Virgin Voyages Alaska Review — What Makes Brilliant Lady in Alaska So Different (We Were on the First Ever Sailing)

We’ve just stepped off Brilliant Lady in Seattle after 10 nights on Virgin Voyages’ very first ever sailing to Alaska. and we’ve got a lot to tell you. Here’s our Virgin Voyages Alaska Review and complete guide to sailing Alaska onboard Brilliant Lady.

Quite a few of you have been asking the same thing: what’s actually different about Virgin Voyages in Alaska? Is it just the same ship with a colder sea? Or have they properly built a season around it?

Spoiler: they’ve properly built a season around it. And as a debut effort, it’s seriously impressive.

Watch our full first-hand account:

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If you don’t know us, this was our 14th voyage with Virgin — we’re an award-winning travel agent and Virgin Voyages First Mate Champion, so we know this product inside out. Here’s our honest rundown of what’s exclusive to Alaska, what blew us away (hello, Hubbard Glacier), and the couple of first-season wrinkles worth knowing about.

The Itinerary We Sailed (And What You’ll Actually Sail)

We did the 10-night pre-MerMaiden repositioning from Vancouver to Seattle. Partly because we love Vancouver, partly for the extra nights, and partly for the bragging rights of being among the first Virgin sailors ever into some of these ports.

Our ports: Skagway, Ketchikan, Juneau, Icy Strait Point and Sitka. Two of those (Sitka and Icy Strait Point) were brand new to us, which sealed the deal.

For the main season, Brilliant Lady is homeported in Seattle for both 2026 and 2027, sailing mostly 7-night Alaska itineraries with a few longer 10-night-plus options mixed in. So if you’re looking at booking, Seattle round-trips are what you’ll find, and being Seattle-based makes this a genuinely easy fly-cruise from the UK.

First, the Small Thing That’s Actually a Big Thing: The Blankets

This might sound trivial. It is not.

Every cabin now has two fluffy red fleece blankets, and honestly, we pretty much lived in ours. Any time the Facebook group chatter turned to whale sightings, we were straight out on the balcony wrapped up like a sausage roll.

There are grey versions dotted around the open decks too (Richard’s Rooftop, The Dock House, the Aquatic Club, the Athletic Club), and you’re free to wander between venues wearing one. Just don’t take the red cabin ones off the ship; there’s a little card politely explaining you’ll be charged if you do.

Here’s the thing about Alaska weather: it’s not really the cold that gets you, and it’s not even the rain. It’s the wind. That’s where the chill bites, and these blankets cut it out beautifully. We spent glacier day in a light jumper and a blanket and were genuinely warm (at one point, actually too warm). The ship itself shelters most of the heavy wind; the blanket just cuts that brisk edge that comes across the decks.

Packing tip while we’re here: Alaska is a layers destination. Don’t bring one big heavy coat. Bring a waterproof layer, a windproof layer, and things you can add and remove as you move between the heated ship and the open decks.

The Three New Happenings Cast Members (Alaska Exclusives)

If you’ve sailed Virgin before, you’ll know the Happenings Cast. The characters who host the themed events and parties on board. For Alaska, Virgin has added three brand-new cast members exclusive to the season, and they genuinely transform the voyage.

The Lumberjack. Ours was Aden, who’s also a real cast member of the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show in Ketchikan. We went to the show in port (sat in the dedicated Virgin Voyages section, no less), and there he was. Then a few days later we caught him headlining his own Happening on the ship. Brilliant fun. He was incredibly popular with everyone on board, hosting interactive games like “You Don’t Know Lumberjack” where audience members compete doing lumberjack skills, plus axe throwing demos as part of the show.

The Naturalist. Sue, on our sailing, and what she doesn’t know about Alaska isn’t worth knowing. She hosts wildlife and ecosystem talks, points out the best spots in every port, and (this is the genius bit) narrates the big scenic moments over the loudspeaker. When we approached Hubbard Glacier, Sue was providing live commentary: facts, stories, tips for what to look out for. She’s also wonderfully approachable if you just fancy a chat. She knows all the best places for shopping, wildlife spotting, and history. Genuinely a wealth of knowledge.

The Alaska Native Voices Cultural Heritage Guide. A mouthful of a title, but honestly one of the most enriching parts of the trip. He hosts talks and hands-on classes around Indigenous art, tools and heritage. We joined a session on the language of line in totem artwork and had a go at traditional drawing ourselves. Light-touch, fascinating, and the kind of thing that makes Alaska feel like more than just scenery. Coming from the UK, where we get very little exposure to Indigenous American cultures, we found it genuinely special.

Alaska-Exclusive Happenings (Book Them the Moment You Board)

On top of the new cast, there’s a whole layer of Alaska-only events programmed across the ship. Over 20 exclusive Happenings across every venue, every day of your voyage. From live cultural demonstrations to interactive games to Alaska-inspired food and drink tastings. They’re genuinely worth planning around.

Most important first: Book the moment you board. Download the Virgin app the night before you sail, have your cabin number ready, and grab these the second embarkation day hits. We tried on day two and every single bookable Alaska Happening was already sold out. They genuinely shape your voyage.

Shows & Live Entertainment

You Don’t Know Lumberjack
The headline event. Hosted by Aden (our ship’s Lumberjack, who also performs in the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show in Ketchikan), it’s axe throwing, competitive lumberjack games, and interactive demos. The Red Room, Deck 6. Evening (typically 8:00 PM). Free, non-ticketed. It’s the one Happening people book first, and it sells out immediately. Brilliant fun, incredibly popular with everyone on board.

Ice Cold Couture
Live runway show hosted by The Diva, featuring Alaska-exclusive retail from the High Street styled into bold, layered looks. The Roundabout, Deck 6. Afternoon (typically 3:45 PM). Free, non-ticketed. A fashion show experience at sea with Happenings Cast commentary.

Primetime Ports
Visually driven port experience with curated photography, video storytelling, expert insights, and bold hosting. Designed to prepare you for each Alaska port and inspire exploration. The Red Room, Deck 6. Daytime (typically 11:30 AM). Free, non-ticketed.

Cultural Enrichment & Indigenous Heritage

Honestly, Alaska
One-time live talk show exploring Alaska’s fragile ecosystems, Indigenous perspectives, and real questions through open, unscripted dialogue. Hosted by the Naturalist (Sue) and the Alaska Native Voices Cultural Heritage Guide. The Manor, Deck 6. Daytime (typically 12:30 PM). Free, non-ticketed. It’s the kind of intimate event you only get when a ship has actually invested in the season.

The Language of the Line: Formline Design Workshop
Learn about Northwest Coast formline art traditions with the Alaska Native Voices Cultural Heritage Guide. Discover the visual language behind centuries of tradition and create your own unique piece. Extra Virgin, Deck 6. Morning (typically 10:00 AM). Free, non-ticketed. Highly sought after and often sold out immediately.

Feel the Forest: Cedar & Spruce Weaving
Interactive weaving class led by the Alaska Native Voices Cultural Heritage Guide. Learn traditional bark weaving techniques using sustainably harvested cedar and spruce. Each weave carries stories of survival, creativity, and connection to the forest. The Loose Cannon, Deck 7. Daytime (typically 3:00 PM). Free, non-ticketed.

Woodcarving: Where Culture Cuts Deep
Live woodcarving demonstration by the Alaska Native Voices Cultural Heritage Guide. Watch traditional cedar carving unfold whilst learning how Northwest Coast carving reflects identity, lineage, and connection to place. The Loose Cannon, Deck 7. Morning (typically 11:15 AM). Free, non-ticketed.

Northern Narratives: Wild Signals
Live-streamed conversation with the Alaska Native Voices Cultural Heritage Guide exploring Alaska’s wildlife, landscapes, and conservation. Connecting what you see from the ship to the rhythms of the natural world. Aquatic Club, Deck 15. Afternoon (typically 2:00 PM). Free, non-ticketed.

Field Notes
Open sessions exploring Alaska’s ecosystems, traditions, and wildlife through conversation, shared perspectives, and dialogue. A pop-up series centred on open discussion and shared discovery. On The Rocks, Deck 6. Late afternoon (typically 4:45 PM). Free, non-ticketed.

Food & Drink Tastings

Northern Nightcaps
Interactive cocktail tasting featuring Alaska-inspired drinks. Sample smoky Negronis, spiked cocoa, and other creations balancing heat, citrus, and spice. The Test Kitchen, Deck 6. Evening (typically 9:00 PM). $35 per person. Sailors explore the balance of flavours and learn the stories behind each drink.

Baking Alaska
Hands-on dessert tasting with Alaska-inspired sweets, custom garnishes, and regional wine pairings. Unfinished desserts invite you to customise with your own choice of flavours and toppings, exploring how instinct and contrast create personal flavour experiences. The Test Kitchen, Deck 6. Morning (typically 10:30 AM). $35 per person.

Hoppy Trails
Relaxed beer tasting exploring lagers to IPAs, with guided conversation and surprising gluten-free and alcohol-free options. Taste beers side-by-side, compare textures and stories, and take home a brew for later. The Loose Cannon, Deck 7. Afternoon (typically 1:15 PM). $35 per person.

Taste of Alaska
Pop up shopping event with exclusive items for you to purchase.

Wellness & Mindfulness

Logged Off
Screen-free breathwork workshop with gentle movement and reflection, inspired by Alaska’s rhythms to restore presence, balance, and body awareness. Device-free, centring on intentional breathing and subtle movement. B-Complex Balance, Deck 15. Afternoon (typically 1:00 PM). Free, non-ticketed.

Last Light Gathering
Guided sunset with a shared countdown, bringing Sailors together to mark the transition from day to night across Alaska’s horizon. A collective moment honouring the light, seasons, and connection to place. The Dock, Deck 7. Evening (typically 8:30 PM). Free, non-ticketed.

Drawn to the Wild
Immersive art class using soundscapes and visuals to guide you through sketching Alaska’s wildlife. Evolving hand-drawn visuals, storytelling, and sound design help you interpret the wild through your own creative lens. The Manor, Deck 6. Late afternoon (typically 2:30 PM). Free, non-ticketed.

Golden Hour
Gathering for Alaska-inspired beverages and passed canapés. Taste and connect with the region’s ingredients. Each sip reflects the region’s waters, forests, and people behind the ingredients. The Dock House, Deck 7. Early evening (typically 3:30 PM). Free, non-ticketed.

Games & Trivia

Bear Wit It
Quick-fire trivia game packed with Alaskan surprises, wild questions, and playful twists. Fast-paced, Alaska-inspired trivia hosted by the Happenings Cast with themed questions challenging your wit and instinct. The Social Club, Deck 7. Evening (typically 8:30 PM). Free, non-ticketed.

Crack the Crab
High-energy trivia showdown, Alaska style. Teams compete head-to-head using oversized foam crab claws to snap in answers. The final reveals a surprise category. Loud, fast, and just a little unhinged. The Social Club, Deck 7. Evening (typically 8:30 PM). Free, non-ticketed.

Ice Picks
High-energy Alaska-inspired survival game show. Answer fast, earn time, and build your structure before it faces avalanche and wind tests. Knowledge is your greatest tool in this fast-paced game show. The Social Club, Deck 7. Late afternoon (typically 4:30 PM). Free, non-ticketed.

Nature & Discovery

Horizons & Headphones
Guided small-group wildlife viewing experience designed for quiet, immersive connection. Equipped with premium binoculars, custom earpieces, and personal listening devices. Minimal talking, maximum observation and insight. The Perch, Deck 17. Late morning (typically 11:00 AM). $50 per person. Booking closed quickly.

What Sells Out First

The Language of the Line workshop, Horizons & Headphones, and Honestly Alaska book out within hours of embarkation. If these are on your must-do list, prioritise them. The free sessions are incredibly popular too. The premium tastings ($35-$50) typically remain available longer if you’re flexible on timing.

TOP TIP: You can always head to the Happening just before it’s about to start to see if there are any last-minute dropouts. I was able to join a lot of the Happenings by just heading to them around 15 minutes before they started.

How to Decide What to Book

Coming from the UK with minimal exposure to Indigenous cultures? Prioritise the Language of the Line, Feel the Forest, Woodcarving, and Northern Narratives. They’re genuinely enriching and you won’t get this experience elsewhere.

Foodies should grab Northern Nightcaps, Baking Alaska, and Hoppy Trails. Wildlife lovers absolutely need Horizons & Headphones (if you can snag it) and Field Notes. Active types should book You Don’t Know Lumberjack, Bear Wit It, Crack the Crab, and Ice Picks.

Wellness seekers should hit Logged Off and Last Light Gathering. And everyone should experience at least one cultural session. You’re not just on holiday. You’re learning a region.

Hubbard Glacier. Virgin’s First Time, Our First Time, and Wow

Yesterday was a proper “pinch me” moment: Virgin Voyages’ first ever visit to Hubbard Glacier, and our first time too (we did Glacier Bay on our last Alaska trip).

Honest verdict? We think we prefer Hubbard.

It’s just massive. Hubbard is the largest tidewater glacier in North America. 76 miles long, 7 miles wide, around 400 feet tall at the face with another 250 feet hiding below the waterline. It’s 25% larger than the entire state of Rhode Island. And here’s the wild bit: while most glaciers worldwide are retreating, Hubbard has been advancing for over 100 years. They call it the “Galloping Glacier”. The ice you’re staring at is around 400 years old by the time it reaches the sea.

Massive shoutout to Sue, who narrated the whole approach over the loudspeaker. It’s the kind of detail that turns a great day into an unforgettable one.

How glacier day actually works

The ship approaches incredibly slowly. A good two hours to reach the ice line, partly for safety and partly to protect the local environment and wildlife. Then what happens is genuinely clever: the ship holds position and slowly rotates. So you get to face the glacier front-on, then turn to the side, then rotate to the other side. This means both sides of the ship get roughly 30 minutes facing the glacier head-on. No fighting for a spot, no missing out. If you’d rather watch from your own balcony, you just wait for the ship to turn your way. We nipped back down to our cabin to check, and the view of the glacier and mountain range from our Sea Terrace was incredible.

Where to watch from (Virgin nails this)

• The Galley — floor-to-ceiling windows, warm indoor viewing, free filter coffee steps away
• Richard’s Rooftop (RockStar Quarters) — seat padding removed so you can stand for the perfect view, plus hot toddies at sunset
• The Runway — our top tip: elevated above everyone else, brilliant for photos without fighting for rail space
• The Perch and The Scene — more lovely vantage points
• The Athletic Club — redesigned for Alaska with more viewing space (more below)
• Your own Sea Terrace — hammock, fluffy blanket, just you and the ice
• The loos — yes, really. Floor-to-ceiling windows. Where else can you have a wee with a glacier view?

Throughout the day, crew came round with blankets, and up at the Sun Club on Deck 16 there was a hot chocolate and mulled wine station, both spikeable for an extra charge (payable from your Bar Tab). A rum hot chocolate while gliding up to the ice face? Go on then. The hot toddies were especially popular in the early morning when it was coldest and the sun wasn’t fully out yet.

Hubbard vs Glacier Bay? Different wow factors. Hubbard edges it for sheer scale and that “I can’t believe what I’m looking at” feeling; Glacier Bay gets you closer to Margerie. Which, frankly, is just a brilliant excuse to come back and do both.

On 7-Night Sailings: Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier

For those sailing the main 7-night round-trips from Seattle, Virgin Voyages visits Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier, a spectacular alternative that packs just as much wow factor. While Endicott Arm is narrower and more intimate than Hubbard, Dawes Glacier delivers that same sense of awe, with towering ice cliffs and an even closer view of the glacier’s face.

The sailing experience is similar: the ship navigates slowly into the fjord, gives you time to soak it in, and rotates so everyone gets a front-row view. Endicott Arm is also slightly less crowded than the main Hubbard route, which some travellers prefer. You get that same incredible landscape without the peak-season buzz.

Note: If you’re sailing the 10-night itineraries like we did, Hubbard is your glacier day. For the standard 7-night Seattle round-trips, Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier are the headline glaciers.

How Brilliant Lady Has Been Adapted for Alaska

There was a lot of debate in the community about whether this ship was right for Alaska. Spoiler: she is, because Virgin adapted her for exactly this. These aren’t cosmetic tweaks. They’re fundamental reshapes that make the ship work brilliantly for the region.

Spaces Designed for Viewing

The Roundabout (Virgin’s answer to an atrium) has been opened out, especially the upper level on Deck 7. More comfortable booth seating, reduced window tinting. You can sit with a coffee from the new coffee shop and actually watch Alaska slide past. And you’re one step from the promenade if something surfaces.

The Athletic Club at the rear of the ship has been completely redesigned with more viewing space. The soft seating can now be removed entirely (which they did for Hubbard Glacier), so you can stand on the raised platform for panoramic views. The glass tinting has been reduced here too, so even if you’re sitting you can see out clearly.

Flexible Furniture for Flexibility

Here’s the clever bit. The outdoor furniture across the ship is smaller and lighter, so spaces can be reconfigured depending on the season. Sunbeds and lounge configurations for the Caribbean, blankets and standing room for Alaska. The grey fleece blankets are dotted around Richard’s Rooftop, The Dock House, the Aquatic Club, and the Athletic Club, specifically because Virgin designed this ship to be seasonal. It’s not a permanent alteration. It’s a ship that can breathe between seasons.

It all adds up to a vessel that feels genuinely outward-facing in a way the brand’s Caribbean setup never needed to be.

Pro tip from the video: if you want a quieter spot for scenic sailing without the crowds, head up to The Runway. You’re raised above everyone else, you get incredible views, and you’ll get great photos without having to fight for rail space.

The High Street: Alaska-Exclusive Shopping

The High Street is Virgin’s name for the retail district. It’s been adapted specifically for Alaska with a mix of what’s on offer:

Special Shopping Events. Throughout the voyage, there are retail experiences tied to the Alaska region and ports. These aren’t just “here’s our shop.” They’re experiential moments that match the season.

One honest money-saving tip: most of the High Street range is Alaska-branded rather than Virgin-branded. Before splashing out on a board, check whether the same item might be cheaper when you’re actually in the port. We did and saved a decent amount on some of the local pieces. Convenience wins sometimes, though. Having everything in one place is worth it if you’re time-poor or the weather’s brutal.

(For the full ship rundown, see our What’s New on Brilliant Lady guide and Brilliant Lady deck plan.)

Food and Drink: Tasting the Region

Virgin’s food programme is already, in our view, the best at sea. 20+ eateries all included in your fare. For Alaska, they’ve sourced something special. Virgin specifically brought on local Alaskan ingredients for this season: locally-cut meats, regional specialities, and partnerships with Alaskan breweries and distilleries. When you see that bear icon on the menu, you’re not just eating well. You’re tasting the region.

Where to Find Alaska on the Menu

Four of the six main restaurants carry Alaska-exclusive dishes marked with a little bear icon. The Wake, Extra Virgin, Pink Agave and Rojo (that’s Razzle Dazzle’s Spanish alter-ego, exclusive to Brilliant Lady). Think locally-sourced seafood with regional flair, local produce, and creations built around what Alaska brings to the table.

Most of the bear-icon dishes are included in your fare. A few are premium “Treat Yourself” items featuring rarer cuts and premium ingredients (up to around $40). But here’s the reassurance: 95% of the food on board remains included. You’re not paying extra for the privilege of Alaska. You’re paying it if you want the very best of what Alaska has to offer.

Gunbae and The Test Kitchen stay consistent with the rest of the fleet. They weren’t adapted because they didn’t need to be.

What to Drink

The bars are pouring Alaskan beers front and centre, plus local wines and cocktails made with regional spirits. Our house favourite turned out to be a sangria made with Alaskan blueberry wine. Refreshing, light, fruity without being heavy. We ordered it in multiple venues because we couldn’t get enough of it. There’s a strawberry version too, which went down incredibly well with our group.

Alaskan breweries are featured front and centre at the bars. Local partnerships bringing regional spirits and beers to every venue.

Grounds Club has stepped up with Alaska-inspired coffee cocktails. The mocha is genuinely a crowd-pleaser, with or without a shot. Up at the Sun Club on Hubbard Glacier day, there was a hot chocolate and mulled wine station with options to spike them (payable from your Bar Tab). A rum hot chocolate while gliding up to a 400-year-old ice face? Yes, please.

The Experience

The honest truth: these aren’t just menu items designed to upsell or novelty items that taste like gimmicks. Virgin’s sourced thoughtfully, and the flavours genuinely connect you to where you are. Between the Alaskan beers, the local cuts of meat, and the regional spirits in your cocktails, you’re eating and drinking your way through the region in a way that feels authentic, not tokenistic.

We photographed the menus from this sailing. You’ll find them all in our Virgin Voyages menus guide, and you can budget your drinks with our Bar Tab calculator.

Shore Things: The Exclusives Are Actually Exclusive

Virgin calls excursions “Shore Things”, and for Alaska, they’ve done something clever: exclusive partnerships and full buy-outs, flagged with that same bear icon on the Shore Things listings.

A few examples from our sailing:

Sitka Haunted Pub Crawl. normally bookable independently, but when Brilliant Lady is in town it’s exclusive to Virgin sailors. You spend about 2 hours walking around Sitka, learning about the bar culture, history, and local mysteries. The standard tour includes one drink; ours included a drink at each of the bars we visited. Very on-brand for an adults-only line.

Icy Strait Point ZipRider. booked through the ship, it now includes a GoPro video of your run plus a celebratory shot at the bottom, with the commemorative shot glass to keep. (Not someone afraid of heights, but even if you were, the views and the experience are incredible.)

Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Ketchikan. includes a drink and a dedicated Virgin Voyages seating section. And yes, our ship’s own Lumberjack (Aden) was performing in it.

One honest note: a few of the land teams aren’t quite up to speed yet on what’s included, so politely ask if your extras don’t appear automatically. Classic first-season teething. We’d expect it to smooth out fast.

The Merch (A Money-Saving Note)

The Virgin Voyages brand store has a small Alaska range. We obviously picked up the Ahoy bobble hat and the Brilliant Lady Alaska Spirit Jersey. Over in The High Street, there’s a whole retail space of Alaska merchandise: jackets, jerseys, magnets, mugs, soap, the lot.

TOP TIP: If you want Virgin Voyages-branded items, head to the brand shop on the first two days of your voyage, as they often have multi-buy savings promotions, offering up to 50% off your second item.

Our Honest Verdict

Virgin Voyages hasn’t just bolted Alaska onto the existing playbook. They’ve genuinely built a season around it. New cast, new events, adapted ship, local food and drink, properly enhanced excursions. A few first-season wrinkles, but nothing that takes away from how considered the whole thing feels.

And Hubbard Glacier was, hand on heart, one of the best sea days we’ve ever had. Ironic that the highlight of an Alaska cruise wasn’t a port at all.

Thinking About Virgin Voyages in Alaska?

Brilliant Lady sails Alaska from Seattle for 2026 and 2027. Mostly 7-night round trips, with some longer itineraries if you fancy more. As an adults-only ship with everything from loyalty perks to bar tab bonuses to think about, it really pays to book with someone who’s actually sailed it.

That’s us. We’re an award-winning UK travel agent and Virgin Voyages First Mate Champion. We’ve sailed 14 voyages with Virgin (including this very first Alaska one), and we always have extra perks: bonus Sailor Loot, exclusive group rates, and offers you won’t find booking direct.

Drop us a message or check our latest Virgin Voyages offers. We’d love to help you plan your own glacier moment.

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Sailed: 10-night Vancouver–Seattle pre-MerMaiden repositioning, May 2026. Skagway, Ketchikan, Juneau, Icy Strait Point and Sitka. For detailed port breakdowns and vlog content, subscribe to our YouTube channel. We’re sharing the full journey including cabin tours, port days, and everything in between.