Brilliant Lady Cruise Review: Virgin Voyages’ Newest Adults-Only Ship (2025 Preview)
We recently had the opportunity to step onboard Virgin Voyages’ newest ship, Brilliant Lady, during a preview day ahead of its official launch in September 2025. From the moment we walked on, it was clear Virgin is not just another cruise line they are redefining what the modern cruise experience can be.
We tasted the food, tried the drinks, caught live shows, explored the cabins, and felt the energy of a brand that has built its reputation on disrupting the cruise space in all the right ways. And as travel advisors, getting this firsthand access means we can pass along real insights to our clients not just what’s in the brochures.
Virgin Voyages: Redefining the Cruise Industry
Virgin Voyages launched its first ship, Scarlet Lady, in 2021 and immediately stood out. With a strictly adults-only (18+) policy, a heavy focus on food, and inclusions that most cruise lines charge extra for, Virgin quickly disrupted the industry.
Key differentiators include:
Adults-Only Cruising: A relaxed, sophisticated environment with no children onboard.
All-Inclusive Fares: Wi-Fi, gratuities, dining at all restaurants, fitness classes, and essential beverages included.
Food First: No buffets, no main dining rooms just over 20 restaurants crafted by top chefs.
Wellness-Focused: Yoga, group fitness, a world-class spa, and even a running track.
Sustainability: Carbon neutrality goals, single-use plastic bans, and cleaner fuel technology.
Virgin Voyages has been recognized globally, winning Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Award for Best Mega-Ship Ocean Cruise Line three years in a row (2022, 2023, 2024). Resilient Lady also won Best Adults-Only Cruise in the USA Today 10 Best Awards, and Virgin consistently ranks at the top of Cruise Critic’s Cruisers’ Choice Awards for dining, cabins, and value.
Brilliant Lady at a Glance
Brilliant Lady is Virgin’s fourth ship, joining Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, and Resilient Lady. It builds on their signature design while adding fresh concepts.
Launch Date: September 2025
Tonnage: ~110,000 GT
Capacity: ~2,770 sailors
Crew: ~1,160
Design: Chic, resort-like spaces with art-driven interiors and tech integration
Instead of an overwhelming atrium or crowded buffet, Brilliant Lady feels intentional, every corner is designed for social connection or relaxation, much like a boutique resort at sea.
Dining That Raises the Bar
Dining is Virgin’s crown jewel. Every restaurant is included in the fare (with only a few “Treat Yourself” items like tomahawk steak at The Wake or lobster available for an upcharge).
During our preview, we dined at Rojo by Razzle Dazzle, a bold new venue with Spanish and Latin-inspired dishes. It builds on the playful reputation of Virgin’s original Razzle Dazzle but adds deeper, flavor-driven plates and bolder spice profiles. The highlight? The Basque cheesecake dessert is undoubtedly one of the best we’ve ever had, even better than those in Spain.
Other standouts across the fleet include:
The Wake: Upscale steak and seafood with a stunning aft view.
Pink Agave: Modern Mexican with a curated tequila selection.
Gunbae: Korean BBQ with a lively, social atmosphere.
The Test Kitchen: Lab-inspired dining with tasting menus that feel like experiments.
This food-first philosophy is why Virgin keeps winning dining awards and earning rave reviews.
Entertainment and Atmosphere
Entertainment on Brilliant Lady is immersive and high-energy. Virgin draws on its music and festival DNA to create experiences that feel more like nightlife than cruise theater.
The Red Room: A transformational theater with rotating layouts for acrobatics, dance, and interactive shows.
Immersive Performances: Expect performers mingling with the crowd, breaking the fourth wall.
Nightlife: Multiple clubs and lounges keep the party alive well past midnight.
During our visit, we experienced live music scattered throughout the ship small sets in lounges, full productions in the theater, and DJs that transformed spaces late into the night.
Drinks and Social Spaces
Virgin ditches the traditional beverage package for a flexible system called Sailor Loot, a pre-paid bar credit you can use anywhere. It’s simple, transparent, and more tailored to today’s traveler.
Favorite venues include:
On the Rocks: A central hub for craft cocktails and live sets.
Sip Lounge: Champagne-forward, perfect for toasting special moments.
The Dock House: Outdoor lounge with Mediterranean small plates and refreshing cocktails.
The Draught Haus: A haven for beer and cider lovers.
Every space feels designed for a vibe, not just function.
Modern Cabins
Virgin’s cabins feel more like modern hotel rooms than cruise staterooms.
Highlights include:
Seabed Design: Converts between bed and sofa setup.
Red Hammocks: Every Sea Terrace cabin has a private balcony hammock.
Mood Lighting: Adjustable to match the time of day or your mood.
Smart Controls: Cabins include tablets that let you adjust lighting, curtains, and temperature with ease.
RockStar Quarters: Premium suites with exclusive access to Richard’s Rooftop.
These cabins are sleek, comfortable, and tech-savvy ideal for a younger, modern cruiser.
All-Inclusive Perks (and a Few Extras)
Virgin fares include:
Wi-Fi (fast and free)
All dining venues
Crew gratuities
Essential beverages (soda, drip coffee, teas, juices, water)
Group fitness classes
Extras: A few “Treat Yourself” dishes (like tomahawk steak), premium beverages, spa treatments, and Shore Things excursions are available at an additional cost. Being upfront about this sets Virgin apart they’ve removed the nickel-and-dime culture.
Awards and Recognition
Virgin Voyages is one of the most decorated new brands in cruising:
Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards: Best Mega-Ship Ocean Cruise Line, 2022–2024.
Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards: Consistently rated as one of the top cruise lines worldwide.
Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice: #1 for dining, cabins, and value.
USA Today 10 Best Awards: Resilient Lady voted Best Adults-Only Cruise.
These accolades show Virgin isn’t just new, it’s reshaping cruising in a way the industry is recognizing.
Why Firsthand Advisor Experience Matters
Experiencing Brilliant Lady ourselves allows us to offer insider recommendations you won’t find in brochures. We’ve tasted the cheesecake, seen the shows, explored the cabins, and navigated the ship. That means when clients ask us:
Which restaurants are can’t-miss?
What cabin category fits my lifestyle?
Is Virgin really worth the price?
We can answer with confidence! Booking with a travel advisor means more than reservations; it means advocacy, insights, and expert planning from people who’ve actually been there.
Who Virgin Voyages Is Perfect For
Virgin Voyages isn’t for everyone, and that’s the point. It’s ideal for:
Adults and Couples: Romantic, elevated atmosphere.
Groups of Friends: Social dining and nightlife.
Solo Travelers: Solo cabins and a welcoming vibe.
Foodies: Restaurant-level dining across the board.
Travelers Seeking Something New: A cruise that feels more like a boutique hotel.
Families with kids will need to look elsewhere, but for adults, Virgin delivers one of the most unique cruise products in the industry.
FAQs About Brilliant Lady
When does Brilliant Lady officially launch?
September 2025. Sailings are already open for booking.
What’s the dress code?
There’s no formal dress code. Virgin encourages stylish, casual, and expressive attire. Theme nights like Scarlet Night invite creativity.
Is Wi-Fi really free and reliable?
Yes, Wi-Fi is included and fast enough for streaming, video calls, and work.
Are drinks included?
Essential drinks are included (soda, coffee, tea, juices, water). Alcohol and premium drinks are purchased with Sailor Loot credit.
Is everything truly included in dining?
Yes, all restaurants are included, with only a handful of “Treat Yourself” items at an additional cost.
Final Thoughts
Our day onboard Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady confirmed what we already believed: Virgin is disrupting cruising in all the right ways. From the Basque cheesecake at Rojo by Razzle Dazzle to the hammocks on every balcony, from Sailor Loot flexibility to award-winning service, Brilliant Lady showcases a cruise experience designed for modern travelers.
For adults who want an elevated, all-inclusive cruise with personality, Virgin Voyages should be at the top of the list. And when you book with us, you get the benefit of firsthand insights from advisors who’ve actually experienced the ship.
✨ Ready to sail Brilliant Lady? Let Travel by Trinidad curate the perfect Virgin Voyages journey for you.
