WILD entertainment shows, bottomless bubbles and scarlet-lit swimming pools – this is cruising in true Virgin Voyages style.
Brilliant Lady is the fourth to join the luxurious Lady Ship series.
The Brilliant Lady is well-adapted for colder waters[/caption]
The rooftop has plenty of loungers and pool space for guests[/caption]
The invitation to Scarlet Night asks sailors to wear a splash of red[/caption]
If there’s one thing Virgin Voyages are known for, it’s creating a cruise experience that’s more style than your usual buffets and beige.
Their newest addition to their adults-only fleet is no exception.
Part familiar favourites, and part new additions, Brilliant Lady has both an exciting new show and a Spanish restaurant debut onboard.
With home ports in New York, Miami, Los Angeles and Seattle, the cruise will sail North America and the Caribbean from Alaska to Antigua.
I spent the night aboard the brand new ship as she docked in Portsmouth, ahead of the first trip to New York City.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Brilliant Lady: from what goes down on Scarlet Night, to how to turn your cabin into a private cinema.
Entertainment
Up with a Twist
Debuting with the Brilliant Lady, Up With a Twist is an evening supper club that blends cuisine, cocktails and pure chaos.
The brand new roaring 20’s-themed show is both fully interactive and immersive – and let’s just say you won’t leave thirsty.
The 11-course menu is part feast, part cocktail marathon – and certainly a challenge to keep up with.
The meal kicks off with warm herb-infused brioche and maple syrup butter, and later features a choice between grilled swordfish or beef tenderloin.
Up With a Twist introduces new cocktails throughout the show[/caption]
Beef tenderloin with a side of acrobatics[/caption]
Dinner tables by the stage allow for interaction with the cast throughout the show[/caption]
It’s all washed down with six cocktails, each one stronger than the last.
During the dinner, you’re entertained by a glamorous cast battling it out for your vote.
Each act provides something new and exciting, from sword-swallowing to contortionism.
The winner of this talent competition is decided by you, and the ending changes based on who the audience vote for. Without spoiling anything, my vote was definitely for the colour pink!
Up With a Twist is an add-on experience bookable onboard for Brilliant Lady guests, and is priced at $50.
Dinner guests vote for their favourite act using the coloured lamp on their table[/caption]
Walk into an evening’s entertainment greeted by the cast[/caption]
Murder in the Manor
Another performance debuting with Brilliant Lady, Murder in the Manor puts a colourful spin on a classic murder mystery.
For this performance, the ship’s nightclub, The Manor, transforms into a stage.
It’s not your typical murder mystery – the 80’s theme, neon outfits and synth soundtrack add a playful splash of colour to the show.
The plot follows the death of popstar Sheena, in a fast-paced tour featuring 80’s music, acrobatics, and nods to Scooby Doo.
The light-hearted show is easy enough to follow along, even if you’ve had a few too many cocktails at the bar prior.
It’s more of an appreciation of music, dance and comedy than a real case to sink your teeth into.
But if you’re down for some throwback tunes and silly puns, you’ll enjoy this sassy show that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
The ship’s nightclub becomes a stage for Murder in the Manor[/caption]
The show’s colourful lighting and outfits give a nod to the 1980’s[/caption]
The cast get members of the audience involved in their shows[/caption]
Scarlet Night
My night ended with a classic Scarlet Night – Virgin Voyages’ legendary all-red party that takes over the ship once per voyage.
It’s a ship-wide celebration of relentless partying, the colour red and something called the Octopus Goddess.
Guests usually congregate poolside to celebrate the event, but the Brilliant Lady gave Scarlet Night a twist.
With the ship heading for colder climates like Alaska, the party made its indoor debut.
The Red Room was transformed into a vast nightclub, complete with singers, dancers, and acrobats swinging from the ceiling.
At the peak of the night, a confetti cannon blasted hundreds of tiny scarlet octopi over the crowd. For a moment it felt less like a cruise, and more like the middle of a concert.
‘Ink’, or ‘Octopus Goddess’ comes out to play on Scarlet Night[/caption]
Lights drench the ship in red on Scarlet Night[/caption]
Tiny octopus confetti blasted over the audience to celebrate[/caption]
The celebrations were epic, but after some dancing I was after something more laid-back.
With an entire cruise ship as our playground, my friends and I explored until we found ‘The Blue Room’ – a tiny karaoke den where we could sing our hearts out.
I highly recommend grabbing your friends, a couple drinks, and scouting out a secret karaoke room for a night of laughter and memory-making.
Another personal favourite slice of entertainment would be The Diva – the resident Drag Queen onboard each of the ships.
The onboard Diva hosts her own bingo, game shows and lip sync performances.
And when she’s not hosting an event, you’ll find her floating about the ship ready to pose for pictures.
The ship’s Athletic Club is like an outdoor playground, with plenty of equipment for working out and plenty of daybeds for lounging[/caption]
The ship’s resident Diva, Dixie, was keeping all onboard entertained[/caption]
Dining
Korean BBQ, ice cream parlours, gyros – it was pretty impossible not to get distracted by the variety of food options onboard this ship.
Dining is all included on the Brilliant Lady, but reservations at restaurants should be booked ahead of time to secure your spot.
Regular dining reservations open 45 days before your voyage, whilst those staying in a Rockstar Suite can book their spot 60 days in advance.
Rojo by Razzle Dazzle
Rojo brings Spanish flavours to the Brilliant Lady[/caption]
Guests looking for a light bite and a drink can relax in the restaurant’s lounging area[/caption]
The Brilliant Lady marked the addition of a new restaurant, Rojo by Razzle Dazzle.
Rojo is a Spanish restaurant with a warm interior, offering both three-course diners and those looking for a light bite.
Guests wanting a sit-down evening meal can enjoy options such as lobster paella followed by Basque cheesecake, whilst the jamón and conservas are great choices for those looking to sip wine and snack in the lounge area.
Rojo also has an extensive drinks list, offering a delicious sangria or sherry to pair perfectly with your Spanish supper.
Conservas offer a tasty light bite for Rojo dinner guests[/caption]
Traditional churros are on the dessert menu[/caption]
The Wake
The Wake is the ship’s most opulent restaurant, open for reservations throughout the day, from a champagne brunch to a decadent dinner.
As I walked underneath the golden chandelier, down the staircase and into the restaurant, I felt like I’d stepped back into old-world glamour.
This restaurant has a focus on steak and seafood, and I happily tucked into steak and eggs with a mimosa for my 9AM breakfast.
I enjoyed this restaurant the most out of all the eateries onboard, as the luxurious interior, amazing food and attentive service felt like fine-dining you’d happily pay extra for.
Thankfully, it’s included in your stay so you can keep your wallet in your pocket.
The Wake is a refined restaurant serving brunch and dinner[/caption]
The interior is sleek and polished[/caption]
Steak and eggs for breakfast – with a potato rosti and sautéed greens[/caption]
The Galley
One thing you will not find on a Virgin Voyage, to your joy or disappointment, is a buffet.
Instead, street food is in with The Galley serving up a variety of international cuisines in a station setup designed with London‘s Borough Market in mind.
Whilst Noodle Around offers ramen and Let’s Taco Bout It serves up fried avocado tacos, The Sweet Side displays pretty cakes and fresh fruit. (I recommend the s’mores jar and tropical cheesecake!)
And if you’re feeling an all-day breakfast, Diner & Dash is open 24 hours a day for a Full English.
The Sweet Side offers a variety of cakes and sweet treats[/caption]
Noodles, tacos, kebabs, breakfasts – The Galley has most foods you can think of[/caption]
Cabins
Cabins on Brilliant Lady aren’t your typical cruise ship shoebox.
They’ve been kitted out to feel more like a cool city hotel, with a sleek design, endless gadgets, and let’s not forget that bright red hammock.
Cabins range from Insider, a small yet affordable cabin suitable for solo-travellers to the aptly-named Massive Suite, a suite with its own personal music room and outdoor hot tub.
I stayed in Sea Terrace, a cabin with a private balcony, flatscreen TV and roomy rain-shower.
This mid-range cabin is a great option if you don’t quite require the champagne table of the Rockstar Quarters, but you’re looking for something a bit more roomy than your standard Insider cabin.
The Sea Terrace is a sizeable room with a comfortable bed[/caption]
The outdoor terrace is perfect for enjoying some privacy and soaking in some rays[/caption]
I jumped on my bed expecting something a little more solid, but I was pleasantly surprised as I sank into the plush softness of my seabed.
I was most impressed by the tablet stationed above the desk. Here you can control mood lighting, order room service until 2AM, or even turn your cabin into ‘Cinema Mode’.
This option automatically closes your curtains, dims the lights, and plays the movie you’ve selected – how can you expect me to leave my cabin with gadgets like this!?
Brilliant Lady sets sail from New York on September 5, 2025, followed by Miami on October 17, 2025.
It then sails from sails from Los Angles on April 6, 2026, followed by Seattle on May 21, 2026.
Journey’s range from five to 17-night excursions, starting from £979.
Exploring the decks of the brand new Brilliant Lady[/caption]
Brilliant Lady is soon to set sail to New York[/caption]