Key Aspects:
- Virgin Voyages’ brand new cruise ship, Brilliant Lady, made her debut in New York on September 2, 2025.
- The ship was greeted by Founder Sir Richard Branson and celebrated by a touching performance from a Pub Choir.
- Brilliant Lady will embark on her “MerMaiden” voyage from New York on September 5, 2025, with three more “MerMaiden” voyages still to come to celebrate the ship’s future arrivals in Miami, Los Angeles, and Seattle.
The moment that Virgin Voyages fans have been waiting for is finally here. The brand new Brilliant Lady has officially arrived in New York’s Manhattan Cruise Terminal for the very first time on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
Though the fourth Lady ship was originally slated for a 2023 debut, she faced significant delays due to unexpected construction, supply chain, and staffing challenges – meaning this momentous occasion has really been a long-time coming.
Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson was waiting to personally greet the new-build, which carried more than 1,200 crew members and 1,200 Sailors (Virgin’s term for guests).
The people onboard formed a Pub Choir to sing Queen’s classic hit, “Don’t Stop Me Now” as the young ship sailed into the port. The group was led by Astrid Jorgensen, who founded the Pub Choir musical act.
Their song, paired with the stunning New York horizon and landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, reportedly gave onlookers goosebumps, and even moved some to tears.
“Today, we completed our fleet and celebrated a moment that will leave a legacy far beyond our ships,” Branson stated.
“What makes Virgin Voyages so intangibly special is our people. As we entered New York, with our crew and sailors singing as one, it was truly brilliant,” the founder continued.
This occasion was particularly special, as it marked a full circle moment for the young adults-only cruise line.
Just about four years ago in fall of 2021, Richard Branson was in New York to welcome Scarlet Lady, the very first ship in the fleet, as her career began.
An Ongoing Celebration
On September 5, 2025, Brilliant Lady will embark on her “MerMaiden” voyage from New York, which will be a 5-night sailing to Bermuda.
However, the celebration really started in England before the 2,770-guest ship arrived in New York, and the fun will be continuing with three more “MerMaiden” voyages.
The 110,000-gross ton vessel has already made an appearance in Portsmouth, UK, on August 18, 2025, making this the only port in the world to have been called upon by all four Lady ships.
She then began her “MerMaiden” Transatlantic crossing to New York on August 21.
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As Brilliant Lady will take Virgin Voyages to brand new destinations around the world, more “MerMaiden voyages” will be hosted from her future homeports to celebrate.
“Brilliant Lady is the embodiment of everything Virgin Voyages stands for,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, Virgin Voyages’ Chief Executive Officer.
“Like her sister ships, she creates an atmosphere that is joyous, welcoming, and above all, transformative,” he added.
After embracing the Fall colors in New England and Canada, the new-build will head to Miami, from where she will operate an 8-night “MerMaiden” cruise to Philipsburg, Tortola, and Bimini Island on October 17, 2025.
She will enjoy the winter cruising the Caribbean, before becoming the first ship in the fleet to homeport in Los Angeles, California, starting in 2026.
Her LA-based “MerMaiden” voyage will embark on April 7, 2026, and will be a 5-night cruise to Santa Barbara, San Diego, and Ensenada, Mexico.
Later in the spring of 2026, Brilliant Lady will bring the Virgin Voyages experience to Alaska for the first time.
As this is also something to be celebrated, a final “MerMaiden” voyage will be operated from Seattle, Washington, on May 21, 2026.
The 7-night inaugural Alaska sailing will visit Ketchikan, Sitka, Tracy Arm Fjord, and Prince Rupert in British Columbia.
While the cruise line always aims to create an unforgettable experience onboard, these special “MerMaiden” sailings will take things to the next level with exclusive tastings, surprise performances, big giveaways, and limited-edition souvenirs.
