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with incomparable onboard experiences
Virgin Voyages’ Brillant Lady sets sail
By: Jennifer Franklin, for Virgin Voyages
Exclusive members-only outdoor deck
access to richard's rooftop
spacious terraces
fully-stocked minibars
Marble bathrooms
For guests craving an ultra-luxurious stay, RockStar Quarters — the largest suites onboard — deliver extra space and glamour, courtesy of celebrity designer and mood master Tom Dixon. Look for marble bathrooms, fully stocked minibars, spacious terraces and access to Richard’s Rooftop, an exclusive members-only outdoor deck where guests can indulge in their superyacht fantasies. Fun fact: Branson himself celebrated his 72nd birthday aboard a Virgin Voyages ship.
Stylish digs are a key part of any getaway. All four ships in the Virgin Voyages Adults-Only fleet make waves with spacious, stylish accommodations that exude high-end contemporary hotel vibes with a focus on relaxed luxury.
Featuring 1,408 cabins — over 85% with balconies — perfectly designed for you. Whether you’re traveling in a group or a solo traveler embarking on your next big adventure, the smartly designed rooms and suites feature mood lighting, rain showers, clever storage solutions, spaces for relaxation, round-the-clock room service and tech-forward elements to keep sailors connected.
Wearable technology makes it easy to disembark, open your room’s door and pay for any extras. Whether you want to bed rot or use your room as a port of call for stops between DJ parties and sun sessions by the pool, it's there to accommodate. Plus, Virgin’s commitment to sustainability eliminates unnecessary single-use plastics, replacing them with eco-friendly alternatives.
A ‘suite’ getaway
If it feels like everyone you know is planning a cruise this year, you’re probably right. In a stunning post-pandemic comeback, the cruise industry is booming. AAA predicts that 19 million Americans will embark on an ocean voyage in 2025, a nearly 5% increase over 2024 (the third consecutive record-setting year).
Ocean cruises aren’t just gaining popularity with seniors. Cruise Lines International Association’s 2024 annual report found that millennials made up 22% of passengers globally, with 14% of passengers being Gen Z.
Cruise lines are capitalizing on the popularity with an ever-expanding roster of ports of call, trips in various durations to suit varying schedules, innovations in onboard technology, and fresh takes on food and beverage service. Plus, cruising has the unique advantage of allowing guests to unpack once and see multiple destinations on one trip for the ultimate in making the most of a vacation.
A big part of what makes a Virgin Voyages trip special is the crew. “We have crew members from 84 different countries, so almost every country around the world is represented,” Branson says. “The spirit of the crew is fantastic.” No detail is overlooked; it’s all hands on deck, all the time.
Virgin Voyages’ “all-in” voyage pricing approach allows sailors to focus fully on the joy of their getaway. The room rate covers high-speed WiFi (so you can stay connected if you must), all specialty Michelin-curated dining experiences, non-alcoholic beverages and even tips and gratuities. Guests are also treated to exciting live entertainment created by top producers and choreographers, along with parties, DJ events, access to fitness classes and amenities, and more. Whatever floats your boat, Virgin Voyages has it.
Full steam ahead with all-inclusive amenities
Posting all day every day
Champs at the pool, why not?
My own personal oasis
Enjoying drinks on The Dock
Getting some air on a private terrace
Virgin Voyages' new ship Brilliant Lady
Wellness trips are having a moment. Virgin Voyages embraces a “Vitamin Sea” philosophy for sailors craving mind, body and soul benefits, blending wellness, fitness and fun into every trip on every Adults-Only voyage. Guests can jog around the outdoor track, join a free group workout like a sunrise yoga class at "The Perch," pump some iron at the athletic club, chill out with fresh-pressed juice, or recharge at the spa. The skilled therapists at the onboard Redemption Spa are ready to take relaxation to the next level with a full menu of services from massages to facials. The Thermal Suite offers a mud room, salt room, sauna, steam room, plunge pools and heated marble hammam benches — providing endless ways to fully enter relaxation mode.
Get your ‘Vitamin Sea’
Taking a break at the B Complex
Burning off the night at The Runway
Those looking to soak up the sun on a daybed or refresh in the pool after a fun night can relax, recharge — or dive right back into the party.
Cooling off at the Aquatic Club
Yoga classes
Outdoor track
Plunge Pools
Mud and salt room
Atheltic club
Fresh-pressed juice
Massages + Facials
Virgin Voyages’ three other Adults-Only ships — Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady — also have exciting things planned, with new destinations launching this year. The new Marvelous Voyages explore ports of call in the Mediterranean, British Isles, Baltics, Iceland and beyond.
Depending on your itinerary, you could explore the pastel-hued architecture of Willemstad, Curaçao; lounge by the expansive pool at The Beach Club at Bimini, Bahamas, Virgin Voyages’ exclusive island escape; wander cobblestone streets in Cartagena, Colombia; hike the spectacular coastline of New Brunswick, Canada; experience crossing the Panama Canal; or take in breathtaking waterfalls and glaciers in Alaska’s Tracy Arm Fjord.
Enjoying the beach vibes
A stop in The Caribbean
The ability to see multiple destinations on one trip is a top reason for choosing to cruise, according to Cruise Lines International Association’s 2024 annual survey. Book today to be a part of Brilliant Lady’s debut as she embarks on her maiden voyage from New York City in September 2025. She will go full steam ahead with breathtaking itineraries ranging from three to 16 nights, including over 150+ destinations. Sailors can also depart from Miami, Los Angeles and Seattle, with a major milestone for Virgin Voyages on the horizon: the brand’s first visit to the West Coast and Alaska in 2026.
Ports calling
Taking in the local fare
In 2026, sailors have the unique opportunity to witness the solar eclipse along the path of totality, offering unforgettable views. With so many options, an itinerary suits every interest and satisfies every craving for adventure.
In addition to the amazing destinations, Virgin Voyages offers specialty cruises onboard for adults, like the Eat & Drink Festival and Elevate Voyages, which focuses on wellness and women's empowerment. These cruises offer unique experiences tailored to different passions.
Ultimately, Virgin Voyages has been a dream come true for its founder, who knows a thing or two about having a good time. “We dreamt of creating the best adults-only cruise line in the world and, having been on the ships many times, I don’t think there’s anything I would change,” Branson says. “Every single thing is just brilliant.”
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Start planning your dream getaway and book your adventure today at virginvoyages.com.
So, it makes perfect sense that Sir Richard Branson, the hotelier, globetrotter, space explorer, and founder of Virgin Atlantic, known for his knack for giving consumers what they want, would be on board with these emerging trends. His vision for Virgin Voyages, an award-winning, adults-only (18+) luxury cruise line that caters to adults of all ages, has caught on with discerning sailors, and the company continues to grow in its fourth year at sea. The brand will debut the fleet's fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, this year.
The brand's new offerings showcase many elements that draw both new and returning sailors to cruising industry-wide. No matter where your travels take you, whether on Brilliant Lady’s inaugural North America sailing — or exploring a new destination on one of Virgin Voyages’ three other ships — there’s an adventure for everyone. Here’s what to look forward to in 2025 and beyond.
With more than 20 eateries onboard — ranging from Mediterranean to Korean BBQ, prime steakhouses to ramen, and even a 24-hour diner — all designed by world-renowned restaurateurs and Michelin-starred chefs, there's something for every craving, no matter how long you're at sea. Restaurant guests are served by expert wait staff, and all meals and snacks are included. Add in plenty of bars serving specialty cocktails and a curated selection of wine, beer and bubbly, and the party never has to stop. Though boozy beverages aren't included, Virgin Voyages makes adding a drink to the tab easy, thanks to a personalized smart chip wristband.
Full range of beers at Draught Haus
Meeting new friends at Gunbae
Dancing the night away at Scarlet Night
Exlpanding tastebuds at Test Kitchen
Every element of a Virgin Voyages Adults-Only trip is geared toward a good time. A huge part of that experience? The award-winning food. The array of options is a major draw, and it's all up to guests to decide how they'd like to dine. Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure for your belly.
Satisfy your cravings
If it feels like everyone you know is planning a cruise this year, you’re probably right. In a stunning post-pandemic comeback, the cruise industry is booming. AAA predicts that 19 million Americans will embark on an ocean voyage in 2025, a nearly 5% increase over 2024 (the third consecutive record-setting year).
Ocean cruises aren’t just gaining popularity with seniors. Cruise Lines International Association’s 2024 annual report found that millennials made up 22% of passengers globally, with 14% of passengers being Gen Z.
Cruise lines are capitalizing on the popularity with an ever-expanding roster of ports of call, trips in various durations to suit varying schedules, innovations in onboard technology, and fresh takes on food and beverage service. Plus, cruising has the unique advantage of allowing guests to unpack once and see multiple destinations on one trip for the ultimate in making the most of a vacation.