Inside Virgin Voyages Newest Ship, Brilliant Lady

Written & Experienced by Chloe Hambidge

This ‘Brilliant Lady’ Certainly Lives up to Her Name

Pink Agave, a snippet of the gorgeous Mexican restaurant.

Sir Richard Branson certainly doesn’t do anything in halves, and Brilliant Lady is the perfect example of that. Having heard whisperings of what Virgin Voyages is all about, I was intrigued, and slightly sceptical, to get onboard. This quickly morphed into excitement as I was met with their trademark red and a sea of smiling faces when swept into the madness of ‘The Roundabout’ (or the Atrium as widely known on more conventional ships).

Embracing their trademark 'Sailor' status, I quickly caught on that these voyages can be whatever you want them to be. You are the captain of your own destiny onboard Brilliant Lady, and they certainly don’t skimp when it comes to providing options of what you want that destiny to be. There are many strange, yet spectacular quirks nestled onboard this ship.

A few details from 'The Roundabout'.

Commencing her maiden voyage in the one and only New York City, it’s only fair this powerhouse departs from the city that never sleeps.

Their adult-only status sets the tone for the atmosphere onboard. I think Virgin Voyages is the marmite of the cruising world. You either love her or hate her, but I will let you be the judge of that…

The bar inside 'The Manor', stocked up and ready.

On Arrival

Floating mystically and magnificently in Portsmouth harbour, Brilliant Lady demands attention. I was enticed by the sheer size of her, hinting at all the different wonders hidden onboard. This mighty vessel carries a maximum capacity of 2,762, with a sailor to crew ratio of 2.5:1, I indeed felt well looked after. In fact, this is one of the main assets hanging from the Virgin Voyages ribbon.

The crew play a vital helping hand in elevating guest experience. Everyone is at ease and perfectly content, which poured into every aspect of my time spent onboard- allowing a smooth sailing voyage in more ways than one.

Swinging by a Balcony Cabin.

The line has also mastered diversity, not only enforcing it, but celebrating it. The crew is made up of a younger trendier crowd, eager to please and to have the opportunity to be part of this cruise movement, spanning from all over the world and encouraged to express that. This allows for enlightening conversations whilst experiencing service which feels as though it’s from a friend.

Despite only being onboard for the day, all my needs and wants were truly catered for, with preferences remembered despite the busy coming and goings happening amidst the restaurant rush.

My spread at 'Extra Virgin', they tailored my charcuterie board without me even having to ask as my waiter noticed I had a nut allergy.

Since my time onboard I have noticed there are avid cruisers and then there are Virgin Voyage sailors, and once your dip your toe in their rejuvenated way of sailing- there could be no going back.

Decked Out

Quality over quantity does not apply onboard Brilliant Lady as she proves, the more the merrier! Each public space is dazzling and effortless in its ability to entertain. The ship takes a more scattered and enticing approach to its deck plans, quite clearly built for a world where our attention spans are lessening by the day. Which all adds to the flare and excitement of what hides behind each corner!

The elegant 'Sip Lounge' is a lavish space to grab a pre-dinner drink with a side of people watching. 'The Happenings' cast are also always wandering around to keep you entertained.

As if someone shook a handful of dice and decided to build a bar wherever they land, I loved exploring the different puzzle pieces that made up each deck. Each space is dressed to the nines, telling a different tale and tailored to a different theme, my mind was constantly abuzz with where I wanted to allocate my time. Each nook and cranny are utilised, whether that be for a bar, stylish lounge, restaurant or entertainment space.

The modernised interiors of 'The Test Kitchen'.

There is always something to feast your eyes on (or simply feast on), as this experience led cruise line never lacks something to keep you occupied. Fancy exploring a sanctuary at sea? Recline at the 'Redemption Spa' where Elemis products and state-of-the-art specialists meet. Or even indulge in an activity you have never thought to attempt at 'The Social Club', where I did some painting with a side of bubbles.

'The Social Club' which stocks everything your heart could desire from freshly cooked chicken wings to pick 'n' mix.

Of course, you can follow the peaceful rattle of the of cocktail shakers and stumble upon the 'Aquatic Club', Deck 15’s poolside oasis. Much like its interiors, as I ventured higher up Brilliant Lady I wasn’t met by a singular expansive pool, but a variety of venues to marinate in.

The Well-being pool, neighboring the bigger Aquatic Club pool.

Each venue is hugged by a bar of some sort, allowing ‘sailors’ to blissfully laze at a different spot every day, each as plush as the last. Whether a posy plunge pool or a round jacuzzi style pool, perfect for an evening cocktail with a side of socialising. My hideaway of choice would be 'Richard’s Rooftop', which offers a more private and cosier place to relax, or 'The Net' which offers panoramic aft views as if onboard an exclusive catamaran. 

A legendary line-up of the goods on offer at Richards Rooftop.

A Speciality Fanfare

Boasting a Russian roulette of culinary experiences, Brilliant Lady’s dining options are almost entirely made up of speciality restaurants, which is seemingly unheard of in the cruising the world. They also come at no extra cost (which is definitely unheard of in the cruising world!).

Here’s a quick overview of the world-wide flavours available onboard:

The golden hues of 'The Wake'- The Seafood & Steak House.

The illuminated entrance of 'Pink Agave'- the tasty Mexican restaurant.

A mouthwatering snap from my evening meal at 'Extra Virgin'. This Italian stole the crown for my favourite dish of the day. Think inventive pasta parcels with the flamboyant flavors of Italy we so much adore, plus charcuteries that engulf the table. They even have an affogato trolly for desert, wheeled right to your table side!

This colorful powerhouse is 'Gunbae' the decadent Korean BBQ restaurant. Designed to allow you to watch your dishes come to life as they're cooked, a lovely sociable venue.

This luxury lab like restaurant is 'The Test Kitchen', this experimental concept provides you with a 6-course menu which only mentions one ingredient per course allowing a tantalizing line-up of surprises.

A snippet of my meal from 'Rojo' by Razzle Dazzle, the new dining venue to Brilliant Lady. Take your pick from a variety of tapas style dishes perfect for sharing before indulging in a heartier main & a classic deserts.

Amongst these big 6, there are also more small and humble eateries dotted about onboard, from a mouthwatering ice-cream bar, pizzeria, smoothie bar and more! Being spoilt for choice seems to be something Virgin Voyages prides themselves on.

The 'Juice Sea' bar, a haven serving more healthier choices from a variety of salads to freshly squeezed juices & smoothies.

Authentic and experimental, these speciality restaurants all include bold and traditional flavours from the corner of the world of which they’re inspired. To make room for these menus that allow guests to sample seasonal tasters of mouthwatering local dishes, Brilliant Lady has decided to neglect a Main Dining Room.

They have also claimed to leave out a buffet dining space, but a quick trip to ‘The Galley’ and I believe this may be a slightly false claim. Set out as a food court with all the aspects of a buffet, you can venture here morning noon and night as its open 24 hours. Designed with small stylish confession stands, pick your poison with little stalls boasting delicacies from Mexican, Sushi, Ramen, Burgers and desert, of course. So maybe less of a buffet and more of a stylish street market, either way, the options are limitless.

'Diner & Dash', one of the food venues belonging to the 'The Galley', here the world truly is your oyster. During my day onboard, in addition to all the different cuisines they salmon fillets, grilled vegetables and more on offer.

It appears Brilliant Lady is all extravagance with no room for the classics. If you’re a picky eater or just fancy an evening of the classics, you may be feel a little lost amongst the bold conveyor belt of eateries. Although, 'The Galley' normally has an inclusive selection, where you can build a dish to your own desires.

'The Sweet Side' (where I would be found), serving any sweet treat you could imagine from home-made cookies to fresh fruits.

I was certainly charmed by all the interiors of every restaurant, they were thoughtfully designed to match the atmosphere of each cuisine, from the warm neutral tones of ‘Extra Virgin’ to the gold encrusted decadence of ‘The Wake’. With Michelin crafted menus, each dish is a spectacle with flavours to match.

An Evening to Remember

Toasting the wonders of Brilliant Lady isn’t hard when amongst her amazing entertainment venues. Picture this: a hand shaken cocktail by the pool as the sun is setting, before transforming into your evening fineries for some pre-dinner entertainment, whether that be a groovy blues band or a twist on acoustic classics. This all before the evening has even truly gotten started.

Seating in 'Pink Agave' restaurant.

I made 'The Roundabout' my base at the start of the evening as I found it was the centre of all the activity, providing a haven for grabbing a beverage and stopping to appreciate the music.

As you sail into the sunset and leave the day behind, that’s when Brilliant Lady truly comes to life.

With an iconic line-up promised to bring their A game, I loved the variety of entertainment onboard, all boasting their own quirks and a venue with its own distinct and unforgettable atmosphere.

The dazzling lit up hallway leading you into the 'The Manor' nightclub.

To entertain seems to be engrained in Virgin’s DNA, and the proof is in the pudding. Follow the sparkling lights to 'The Manor', oozing sexiness and 70’s flare, this place transports you to a speak easy where you can dine in front of endless entertainment followed by partying the night away. Enjoy a Michelin-crafted menu served with a cast planned with the same precision, this interactive dinner club concept had me hooked. Or try your luck at the casino where there is a game for everyone (even the beginners who just have some money to spare).

The interiors of 'The Manor' ready to put on a show stopping performance with their dine and dance evening entertainment.

'The Red Room' is also a sight to behold, with an innovative design providing you with transformative spectacle at sea. Combining boundary pushing performances, designed by renowned theatre consultants and late night dance parties, it truly is the Westend (with a hint of spice).

Wander through time with a variety of different actors and props transporting you.

With the reputation of being party party party, this is a stigma which can either be whole heartedly embraced or eased into. It’s completely your choose if you desire to dip your toe in the fun, but ultimately, your time on Brilliant Lady can be what you make it.

A snippet of the menu that awaited us.

Sweat All Day, Party All Night

Despite catering to the party animal, balance is woven throughout the ship with an understated and easy wellness and fitness influence.

This marble relaxation area was heated, I almost drifted off to sleep just wandering through it.

They have a diverse programme offering 10 to 12 fitness classes a day from yoga and spin classes to high-impact training. Whilst interweaving seminars for wellness to educate and push the boundaries of the body. Brilliant Lady allows you to let loose whilst laying the foundations for a healthier life.

Whether a constant gym goer or just curious. There is something for everyone as this line promotes ‘health is wealth’, whether that be in the inside or outside, come sunrise or sunset and even rain or shine. Pump iron with state-of-the-art Technogym equipment or throw around your body weight at the calisthenics and boxing area.

Find endless Elemis products and treatments onboard, a pamper night is extremely tempting.

Then finish off the hard work with a sauna at the spa (or an Elemis treatment, you’re already there after all!).

Moral Of The Story

Through every trip I embark on I aim to leave a bookmark in time. A place to go to uncover the true worth of every stay, because I know; every stay has a story at the epicenter of their journey.

Staying true to her name, this ship was nothing short of Brilliant. Which is her birth right after all, but behind all the glitz and glamour, I think there is something a lot more heartfelt behind the Virgin Voyages movement.

The bar area of 'Sip Lounge', polished to perfection for its evening guests.

These leading ladies are sailing to more blissful times, to a paradise which encourages celebration. With an emphasis on openness and expressionism within the crew, I believe this flows effortlessly into passengers as well. Their ‘Come As You’ motto is usually an oxymoron when it comes luxury, but here you can simply enjoy the finer things in life.

An up close of the stylish interiors hidden in 'Extra Virgin'.

Brilliant Lady is a bombardment of holiday festivities, nailing the art of getting away, this is for the ‘sailors’ who want to get swept up in a ‘sea’ of fun. Hinting that the true excitement happens when we leave the shell of our scheduled home life personas and let loose. Virgin Voyages is freedom to be (with a pulse of the good life leading the way.).

You simply won't stop toasting to the good life onboard Brilliant Lady.

For more in-depth look of Brilliant Lady, head my Instagram @experiencedbychlo

Brilliant Lady New York MerMaiden Voyage

5- Night Round-trip, 5th September 2025