Is This the Coolest Cruise Ship Ever? Why Everyone’s Talking About Brilliant Lady

Tina Moczynski
Apr 04, 2025By Tina Moczynski

If you’ve ever thought cruising wasn’t for you—too many crowds, too many kids, too much routine—Virgin Voyages’ newest ship, Brilliant Lady, is about to completely flip the script. Sleek, stylish, and unapologetically adults-only, Brilliant Lady is sailing into 2025 with a mission: to redefine what it means to travel by sea.

As a travel advisor who’s spent years watching the cruise industry evolve, I can confidently say: this is more than just another new ship—it’s a cultural shift in how we vacation.

And yes... it just might be the coolest cruise ship ever. 

The Virgin Voyages Difference: What Sets Brilliant Lady Apart

Virgin Voyages burst onto the scene with its debut ship, Scarlet Lady, and made waves (pun fully intended) with a new take on what cruising could be. The line introduced bold design, curated dining, immersive entertainment, and a “no kids allowed” policy—appealing directly to modern travelers who crave connection, not chaos. 

Brilliant Lady, the fourth ship in the Virgin fleet, is expected to build on this game-changing concept with even more innovative features. Think of it as the floating boutique resort you didn’t know you needed. 

Here’s why Brilliant Lady is capturing attention across the industry—and why you might want to be among the first to step aboard. 

Want to see more of what Brilliant Lady has to offer?

You can explore ship details, staterooms, dining venues, and itineraries—and even reserve your cabin—through my personalized Virgin Voyages booking link. 
Click here to visit Brilliant Lady on Virgin Voyages and start your journey

Dining, Reinvented: No Buffets, No Dress Codes, No Problem

Plated gourmet seafood dish from a specialty restaurant on Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady, part of the cruise line’s all-inclusive, buffet-free dining experience.
Fresh, chef-crafted seafood served onboard Brilliant Lady—just one of the elevated dining experiences that replaces the traditional cruise buffet.

Say goodbye to formal nights and buffet lines. On Brilliant Lady, every meal feels like a night out in a trendy city—because every restaurant is designed to delight.

Virgin Voyages ditched the traditional cruise ship dining model in favor of 20+ onboard eateries, each offering something unique—from elevated Mexican street food and upscale steakhouses to vegan-forward dining and gourmet brunch spots.

And yes, all restaurants are included. No surprise upcharges. Just great food, whenever you’re hungry. 

Entertainment That Breaks the Mold

Forget Broadway-style shows and overplayed piano bars. Brilliant Lady invites you into a world of immersive, avant-garde entertainment—think cabaret, pop-up performances, and boundary-pushing theater experiences. This ship doesn’t do predictable. It does edgy, unexpected, and interactive. 

From onboard drag performances to DJ-led dance parties under the stars, you’re not just watching the show. You’re part of it. 

Wellness at Sea: Your Vacation, Your Pace 

Whether you're craving sunrise yoga, a detoxifying spa experience, or a run around the ship’s The Runway (a red-lit track encircling the ship), wellness is more than a buzzword on Brilliant Lady—it’s a lifestyle. 

Virgin Voyages caters to both the chill seekers and the fitness fanatics, creating a well-rounded wellness offering that leaves you feeling restored, not run-down. 

Sustainability Is at the Heart of It

One of the biggest reasons travelers are gravitating toward Virgin Voyages—and Brilliant Lady in particular—is their eco-conscious approach. From banning single-use plastics to harnessing Climeon technology that converts engine heat into clean energy, Brilliant Lady is pushing sustainable cruising forward. 

Because yes, you can have a luxury experience without compromising the planet. 

No Kids. All Play.

One of the boldest—and best—decisions Virgin Voyages made? Making their entire fleet adults-only. 

This creates a vibe that’s sophisticated, relaxed, and curated for grown-up travelers who want to reconnect with themselves, their partners, or their friends—without the sounds of splash zones or the shuffle of kid-friendly chaos.  “This was my favorite part of Virgin Voyages.  Although I’m a parent of three wonderful boys, and love being a parent, when I’m on vacation I like having some kid-free time.  I suggest Virgin Voyages for my cruising clients who want a kid’s free zone, and who are young at heart!”, Tina Moczynski, cruising expert at Shores And More Travel. 

If you're dreaming of a vacation that feels more like a sleek resort and less like a family theme park, Brilliant Lady is your answer.   

Why Book with a Travel Advisor (Like Me)?

You could Google your way through the details, or scroll endlessly through forums and reviews. Or—you could have a travel advisor who knows the ship, the brand, and what experiences will match your travel style. 

When you book through me, here’s what you get: 

  • Access to exclusive offers and pre-sale rates
  • Personalized cabin recommendations (yes, there is a difference!)
  • Tips on what to do onboard, from spa musts to dinner reservations
  • Optional pre- and post-cruise extensions to make your trip unforgettable 

    Brilliant Lady will be launching itineraries soon, and availability will go fast—especially for inaugural sailings and suites. 

Ready to Set Sail?

Back view of Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady cruise ship sailing into the horizon, symbolizing luxury travel, new beginnings, and adults-only cruising experiences.
The aft view of Brilliant Lady—your next great adventure starts where the sea meets the sky. Are you ready to set sail?

Whether you're new to cruising or a seasoned sailor, Brilliant Lady promises something fresh, elevated, and unforgettable. As your dedicated travel advisor, I’m here to help you navigate every detail—from picking the perfect voyage to scoring you that sea terrace suite with the famous hammock (trust me, it’s a vibe). 

Contact me today to start planning your next adventure! Whether you want to explore eco-tours, unwind at the spa, or simply soak up the sun, I’ve got you covered.

Not ready to plan your vacation just yet? No worries! You can still get inspired by joining my Live It List Club, where you’ll receive travel tips, destination inspiration, and exclusive offers—delivered straight to your inbox.

Let’s make your next vacation the one you’ll be talking about for years to come.