If you’re sailing Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady and wondering how easy it is to eat gluten-free at sea, the good news is: Virgin has taken it up a notch. From familiar favourites like The Dock to the brand-new Rojo by Razzle Dazzle, there are more gluten-free choices than ever.
I was lucky enough to be invited onboard Brilliant Lady in Portsmouth for a preview day, and here’s my full Brilliant Lady gluten free guide, what’s new, what’s different, and what I tried myself.
Gluten Free at The Dock House
The Dock House has always been a reliable casual spot on Virgin Voyages, with light mezze-style dishes and fresh skewers. On Brilliant Lady, there’s now a new menu with two additional gluten free dishes added alongside long-standing favourites like the prawn skewer.
It’s a great go-to for relaxed lunches or a pre-dinner bite with a cocktail, especially if you prefer food that feels light but still flavourful.
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Rojo by Razzle Dazzle – A Gluten Free Heaven
Now to the main event: Rojo by Razzle Dazzle.
This is more than just a new menu — it’s an entirely new restaurant concept. The old Razzle Dazzle has been transformed into Rojo, a warm, Spanish-inspired space that feels cosy, vibrant, and completely different in ambience. The restaurant is now cleverly divided, with a redesigned bar space where you can grab tapas and drinks even if you’re not sitting down for a full dinner.
From a gluten free perspective, Rojo is hands down the best Virgin Voyages restaurant to date.
- 5 gluten free starters
- 4 gluten free mains
- 4 gluten free desserts — the biggest selection of any restaurant onboard
For anyone sailing with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity, that level of choice is a game-changer.
Brilliant Lady Rojo Razzle Dazzle Gluten Free Menu
What I Ate (and Loved)
I sampled a variety of dishes during my visit, and here are my highlights:
- Conservas – a mezze of manzanilla olives, queso en aceite, roasted peppers, lavender marcona almonds, and beets with smoked goat cheese tahini. The beets with goat’s cheese tahini were a revelation, and the olives were genuinely the best I’ve ever had on a ship.
- Beef Tartare – paired with manzanilla olives, horseradish, egg yolk, and potato chips. Beautifully balanced and full of flavour.
- Costillas de la Matanza – baby back pork ribs with harissa honey, za’atar, and labneh. The meat was tender, juicy, and fell off the bone effortlessly.
- Basque Cheesecake – as someone gluten free, cheesecake is rarely an option, so this was a treat. Perfectly smooth, flavourful, and topped with quince membrillo for a hint of sweetness. A little slice of heaven.
- My friend Clare tried the Sorbete de Maracuyá – passion fruit sorbet with olive oil sabayon and hibiscus. She described it as light, refreshing, and the perfect end to the meal.
Why Brilliant Lady, and Virgin Voyages Is a Top Pick for Gluten Free Travellers
What stood out most is how inclusive and adventurous Virgin Voyages is when it comes to gluten free dining. It’s not just about ticking boxes — the dishes are imaginative, full of flavour, and presented beautifully.
On Brilliant Lady, gluten free travellers finally have:
- A true variety of options at multiple venues
- The ability to eat safely without compromising on taste
- Standout menus that make dining a highlight of the voyage
For me, this makes Virgin Voyages one of the best cruise brands for gluten free dining, hands down. With Brilliant Lady sailing to Alaska from 2026, I can’t wait to book and enjoy these dishes again — this time with glaciers in the background.
Read our full preview of what’s new and changed on Brilliant Lady
We have a full write up from our preview day onboard Brilliant Lady which you can find here:-
Read our Full Virgin Voyages Gluten Free Guide
We also have a Full gluten-free guide to sailing with Virgin Voyages with all our learnings from over 13 voyages.
You can read that here:-
FAQs – Brilliant Lady Gluten Free Guide
u003cstrongu003eDoes Virgin Voyages cater for gluten free diets?u003c/strongu003e
Yes. Every restaurant can accommodate gluten free requests, but Brilliant Lady’s u003cstrongu003eRojou003c/strongu003e goes further with multiple gluten free starters, mains, and desserts clearly available from the menu.
u003cstrongu003eIs cross-contamination a risk?u003c/strongu003e
Virgin Voyages takes dietary needs seriously, and staff are well-trained. Always let your server know you require gluten free, and they’ll ensure safe preparation.
u003cstrongu003eWhat’s the best gluten free restaurant on Brilliant Lady?u003c/strongu003e
Without doubt, u003cstrongu003eRojo by Razzle Dazzleu003c/strongu003e. It offers the widest gluten free menu of any Virgin Voyages restaurant to date.
u003cstrongu003eCan I eat gluten free at casual venues like The Dock?u003c/strongu003e
Yes. The Dock and Dock House offer a range of gluten free mezze and skewers, with new additions on Brilliant Lady.
Final Thoughts
Brilliant Lady hasn’t just brought new spaces and shows to the Virgin Voyages fleet — it’s also brought the most gluten free-friendly menus yet. From the relaxed mezze at The Dock House to the Spanish-inspired small plates of Rojo, it’s never been easier (or more delicious) to sail gluten free.
That’s why, as a gluten free traveller, Virgin Voyages continues to be my first choice. They combine adventurous menus, genuine attention to dietary needs, and the boutique cruise experience that makes every voyage special. I can’t wait to step onboard again — and already have my eye on Alaska in 2026.
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