Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady: New Ship Design, Dining, Entertainment, and More
When Virgin Voyages announced Brilliant Lady, I knew this ship was going to shake things up. She’s the fourth ship in the fleet, but she’s not just a copy-and-paste of Scarlet, Valiant, or Resilient Lady.
As a Top 30 Virgin Voyages partner agency, I was invited to be one of the first guests onboard Brilliant Lady before her public debut. And then I sailed on the Bermuda to New York itinerary to enjoy the ship and to pull together more info for my clients and readers!
With years of experience as a travel itinerary planner and cruise advisor, and plenty of first-hand sailing across Virgin’s fleet, I know what stands out and what doesn’t.
I’m excited to help you skip the guesswork, spot the highlights, and get the real insider scoop on this new ship!
The design tweaks are intentional and they open up some pretty exciting opportunities, like the fact that Brilliant Lady is built slim enough to pass through the Panama Canal.
That single change means new itineraries in places like like Alaska and Vancouver, Los Angeles, and Baja California.
I’ll share my first impressions, including what I loved, what surprised me, and the spaces I’ll keep coming back to.
We’ll cover it all: from functional changes to the ship itself to Virgin’s brand-new dining concept, plus reimagined entertainment, a new cabin category, and decor details that make Brilliant Lady stand apart from her sisters.
I could definitely feel the excitement in the air around the new ship as soon as I stepped onboard and throughout my journey!
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AND OUR SPECIFIC BRILLIANT LADY ALASKA FACEBOOK PAGE
PLAN YOUR VOYAGE WITH ME!
el@elevateyourescapes.com
Better cabins. Onboard credit. Port planning. All at no cost.
Functional Updates & Onboard Spaces
Ship Design: Built for the Panama Canal
This is the most important update: Brilliant Lady is built slimmer so she can pass through the Panama Canal, something none of the other Virgin ships can do.
It might sound like a small adjustment, but it opens up whole new routes like Alaska, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Baja California, Mexico.
Brilliant Lady will depart out of Miami in Winter 2025-2026, visiting Bimini Beach Club, Puerto Rico, Panama, and more.
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AND THE BRILLIANT LADY ALASKA FACEBOOK PAGE
The Roundabout (Deck 7)
This is the first space you notice when you step onboard and it feels different right away. The Roundabout is less of a “pass through” and more of a hangout now. It’s cozier, almost like a chic lounge, with spots where you actually want to sit.
Draught Haus is tucked right into it and that’s a game-changer. They’ve added coffee drinks and cocktails to the menu here. Love that.
The Grounds Club is always packed, and honestly, I work from the ship a lot, so this space feels perfect for “work from sea.” There are little couches, but also tables that give off co-working vibes.
It’s also set up for indoor viewing, which matters for cold-weather sailings like Alaska or those early spring sailings out of New York.
True, the barrier on Deck 7 means you’re not getting sweeping mountain views, but the overall atmosphere makes up for it.
The Athletic Club
The Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady Athletic Club has finally been redesigned in a way that makes sense. On the other ships, I never really understood the setup. It was fine, but not a space that I wanted to frequent during the day because of lack of shade and views.
But here, the paneling at the aft of the ship is transparent (instead of being blocked), which means the views are so much better. You actually want to spend time out here now!
They’re even planning to put out blankets in Alaska, which is smart because (full disclosure) I’m a total baby about the cold. Last time I was up in Alaska, I was often bundled in a winter coat.
There’s also more shade, with a longer overhang by the bar, as well as pop-up pieces around day beds.
Pool Deck
Let’s address it: is the pool still comically small? Yes. It is. But the setup around it is much better. Gone are the awkward triangular couches, and in their place are more rows of actual loungers.
There are more chairs overall and, most importantly for me, more shaded options. I’m a shade girlie all the way, so this is where I’ll be setting up most days.
There’s also a new handrail and step system in the pool. And the pool is *supposedly* a bit larger. Still looks comically small to me!
New Dining Concepts & Menus
Rojo by Razzle Dazzle
WOAH. Rojo is a whole vibe! It’s the newest dining space on Brilliant Lady and it feels like a massive upgrade. More of a lounge than a restaurant, it’s moody and sophisticated, with a menu full of Spanish-style tapas and pintxos.
The design is gorgeous, with rich tones and soft lighting that make it feel completely different from the other restaurants onboard.
The concept comes from chefs Justin Severino and Nate Hobart (of Morcilla fame), and it feels like Virgin is really leaning into elevated dining in this space.
There’s cava, small plates meant to be shared, and a celebratory vibe to the whole space. Definitely a space you’ll want to dress up a little for!
The Oxtail Montadito was a clear winner. We ordered two.
Learn more about Virgin Voyages restaurants.
Brilliant Specials Across the Ship
It’s not just Rojo that got an upgrade, though. Virgin has rolled out some Brilliant-specific specials across multiple venues. A few highlights include:
- Juice Sea: a new lineup of fresh-pressed juices, perfect for mornings after late Scarlet Nights
- Sun Club Café: now featuring a tuna bowl that feels lighter and fresher than some of the heavier daytime options
- Fleetwide touches: select dishes will make their way across the Virgin Voyages fleet, but Brilliant Lady gets them first
The Galley: Passport to Flavor
The Galley, Virgin’s street-food-style marketplace, is getting a little Brilliant Lady twist, too.
Instead of the same rotation across every ship, this version features a program called Passport to Flavor, which provides exclusive tastes from all of Brilliant Lady’s U.S. homeports.
So if you’re sailing from San Juan, expect things like arepas and mofongo. In Seattle and Alaska, you’ll find cedar-smoked salmon.
It’s a small detail, but it really ties the ship to her destinations, and I love that they’re finally making The Galley feel a bit more local instead of a straight repeat from the other ships.
New Cabins: The (Slightly) Smaller Balcony
This is the new cabin type everyone’s been buzzing about: the (Slightly) Smaller Balcony. The name does not say it all.
These balconies are narrower than “standard” Sea Terrace balconies to help make the ship slim enough and Panama Canal.
Here’s what’s different:
- Instead of the usual two chairs and a table, these terraces come with two hammocks.
- Fun idea, but the view is largely obstructed, so it’s not the best setup for hammock lounging. The balcony itself is much more narrow, too.
- Location-wise, these cabins are tucked all the way forward.
- There are 88 cabins spread across Decks 8 to 11, but many of them are on Deck 8. And this is the kicker: many on Deck 8 sit right above The Manor and The Red Room. That late-night and early-morning noise could easily drift up. If you’re a light sleeper, that’s worth knowing before you book.
If you’re eyeing a “Lock It In” Sea Terrace deal, proceed with caution. There’s a real chance you’ll land in one of these without realizing it, and that location won’t work for many. You may also end up in the “limited view” category, which at least is a bit more central and offers a regular balcony.
Make sure you reach out to us to book, as we know the best cabin placement around the ship and can score you the best deals!
To be clear, I do NOT recommend booking the (Slightly) Smaller Sea Terrace category!
Additionally, each ship has a cabin octopus that is a differnet color. The Brilliant Lady octopus is black!
PLAN YOUR VOYAGE WITH ME!
el@elevateyourescapes.com
Better cabins. Onboard credit. Port planning. All at no cost.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Brilliant Lady’s entertainment lineup is easily the boldest in the fleet so far. It debuts with an electrifying mix of seven all-new and exclusive productions, plus reimagined favorite experiences and spontaneous “Happenings,” designed to delight and surprise Sailors night after night.
Brand-New Shows & Experiences
Here’s what Virgin’s bringing to the stage with Brilliant Lady:
- Up With a Twist: More than just dinner, it’s a Roaring ‘20s supper club wrapped in suspense. You dine on a multi‑course extravaganza while live music and high‑concept characters perform. Even better, the ending changes nightly, depending on audience votes. Yes, that’s you calling the shots.
I didn’t believe that the voting system was real but the CEO, Nirmal, assured me that it is. He says he’s seen it a couple times with orange and green winning. (Green won when I saw it!) I personally really enjoyed blue!
The talent in this show was absolutely unreal and I definitely recommend it. The food was good and the cocktails were absolutely delicious. I don’t particularly love the paid dinner show on Resilient Lady on Another Rose – but I think Up with a Twist is a winner! - Murder in the Manor: An immersive murder-mystery inspired by true crime fascination and ’80s mystery novels. You’ll be part of the investigation as you help uncover the fate of a rockstar’s twin sister, complete with spectacle and musical numbers.
- Out of Time: A time-traveling musical comedy that whisks you from Paleolithic eras to the Roaring ’20s and into the future. This whirlwind ride follows Dr. Victoria Vortex as she attempts to fix her busted time machine with the help of acrobat cavemen, flapper dancers, and sci-fi pop.
- Red Hot: A theatrical tribute to Virgin Records’ five-decade legacy. This kinetic musical revue combines archival visuals, high-energy choreography, and iconic hits.
- Disco Reimagined: A high-energy 90-minute revival of Studio 72 dance parties with acrobatics, retro disco tunes, flared pants, sequins, and audience dance breaks.
- Duel Reality: This fan-favorite previously seen on Scarlet and Valiant Lady also appears on Brilliant Lady. Though Duel Reality is great, I am disappointed that it’s on the lineup. The show has been shown on VV for years now. I think it’s time for all new acts. Still, Brilliant Lady has plenty of new entertainment for me to enjoy.
- Additional productions include Duets, a classic cabaret-style singalong of beloved duets from Motown, classic rock, and contemporary hits; and Electric, a glow‑party complete with UV face paint and a jellyfish parade.
Reimagined Favorites & Happenings
Of course, Virgin’s famous themed parties are back, but Brilliant Lady has given them a fresh spin:
- Scarlet Night Red Room Glow-Up: The legendary all-red takeover is moving indoors here, for colder destinations like Alaska and Canada. Expect the same immersive and over-the-top vibe: fresh choreography, new music, striking lighting, and more surprises to keep the wild energy alive even in cooler climates.
- PJ Party Remix: Instead of just one late-night gathering, this pajama party tradition now unfolds across multiple venues with different vibes in the cold weather. Kick things off with Snacks & Slippers, then head to Night Caps & Nighties, join Jams & Jammies, or try Paint-by-Slumber. It’s a roaming, multi-stop event that keeps the energy fresh all night.
- Festival Stage Acts: A rotating lineup of comedians, magicians, specialty performers, and theatrical artists, designed in a festival-style format to keep things lively and ever-changing.
- Classic Pop-Ups & Nightlife: Familiar favorites like the Grog Walk, drag bingo, love-language–themed cabarets, and spontaneous karaoke.
Plus, All the Usual Magic
Rounding out the main stage shows are Virgin’s playful extras: drag amenities, game shows, dueting jazz nights, and more pop‑up moments that surprise you when you least expect.
Decor & Artistic Touches
One of my favorite things about Virgin’s ships is that each one has its own personality woven into the art and design. Brilliant Lady keeps that tradition going, but with her own playful twists.
- Between the Grounds Club and the Social Club: Every ship has a unique installation in this area, and on Brilliant Lady it’s a bold “AHOY” sign. Personally, I still have a soft spot for the carousel animals on Resilient Lady (though I’ve never gotten a good photo on them). The AHOY piece feels modern and a little cheeky. I like that the doors open and close, giving it a fun interactive element… and photo opp!
- Puzzles by the elevators: Instead of the usual wall decor, the Brilliant Lady features puzzles tucked into the design. It’s a small thing, but it adds that sense of discovery that Virgin always sneaks in.
- Art on the pool deck: Each ship gets different art here, too. Brilliant Lady’s version is spray-can inspired, which makes the whole area feel urban and edgy in a way that fits her personality.
- Quote on Deck 16 near where the DJ set up usually is
- Quote in Sailor Services seating area on Deck 5
- Quote next to high stool seating area near the towel station on Deck 15
These touches are the kind of details that remind you you’re not just on any Virgin ship, you’re on Brilliant Lady!
Ready to Sail Brilliant Lady?
Sailing on Brilliant Lady is the next chapter for Virgin Voyages. She has the same playful spirit as her sisters, but the updates make her stand out in her own right.
And this is just the beginning! With her ability to pass through the Panama Canal, Brilliant Lady is opening the door to itineraries we’ve been waiting for, including Alaska.
As a Top 30 Virgin Voyages partner agency, I have access to the best deals, insider knowledge of which cabins to avoid (and which ones are worth the upgrade), and I can secure extra onboard credit. Let’s set sail!
PLAN YOUR VOYAGE WITH ME!
el@elevateyourescapes.com
Better cabins. Onboard credit. Port planning. All at no cost.
