Tired of dull cruises? Imagine 17 floors of wild shows, gourmet eats, and pure adult fun – no kids allowed! We explored Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady and it’s absolutely redefining what a cruise can be. Are you ready to ditch the bingo and embrace the brilliant?
For decades, the quintessential cruise experience has been synonymous with formal dining, leisurely schedules, and a demographic often leaning towards retirees and families. However, Virgin Voyages has boldly set sail to redefine this perception, introducing an entirely new paradigm of ocean-faring adventure with its innovative ‘Lady’ fleet. The latest addition, the Brilliant Lady, stands as a testament to this revolutionary approach, specifically curating an adults-only party cruise experience designed to captivate a modern generation of travelers.
Distancing itself from conventional cruising, the Brilliant Lady positions itself as a vibrant hub for experience-seekers, particularly targeting millennial travel and Gen X travel. Every element, from its contemporary branding to its exhilarating entertainment and diverse dining, has been meticulously crafted for those aged 20-50, yearning for a luxury travel experience that is both exhilarating and sophisticated. This 18+ vessel offers the perfect escape for couples and groups of friends seeking a lively getaway, free from the presence of children and ripe for uninhibited fun.
A highlight of the Virgin Voyages experience onboard the Brilliant Lady is its exceptional and unconventional entertainment lineup. Forget traditional bingo nights; instead, guests can immerse themselves in dynamic performances akin to high-end London venues. The Red Room hosts thrilling productions like ‘Out of Time’, a comedic spectacle blending music and acrobatics, and ‘Red Hot’, a high-energy revue celebrating Virgin’s musical heritage. For those seeking interactive dining, ‘Up With a Twist’ offers a 1920s-inspired supper club where guests influence the show’s narrative, often involving playful audience participation.
Beyond the main shows, the Brilliant Lady offers a myriad of engaging activities designed for the adventurous spirit. Guests can belt out their favorite tunes in private karaoke rooms, test their luck in The Arcade or casino, or even indulge in a unique souvenir at Squid Ink, the ship’s onboard tattoo and piercing lounge. For the fitness enthusiasts, a 255-meter running track on the top deck provides panoramic ocean views, ensuring wellness is seamlessly integrated into this vibrant party cruise atmosphere.
The culinary journey on the Brilliant Lady elevates cruise dining to an art form, moving far beyond generic buffets. With over 20 unique eateries, all included in the fare, guests are treated to top-class, made-to-order dishes using locally sourced ingredients, aligning with Virgin’s sustainable philosophy. Stand-out options include Rojo by Razzle Dazzle, offering Spanish-American brunch and elevated tapas, and Pink Agave, a lively Mexican restaurant with a wild tequila selection and a resident DJ. For Italian aficionados, Extra Virgin serves authentic pasta and seafood, while The Test Kitchen offers avant-garde tasting menus.
In a deliberate move to uphold the quality of its beverage program, Virgin Voyages has opted against offering drinks packages on the Brilliant Lady. This decision underscores their partnership with esteemed mixologists and bartending experts, ensuring every cocktail is a premium creation crafted with the finest ingredients. The focus remains on delivering top-tier experiences, preventing any perceived devaluation that might come with unlimited drink deals, thus maintaining the high standard expected of a luxury travel brand.
While the ship radiates a party atmosphere, its design also prioritizes comfort and adaptability. The Brilliant Lady showcases Virgin’s iconic sleek aesthetics and mood-lit cabins, yet it has been thoughtfully engineered for cooler climates, specifically for deployments in Alaska and Seattle. Its inaugural season commences in New York City in September 2025, offering voyages to destinations like Bermuda and Quebec City, and notably, it is the first in the fleet capable of transiting the Panama Canal, opening up broader and more diverse itineraries for travel experiences.
Reflecting on the journey aboard the Brilliant Lady, it is undeniably a departure from the traditional cruise. Its 17 floors of opulent design and sheer volume of entertainment create an unforgettable adults-only cruise. This is a voyage best shared with friends or a partner, providing an exhilarating escape filled with gourmet food, captivating shows, and endless opportunities for fun. It’s clear why children are not permitted; after a few nights on the Brilliant Lady, a well-deserved lie-in becomes not just a desire, but a necessity.
