and The Manor.

The Red Room hosts two main productions:

• "Red Hot" – A high-energy musical showcasing iconic hits from Virgin Records.
• "Out of Time" – A time-traveling comedy led by Dr. Victoria Vortex, mixing music, fashion, and acrobatics.

The Manor presents a diverse program:

• "Up With a Twist" – 1920s-themed supper club with live band.
• "Murder in the Manor" – A 1980s-style murder mystery with dance and dramatic flair.
• "Duets" – Jazz showcase.
• "Electric" – A glow party with fluorescent lights and UV costumes.
• "Disco Reimagined" – A 90-minute disco party with aerial acrobatics.
• "Duel Reality" – A Romeo-and-Juliet-themed acrobatic show.

Virgin Cruise Deals

Virgin Voyages maintains a "No Tipping" policy—gratuities are included in the base fare. Also included are dining at all venues, group fitness classes, and beverages like filtered and sparkling water. No change fees or penalties apply. Customers can hold staterooms for 24 hours with no payment after placing a 20% non-refundable deposit. Bookings can be adjusted for up to 7 days without fees, including name and date changes.

In February 2019, Virgin launched an all-inclusive pricing model by cabin. Fares include all dining (20+ eateries, some open 24 hours), unlimited WiFi, fitness classes. Pricing depends only on occupancy. For 5-day cruises, rates start at around USD 250 per person per day (excluding taxes and fees).

Itineraries

Brilliant Lady’s inaugural cruise season (Sept 2025–May 2026) was initially based on homeporting in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with 7-night Caribbean itineraries ("Sunsets in the Lesser Antilles" and "Southeastern Caribbean Isles"). These plans were later canceled and replaced with homeporting in various USA cities.

The Maiden Voyage departs New York City on September 5, 2025, sailing to Bermuda. This is followed by:

• From NYC (Sept–Oct 2025): 5x itineraries (5–13 nights) to Bermuda and Canada/New England.
• From Miami (Oct 2025–Apr 2026): 17x Caribbean departures (7–12 nights), beginning with the MerMaiden Voyage on Oct 17.
• From Los Angeles (Apr–May 2026): 4x California/Baja itineraries (5–8 nights), starting April 7.
• From Seattle (May–Sept 2026): Alaska roundtrips visiting Ketchikan, Sitka, Tracy Arm Fjord, and Prince Rupert BC, beginning May 21.

Highlights of the 2025–2026 Caribbean season include visits to: Grand Turk, Antigua, Grand Cayman, and Ocho Rios (first-time for Virgin).

A 16-night Panama Canal repositioning voyage is scheduled for March 2026 (Miami–Los Angeles), calling in Costa Rica, Antigua, Guatemala, and Mexico (Los Cabos).

April–May 2026 features California coastal cruises from LA, followed by Alaska voyages from Seattle (May–Sept 2026).

During seasonal redeployments between the Caribbean, Europe, and Alaska, Virgin ships offer Transatlantic crossings and Panama Canal transits (RepositionCruises.com).

Virgin’s Caribbean cruises typically run on 7-night roundtrip itineraries departing from Miami and San Juan.

On October 31, 2018, Virgin Voyages signed a contract with Fincantieri for the construction of a fourth cruise ship, with delivery initially scheduled for the end of 2023. The deal was valued at approximately EUR 700 million (around USD 810 million / GBP 615 million).

Like her sisterships, the vessel (IMO number 9870654, Fincantieri yard/hull number 6304) was built at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard, located near Genoa, Italy.

On February 24, 2022, at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Castellammare di Stabia (near Naples), the forward lower/bow section of the hull (troncone) was launched and floated out from drydock. The troncone was then towed by tugboats to Sestri Ponente for final assembly and outfitting. Brilliant Lady was officially launched at Sestri Ponente on November 25, 2022.

The timelapse video below shows part of Fincantieri’s shipbuilding process for Virgin Voyages (block assembly):

On April 26, 2022, Virgin Voyages officially announced the name of its fourth liner—"Brilliant Lady." According to the press release, the name reflects Virgin’s values and mission to "Create an Epic Sea Change For All." With its dual meaning of "radiance" and "exceptional intelligence," the name is also a tribute to the strength and intellect of women around the world.

The ship was launched/floated out from drydock at Fincantieri’s Palermo shipyard on February 24, 2024.

Inaugural Cruise Itineraries 2023

In October 2022, Virgin Voyages released the Brilliant Lady’s initial itinerary program for 2023–2024.

However, the following Maiden Voyages in 2023 and 2024 were canceled due to construction-related delays. The Inaugural Cruise, originally planned for March 2024, was later postponed to September 2025.

(MAIDEN VOYAGE 2023 – CANCELED) 5-day Christmas Holiday cruise, repositioning from Florida to Puerto Rico. Fares started at US$550 per person based on double occupancy.

(MAIDEN VOYAGE 2024/CANCELED) 7-day "Southeastern Caribbean Isles" (from US$920 pp)

(INAUGURAL CRUISE 2024/CANCELED) 7-day "Atlantis Exotic Southern Caribbean Cruise" (roundtrip from Puerto Rico)

Godspeed!

Virgin Ship Technology

Virgin cruise ships have a passenger capacity of 2750 (plus 1150 crew) and gross tonnage of 110,000 GT. They are equipped with ABB Azipod XO propulsion systems—electric drive motors with off-hull submerged azimuth thrusters featuring 360-degree rotating propellers. This configuration provides exceptional maneuverability, allowing in-port navigation without tug assistance, and ensures minimal vibration and noise. By positioning the propulsion units outside the hull, the Azipod system also frees up internal space for additional lower-deck staterooms. ABB’s “Ability” technology enables real-time data transfer to remote centers for monitoring, analysis, and technical support of the propulsion systems.

Virgin ships feature innovative design and incorporate advanced marine technologies aimed at energy recovery and environmental sustainability. The onboard clean energy system is supplied by Swedish company Climeon Ocean, which reduces CO2 emissions by converting engine-generated heat into electricity (approximately 1 MW capacity). Each Virgin ship has six Climeon units, saving around 5400 tons of CO2 emissions annually. Waste processing systems are provided by Scanship.

Wärtsilä (Finnish marine technology company) supplies the ships' powerplants. Each vessel is powered by two 8-cylinder and two 12-cylinder Wärtsilä 46F marine diesel engines. Wärtsilä’s Hybrid Scrubber System operates in both open- and closed-loop modes, using seawater to remove sulfur oxides (SOx) from exhaust gases and significantly reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The vessels are also outfitted with Wärtsilä’s NACOS Platinum series for navigation and automation control.

Alternative power is provided by four 4-stroke engines driving the onboard electricity generators (gen-sets), each fitted with TPL-C turbochargers from ABB.

In February 2020, Virgin Voyages introduced “The Band”—a smart wearable RFID wristband made from recycled marine plastic (developed in partnership with The Bionic Company). Complimentary and mailed to guests before the cruise, The Band is activated at boarding and functions as a digital key for cabin entry, onboard payments and purchases (drinks, Casino), tour bookings, room service (tracks guest location), and access to VIP areas such as Richard’s Rooftop.

Virgin Cruises' Private Island Resort – Bimini Beach Club (Bahamas)

Scarlet Lady was the first cruise ship to visit Virgin Group’s private island retreat, “Bimini Beach Club,” located in Bimini, Bahamas. This exclusive destination offers world-class entertainment, including live DJ sets curated by a rotating cast led by Mark Ronson.

The Beach Club features premium cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients and Bahamian specialties such as banana leaf-wrapped queen snapper, conch and mango salad, and Bahamian rum cake. The resort includes six bars, multiple outdoor lounge areas with hammocks, beach loungers, water sports activities, and optional private cabanas (poolside and beachside) available for rent.

RockStar Suite passengers enjoy enhanced privileges, including complimentary dining, exclusive bar service, access to a private outdoor terrace lounge, and VIP beach cabanas. The 7-mile (11-km) long island offers activities such as boating, snorkeling, and wreck diving. Notable nearby attractions include the partially submerged wreck of the SS Sapona—a concrete-hulled steamship that ran aground in 1926—located just off the island’s southern coast.

The Beach Club is located on North Bimini Island, a short shuttle ride from the cruise pier. Built in partnership with Resorts World Bimini, the club is part of a 750-acre (3 km² / 1.2 mi²) beachfront complex that includes a resort, casino, marina, and hotel operated by Malaysia-based Genting Group. North Bimini lies approximately 68 km (42 mi) east of Miami. The resort’s estimated construction cost was USD 220 million.

Overlooking the ocean, Bimini Beach Club features a large lagoon-style swimming pool and offers a curated “resort experience” with open-air morning exercises (yoga, meditation), lively afternoon DJ parties at the pool, evening beach bonfires, and live music performances.