Thinking about sailing on Virgin Voyages and wondering what’s new on Brilliant Lady? Here’s our expanded, first-hand look at the newest Lady Ship — what’s changed, how she feels onboard, and why she was designed for scenic routes like Alaska and the Panama Canal.
📺 Watch our full walk-through here: Brilliant Lady Tour & First Look (YouTube)
📖 See venue-by-venue layouts here: Brilliant Lady Deck Plan Guide
Why This Guide (and Who It’s For)
At Magical Traveller, we’ve sailed all four Lady Ships and were invited onboard Brilliant Lady ahead of her debut.
This guide is for UK travellers who like their cruises grown-up, boutique, and food-forward, and want two key answers:
- What’s new with Brilliant Lady compared to her sisters?
- How does she actually flow onboard — where are the must-see venues and highlights?
Table of Contents
First Impressions Onboard
Stepping onto Brilliant Lady felt immediately different. Where Scarlet Lady’s atrium could sometimes feel like a space to hurry through, Brilliant Lady’s Roundabout felt alive and welcoming.
Natural light poured in through lighter glazing, highlighting new cushioned nooks and soft seating. We grabbed a flat white from the Draft House — coffee shop by day, cocktail bar by night — and lingered by the windows, watching the sea roll by.
That small change set the tone for the rest of the ship: Brilliant Lady feels brighter, more boutique, and designed for lingering, not just passing through.
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Virgin Voyages Alaska 2026 Now on Sale
Check out all the details of the incredible Virgin Voyages Alaska debut season here
Brilliant Lady at a Glance
- Purpose-built for scenic routes – lighter glazing, more indoor sea-facing seating, reworked outdoor decks.
- Rojo by Razzle Dazzle – a Spanish-Mexican tapas-style restaurant, unique to Brilliant Lady.
- All-new entertainment line-up – from Red Hot and Murder in the Manor to the immersive dinner-show Up With a Twist.
- Slightly Smaller Sea Terrace cabins – narrower balconies, but now with two hammocks.
- Roundabout reimagined – softer furnishings, Shore Things lounge, Draft House coffee + cocktails.
- Athletic Club refresh – outward-facing daybeds, added shade, lighter furniture.
Spaces Made for Scenic Sailing
When Virgin first announced Alaska sailings, I was curious — could a line known for sun-soaked Ibiza vibes really pull off the drama of glaciers and fjords? Having stepped aboard Brilliant Lady, I can say they’ve risen to the challenge. The ship has been thoughtfully adjusted to make scenic cruising an experience in itself.
Athletic Club
One of the cleverest tweaks is at the Athletic Club, that big, airy space right at the back of the ship. On the earlier Lady ships, the famous daybeds faced inward — great for sunbathing, but less so when a glacier is sliding past your starboard side. On Brilliant Lady, the daybeds now face the ocean, so you can stretch out and actually see the views. Walking gaps between them mean you can step right up to the rail during those “once in a lifetime” glacier moments without having to weave through a maze of loungers.
There’s also a new layer of shade, which seems like a small touch but makes a huge difference. On our preview, even in cooler weather, it created a cosy pocket where you could curl up with a blanket and a hot chocolate — exactly what you want if you’re cruising in Alaska or transiting the Canal on a warm day.
Promenade & The Dock
Along the Promenade Deck, Virgin has swapped the oversized loungers for slimmer seating, which creates uninterrupted sightlines. No more peering over a forest of furniture to catch a glimpse of the scenery — it feels deliberately designed for scenic sailings now.
At The Dock, one of my favourite spots for lazy afternoons, the changes are subtle but effective. The heavier chairs have been replaced with lighter, comfier seating. It doesn’t just look better — it invites you to linger. We sat here during golden hour and it felt more like a chic coastal bar in Mykonos than a ship’s aft deck. Pair that with mezze-style plates and a spritz, and you could happily lose an afternoon here.
Indoors
The biggest surprise for me was how much brighter the ship feels inside. Virgin has replaced the darker, tinted panels with lighter glazing, and it transforms the mood. Venues like SIP, Draft House, and even the Roundabout are now flooded with natural light. Where you once felt tucked away, you now feel connected to the sea. Booths and soft seating have been deliberately turned toward the windows, creating the kind of spots where you actually want to sit for an hour and just watch the world go by.
It might sound like a design nerd detail, but onboard it really matters. Brilliant Lady finally feels as suited to watching glaciers and coastlines drift past as she does to basking in the Caribbean sun.
Roundabout 2.0 – Now Worth Stopping For
On Virgin’s earlier ships, the atrium — or the Roundabout as it’s known — often felt like a thoroughfare. You’d pass through it on your way to The Red Room, the shops, or dinner, but you rarely stopped to spend time there. It was functional, sometimes lively, but never somewhere we chose to linger.
On Brilliant Lady, that has completely changed. The Roundabout has been reimagined into a space that feels genuinely inviting, almost like the living room of the ship.
- Draft House now acts as a true social anchor. In the mornings, it’s a coffee bar serving proper barista drinks — the flat whites we tried were excellent — and by evening it transforms into a chic cocktail spot. We loved grabbing a drink here before heading into The Manor, and it quickly became our “meet you there” spot with friends.
- Shore Things corner has moved away from being a purely administrative desk and now blends into the space with a softer, lounge-like feel. Rather than a queue-and-clipboard vibe, it’s more relaxed — you can chat about excursions without feeling like you’re standing at a counter in a lobby.
- Extra seating is the real win. Plush nooks, booths facing the sea, and cushioned benches mean it’s somewhere you might actually spend half an hour with a book or just people-watch.
The effect is subtle but powerful. Embarkation day, which can feel frantic on any cruise ship, felt calmer here. Instead of queues and noise, the Roundabout had an almost boutique-hotel energy. And in the evenings, the space became naturally social — people gathering for cocktails, live music drifting in from On the Rocks, and the gentle hum of conversation.
It’s one of those small changes that makes a big difference: the heart of the ship now feels like a place you want to be, not just somewhere you pass through.
Rojo by Razzle Dazzle – A New Dining Headliner
Virgin Voyages has quietly started evolving its signature Razzle Dazzle venue into something more tailored for each ship. On Brilliant Lady, that transformation debuts as Rojo — and it’s not just a menu swap, it’s an entirely new experience.
A Fresh Concept
Rojo blends Spanish and Mexican influences, leaning into a tapas-style menu designed for sharing. Think croquetas that crackle as you bite in, grilled octopus with just the right smoky char, oxtail slow-cooked until it melts into its caramelised onion bed, and honeyed short ribs that balance sweet and savoury perfectly. It’s playful food, but sophisticated at the same time — the kind of dishes that encourage you to order “just one more plate” to share around the table.
A Whole New Room
If you’ve sailed the earlier Lady Ships, you might be expecting bright colours and quirky stripes from the original Razzle Dazzle space. Rojo is completely different. The redesigned dining room feels warm and grounded, with natural textures, earthy tones, and intimate lighting that makes it feel closer to a boutique Madrid wine bar than a cruise ship restaurant. It’s a space that makes you want to linger long after the last bite.
Our First Taste
We dined here during our preview visit onboard Brilliant Lady, and while Virgin’s food has always been a highlight, Rojo genuinely felt like a step-change. There’s a convivial atmosphere that suits the menu — you’re leaning across the table, passing plates, and debating which dish was the favourite (for me, it was the short ribs; for Phil, it was the croquetas). That sense of sharing makes Rojo feel social and memorable, even by Virgin’s already high dining standards.
Booking Tip
Reservations for Virgin’s restaurants open 45 days before sailing (earlier if you’re in a Rockstar Suite). If you can’t see a slot for Rojo in the app, don’t panic — the dining team always holds some tables back for embarkation adjustments. Head to the restaurant desk on day one, and you’ve got a strong chance of getting in.
Brilliant Lady Rojo Menu
Entertainment – New Shows, Immersive Nights, and UV Parties
Brilliant Lady debuts an entirely refreshed entertainment programme, mixing theatre, music, comedy, and immersive events.
- Red Hot (The Red Room) – high-energy musical celebrating Virgin’s 50 years with hits and archival moments.
- Up With a Twist (The Manor) – a 1920s-inspired dinner-and-show with cocktails, interactive endings, and elevated courses. Ticketed; reserve early.
- Out of Time (The Red Room) – a quirky, time-hopping musical comedy.
- Murder in the Manor (The Manor) – an 80s-styled immersive mystery with dancing and spectacle.
- Duets (The Manor) – soulful ballads spanning Motown to modern classics.
- Disco Reimagined (The Manor) – disco classics with sequins, circus acts, and plenty of energy.
- Electric (The Manor) – UV neon party with fluorescent accents and even a jellyfish parade.
- Reimagined favourites – refreshed Duel Reality and an indoor Scarlet Night for cooler itineraries.
👉 If you’re celebrating, Up With a Twist is worth booking early in the app. Spaces are limited and include paired cocktails.
Cabins – The Slightly Smaller Sea Terrace
One of the most noticeable design tweaks on Brilliant Lady is the addition of a new cabin category: the Slightly Smaller Sea Terrace. At first glance, it looks almost identical to Virgin’s popular Sea Terrace cabin — the same signature mood lighting, rainfall shower, clever storage, and that iconic red hammock on the balcony. But step outside, and you’ll spot the difference.
Why the Balconies Are Smaller
To allow Brilliant Lady to transit the Panama Canal, the ship needed to fit within very strict dimensional limits. The original Sea Terrace balconies on Scarlet, Valiant, and Resilient Lady were just wide enough to push the ship’s beam (its maximum width) to the limit. For Brilliant Lady, designers shaved back the depth of some balconies so she could safely pass through the Canal’s locks without scraping against the walls.
This small adjustment created a new category — the Slightly Smaller Sea Terrace.
What You’ll Actually Notice
- Balcony depth is reduced, so instead of space for two chairs and a table, Virgin has fitted two hammocks. This makes clever use of the narrower footprint while still delivering that hammock experience guests love.
- Interior space is unchanged — the cabin itself feels exactly the same as a standard Sea Terrace.
- Views are unaffected, so you’re not losing the balcony experience itself, just the ability to dine al fresco with a table.
Who They Suit
If you love the hammock and prefer to lounge outside rather than sit at a table, this cabin works perfectly — and the novelty of having two hammocks side-by-side is a nice bonus for couples.
If you’re the kind of traveller who enjoys balcony breakfasts, sunset cocktails at a table, or using the balcony as extra “living space”, then the standard Sea Terrace might be a better choice.
Our Take
We see the Slightly Smaller Sea Terrace as a smart compromise. It’s what allows Brilliant Lady to sail itineraries like the Panama Canal and West Coast repositionings — routes that simply wouldn’t be possible otherwise. For many sailors, that trade-off is more than worth it.race.
Why Brilliant Lady Was Built for Alaska & The Canal
Virgin Voyages’ first three Lady Ships — Scarlet, Valiant, and Resilient — were designed with the Caribbean and Mediterranean in mind. Warm weather, beach clubs, and endless sunshine shaped their layouts. But with Brilliant Lady, Virgin set its sights further afield. To sail itineraries like Alaska and the Panama Canal, the ship needed thoughtful adjustments, both big and small.
Alaska – Virgin’s Scenic Leap
For many UK travellers, Alaska is a bucket-list cruise destination. Towering glaciers, wildlife spotting, and dramatic fjords require a ship designed to keep you close to the views, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
That’s where Brilliant Lady shines:
- Lighter glazing lets far more natural light into lounges and public spaces, so you can still enjoy glacier day even if you’re indoors with a coffee.
- More indoor seating facing windows means there are plenty of warm spots to take in the scenery without competing for rail space outside.
- Athletic Club tweaks — like outward-facing daybeds and added shade — make it possible to enjoy the decks even in cooler or mixed weather.
The result is a Virgin Voyages ship that finally feels as suited to Alaska’s majestic landscapes as she does to Caribbean beach clubs.
Panama Canal – Unlocking a Bucket-List Transit
The Panama Canal is one of the most iconic cruise experiences in the world, but it comes with a big technical challenge: ships have to fit within very strict width and height restrictions.
To make Brilliant Lady canal-ready, designers:
- Adjusted lifeboat positions and ship fittings to keep her within the required beam.
- Slimmed down some balcony footprints, creating the new Slightly Smaller Sea Terrace cabins.
These tweaks might seem small, but they unlock an entire new world of itineraries. For the first time, Virgin Voyages can offer full Canal transits, opening up repositioning routes between the Caribbean and the Pacific.
Longer Repositioning Voyages – “Sail Deeper”
With Brilliant Lady able to sail through the Canal and beyond, Virgin has introduced longer Sail Deeper voyages. These itineraries often stretch to 14 nights or more, with:
- A curated entertainment line-up to keep things fresh.
- More pop-up dining and Happenings Cast events spread across sea days.
- A balance of iconic ports and scenic cruising days.
For UK sailors, this means opportunities to book longer, more adventurous Virgin cruises that weren’t possible before — think Alaska, West Coast sailings, or full Canal crossings that turn the voyage itself into the main attraction.
Why It Matters for UK Travellers
Most UK guests know Virgin Voyages through the Med itineraries out of Barcelona or the Caribbean runs from Miami and Puerto Rico. Brilliant Lady expands the map dramatically:
- If you’ve “done” the Med or Caribbean, she gives you a reason to sail Virgin again, this time in new regions.
- Her scenic upgrades make her perfect for travellers who might normally consider a more traditional line for Alaska — now you can combine bucket-list destinations with Virgin’s adults-only, boutique experience.
- The Canal transit means more opportunities for one-off, once-in-a-lifetime routes that feel genuinely unique.
In short, Brilliant Lady isn’t just a new ship — she’s Virgin’s ticket to new horizons.
Touring Brilliant Lady – Venues at a Glance
Pair this with our Brilliant Lady Deck Plan Guide.
- Roundabout – hub with Draft House, SIP, Lick Me Till Ice Cream, and The Pizza Place.
- The Manor – nightclub and home to immersive shows and late-night parties.
- The Red Room – flexible theatre for headline shows.
- Restaurants – Rojo, The Wake, Extra Virgin, Pink Agave, Gunbae, Test Kitchen.
- Casual dining – The Dock, Dock House, The Galley, Sun Club Café.
- Pools & outdoors – Aquatic Club, Gym & Tonic, refreshed Athletic Club.
Video Tour of the Other Virgin Voyages Ships
FAQs About Brilliant Lady
u003cstrongu003eIs Brilliant Lady very different from other Virgin Voyages ships?u003c/strongu003eu003cbru003e
Yes and no. About 90% of the layout is the same, but décor, dining, entertainment, and scenic upgrades make her feel distinct.
u003cstrongu003eIs Brilliant Lady good for Alaska?u003c/strongu003eu003cbru003e
Yes. She was specifically designed with indoor viewing and lighter glazing, perfect for cooler scenic sailings.
u003cstrongu003eHow do dining reservations work?u003c/strongu003eu003cbru003e
Restaurants open u003cstrongu003e45 days pre-sailingu003c/strongu003e for standard cabins, earlier for Rockstars. See the dining team on embarkation if needed.
u003cstrongu003eDoes Brilliant Lady have a spa?u003c/strongu003eu003cbru003e
Yes, the u003cstrongu003eRedemption Spau003c/strongu003e with thermal suite, mudroom, snow room, and treatments — perfect after a chilly day in port.
u003cstrongu003eHow is Brilliant Lady different from Scarlet Lady?u003c/strongu003eu003cbru003e
Scarlet was the prototype. Brilliant Lady feels more polished, brighter, and has unique dining (Rojo) and entertainment.
u003cstrongu003eIs there a drinks package?u003c/strongu003eu003cbru003e
Virgin uses u003cstrongu003eBar Tabu003c/strongu003e instead of a package. You pre-pay credit and get bonus value, making it flexible and shareable.
Our Verdict – What’s new on Brilliant Lady
Brilliant Lady feels like Virgin Voyages refined. She keeps the grown-up, adults-only vibe, the restaurant-quality dining, and quirky entertainment — but improves the flow of spaces, opens up new itineraries, and adds fresh shows and restaurants.
If you’re curious about Virgin Voyages for Alaska, the Panama Canal, or longer scenic sailings, she’s the ship to choose.
The Ultimate Guide to Virgin Voyages
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