Brilliant Lady Review: What to Expect on Virgin Voyages’ Newest Ship
Brilliant Lady is officially the fourth and final "Lady Ship" to join Virgin Voyages’ groundbreaking, adults-only fleet. Joining her sister ships—Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, and Resilient Lady—she brings Virgin’s signature blend of boutique hotel styling, world-class included dining, and cheeky entertainment to exciting new corners of the globe, from iconic sailaways in New York to the glaciers of Alaska.
We’ve been sailing with Virgin Voyages since their very first inaugural voyage, so when Brilliant Lady made her grand debut, we couldn't wait to get onboard and see how she compares to her sisters.
We sailed on a 4 night sailing from New York to Bermuda. We paid for our cruise entirely ourselves—Virgin Voyages didn't know we were onboard reviewing it.
If you're considering a booking on this 2,770-passenger, adults-only vessel, you probably want to know if Virgin has perfected its formula, what’s new onboard, and whether her unique approach to cruising is right for you.
Watch our full experience, honest reactions, and complete ship tour below:
Is Brilliant Lady Worth Booking? (TL;DR)
Good if you want:
An adults-only (18+) sanctuary with a stylish, modern boutique-hotel vibe and zero screaming kids.
Incredible included dining across more than 20 eateries with no main dining rooms, no buffets, and no specialty cover charges.
Good fare inclusions where basic Wi-Fi, gratuities, sodas, drip coffee, and group fitness classes are all bundled into your base price.
Think twice if:
You love traditional cruise staples like formal nights, midnight buffets, or main dining room set seating.
You prefer large-scale family mega-ships with waterparks, ice rinks, and sprawling kids' clubs.
You dislike booking dining in advance—you have to make reservations and getting them is always difficult.
Our quick verdict: Brilliant Lady refines everything we already loved about Virgin Voyages. The clever layout updates—particularly in The Draft House and Rojo by Razzle Dazzle—show that Virgin actively listens to sailor feedback. If you want a relaxed, food-focused, adults-only holiday with stellar West End-quality entertainment, she is an absolute winner.
What Is the Ship Like?
If you’ve sailed on any of Virgin’s previous Lady Ships, stepping onto Brilliant Lady will feel instantly familiar. The layout relies on the same intuitive design, centering around The Roundabout—Virgin’s sleek, two-story alternative to a traditional soaring cruise ship atrium.
Walking on, there are no tacky glass elevators or gilded chandeliers. Instead, you're greeted by moody architectural lighting, curated background music, and vibrant contemporary art. One thing we love about Virgin is their commitment to artistic detail; throughout the stairwells and public corridors, you’ll spot unique hand-painted murals. A standout on Deck 6 is a massive, eye-catching piece by artist Stevie Shaw, giving the ship the distinct feel of a trendy Manhattan boutique hotel.
The overall atmosphere onboard is delightfully relaxed and inclusive. Virgin attracts one of the most diverse crowds in the cruise industry—from young couples and solo travelers to active retirees in their 70s and 80s. Everyone is simply there to have a brilliant time, dressed however they feel comfortable, with no stuffy dress codes in sight.
Our Tip: If you want a quiet place to read a book with a ocean view during the day, head to the lower level of the Roundabout near On the Rocks or grab one of the plush daybeds tucked along Deck 7 outdoor promenade.
Outdoor Decks, Fitness & The Athletic Club
While Brilliant Lady doesn't feature an enclosed solarium for cold-weather sailing, her outdoor decks are beautifully designed for sunny sea days.
The Athletic Club (Deck 16 Aft): This outdoor daybed lounge at the stern received a clever redesign on Brilliant Lady. The daybeds have been angled outward so you face directly toward the ocean wake, with added shade structures and comfy new loungers.
The Net: Suspended right off the back of the Athletic Club is Virgin’s famous woven catamaran net. You can walk out (or lay down) on a rope net floating 16 decks directly above the ocean. As Ben demonstrated in our video, it’s terrifying if you dislike heights, but a fantastic thrill!
The Aquatic Club (Pool Deck): The central pool area features a retro-resort feel with sun loungers, daybeds, and a central swimming pool.
B-Complex Gym & Fitness: Virgin takes fitness seriously. The gym is split into two distinct spaces—Burn (cardio) and Build (weights)—and offers complimentary group fitness classes ranging from spin and yoga to 80s-themed bungee workouts.
Redemption Spa: A gorgeous thermal suite featuring a hydrotherapy pool, mud room, sauna, steam room, and marble hot tubs. (Spa access carries an extra day-pass charge).
Bars and Lounges on Brilliant Lady
Virgin Voyages handles bar culture radically differently from traditional cruise lines. You won’t find aggressive waiters roaming the pool deck trying to sell you souvenir tin cups, nor will you be forced into buying an overpriced, $90-a-day drink package just to break even. Instead, Virgin uses a flexible "Bar Tab" system—and almost every venue onboard feels like a bespoke, neighborhood bar you'd actually want to hang out in on land.
Having sailed across the entire fleet, we think Brilliant Lady features some of the smartest bar tweaks yet. Here is every bar and lounge you’ll find onboard, where to go, and what to order.
The Main Indoor Lounges
Draught Haus (Deck 7): This is the single biggest design improvement on Brilliant Lady. On earlier ships, the craft beer bar was tucked away in a cramped corner behind a vinyl record shop. Virgin listened to sailor feedback and completely knocked down the walls, opening the space directly into the upper Roundabout. It now features double the seating, plush leather sofas, and an impressive lineup of craft beers on tap. In our vlog, you can really see how much brighter and more social this space feels now!
On the Rocks (Deck 6): Located right at the base of The Roundabout, this is the ship’s primary central watering hole and live music venue. It focuses on rocks-glass cocktails, aged spirits, and inventive non-alcoholic options. It gets properly bustling in the evenings before dinner, but it’s easily one of the best people-watching spots at sea.
Sip Lounge (Deck 7): Virgin’s signature Champagne bar. It’s a gorgeous, upscale space featuring plush jewel-toned velvet seating and marble tables. Aside from high-end bubbles by the glass or bottle, they serve a fantastic afternoon tea service (for a small upcharge). It’s the perfect venue for a pre-show cocktail before heading into The Red Room.
The Loose Cannon (Deck 7): Tucked away along the corridor near The Social Club, this cozy, nautical-themed bar is easy to miss if you aren't looking for it. It serves up rum-heavy cocktails and low-key pub snacks in a relaxed, seaside-pub setting. It’s also where you’ll find daytime group trivia.
The Casino Bar (Deck 6): Positioned right alongside the gaming floor, this bar keeps things moving with fast service and late-night hours. If the main bars around Deck 6 are backed up before showtime, this is a great sneaky spot to grab a quick drink.
The Dock & The Dock House (Deck 7 Aft) - Pictured below: Hands-down our favorite daytime spot on any Virgin ship. Located right at the stern, this venue delivers a laid-back Mediterranean beach-club vibe with daybeds, ocean wake views, and chilled acoustic tunes. The bar serves brilliant sangrias, chilled rosés, and light cocktails, paired with complimentary grilled mezze skewers and tapas.
Aquatic Club Bar (Deck 15): The central hub for pool deck drinks. We found this to be one of the more forgetful bars.
Gym & Tonic Bar (Deck 15): Situated next to the quieter Well-Being Pool. If the main Aquatic Club Bar feels too chaotic, walk a few paces forward to Gym & Tonic for a much calmer vibe and refreshing, cucumber-infused cocktails.
Sun Club Bar (Deck 16): Perched on the top deck overlooking the pool area, offering sweeping ocean views and easy access for sunbathers looking to grab a quick drink without leaving their lounger.
The Athletic Club Bar (Deck 16 Aft): Serves the outdoor daybed area right by the aft catamaran net. It offers a relaxed, sporty atmosphere with casual drinks, frozen cocktails, and easy access to the outdoor adult playground.
Richard’s Rooftop Bar (Deck 16): An exclusive, VIP outdoor lounge reserved strictly for Rockstar Suite guests. It features lavish geometric styling, private hot tubs, and a daily complimentary Moët Champagne happy hour at sunset.
Specialty Coffee & Wellness Outlets
Grounds Club (Deck 7): Virgin’s main specialty coffee shop, tucked near the central Roundabout. They use proper Intelligentsia beans and high-end espresso machinery, making espresso drinks that blow standard cruise ship coffee out of the water. (Espresso drinks carry a small à la carte charge, but drip coffee across the ship is completely free).
Grounds Club Too (Deck 15): Located inside The Galley food hall for your morning caffeine fix. Oddly enough, on Brilliant Lady, this space pulls double-duty—transforming into a cozy, low-key espresso martini and cocktail spot in the evenings!
Juice Sea (Deck 7): Located right near the Dock house on Deck 7. Offers cold-pressed juices, custom protein shakes, and wellness shots. It is easy to miss!
Cruiser Note: While specialty coffees and alcohol cost extra, basic sodas, juices, still and sparkling water, and drip coffee are completely included in your cruise fare. If you do want alcoholic drinks, Virgin uses a "Bar Tab" system rather than an expensive daily drinks package, which often saves light-to-moderate drinkers a fortune!
Entertainment and Theatre on Brilliant Lady
This is an area where Virgin Voyages completely breaks the mold. You won't find traditional cruise ship revues or cabaret impressionists here. Instead, Virgin works with world-class directors and producers to deliver edgy, West End-grade production shows.
The Red Room: Dual Reality & Red Hot
The main theater on board—The Red Room—is a boundary-pushing, transformational space that can alter its floor layout from a traditional theater into a alleyway stage or a flat-floor nightclub.
Dual Reality: This fast-paced, high-flying acrobatic show is a modern, circus-infused reimagining of Romeo and Juliet. The aerial stunts, trick-ing, and intensity are breathtaking. You can see snippets of the incredible choreography in our vlog!
Red Hot: A music-heavy production celebrating the history of Virgin Music and Richard Branson's legacy. It features incredible vocalists, high-energy dancing, and a fantastic soundtrack.
The Manor: Murder in the Manor & Nightlife
The Manor is Virgin’s iconic two-story nightclub, entered via the famous, ultra-photogenic mirrored light tunnel that dominates Instagram.
Away from late-night DJ sets, it hosts Murder in the Manor—a hilarious, musical-meets-murder-mystery play that had us laughing out loud.
Hostess Abby & Resident Entertainment
A special mention must go to Virgin’s resident Hostess, Abby. She is the OG Virgin Hostess and easily one of the most talented performers at sea. Her powerhouse vocals, razor-sharp wit, and magnetic stage presence elevate every event she touches.
Alongside Abby, you’ll find Bingo with the Diva (a hilarious, stand-up comedy bingo session hosted by the ship’s resident drag queen) and The Big Remix (an interactive musical game show where the audience competes for vinyl records).
Food and Dining on Brilliant Lady
This is where Brilliant Lady truly shines. Virgin Voyages has completely eliminated the concept of a main dining room or a traditional self-serve buffet. Instead, you get over 20 distinct eateries, and every single one of them is included in your cruise fare.
The Complimentary Dining Highlights
Rojo by Razzle Dazzle (Brand-New Concept!)
On earlier ships, Razzle Dazzle was known as a bright, geometric "veggie-forward" eatery. On Brilliant Lady, Virgin completely transformed the evening menu into Rojo by Razzle Dazzle—a sophisticated, romantic Spanish tapas lounge.
Nighttime Tapas: We were blown away by the food here. Must-order dishes include the patatas bravas with spicy aioli, cider-braised chicken, ham and cheese croquetitas, and glazed pork ribs. For dessert, the creme catalan (a Spanish twist on creme brûlée) was easily one of the best sweets we’ve ever had at sea.
Daytime Brunch: By day, the venue still serves its iconic brunch. Do not miss the watermelon starter with feta, the chocolate chips scones, or the jalapeño cheese croissant.
Pink Agave
Virgin’s upscale Mexican restaurant remains an absolute crowd favorite. The decor is stunning, and the food is deeply flavorful.
Our Recommendation: Start with the fresh guacamole (topped with sweet pomegranate seeds) and the roasted street corn with cotija cheese and aioli. Follow it up with the chicken enchiladas or spicy salmon, and finish with the dark chocolate tacos.
Extra Virgin
A warm, traditional Italian trattoria serving freshly made regional pastas, charcuterie boards, and classic mains.
Must-Try: The hand-rolled meatballs, mushroom fettuccini, rich ragu pappardelle, and the freshly fried bombolini(Italian mini donuts) for dessert.
Gunbae
The first Korean BBQ restaurant at sea. Each table features a built-in stainless-steel grill where your server cooks fresh cuts of marinated beef, pork, and seafood right in front of you.
Note:Gunbae relies on communal seating, meaning smaller parties will be seated together at round tables. It’s a loud, highly social venue featuring fun Korean drinking games!
Test Kitchen
An experimental, six-course gastronomy restaurant where dishes are presented like modern art. The menu lists only primary ingredients (e.g., Mushroom, Scallop, Beef, Chocolate), and the chefs use smoke, nitrogen, and unusual pairings to surprise you. It’s divisive—some sailors love it, while others find it a bit too unusual—but as an included experience, it’s well worth trying!
The Wake
Located right at the aft of Deck 6, entered via a dramatic grand staircase. This is Virgin’s glam 1950s steak and seafood house, serving prime cuts of steak, clam chowder, roasted chicken, and a fantastic avocado benedict for daytime brunch.
Quick Bites & Casual Eateries
The Galley: Virgin’s food hall concept on Deck 15. Instead of a messy buffet, you take a seat and order from individual food stalls. Options include a custom salad bar, a ramen/noodle counter, a Mexican taco stand, a bento-box sushi station, all-day breakfast, and an incredible dessert counter serving pistachio eclairs and dulce de leche macarons.
The Pizza Place: Hands-down some of the best pizza at sea. Every personal pie is freshly rolled, topped, and cooked to order in open ovens. Try the Pretty Fly for a White Guy (four-cheese) or the Pesto Chicken.
Lick Me Till Ice Cream: A complimentary artisanal gelato parlor on Deck 7 offering rotating daily flavors in fresh red velvet or midnight cones.
The Social Club Diner: Great for grab-and-go hot dogs, soft pretzels, wings, and popcorn while playing board games or shuffleboard.
Sun Club Café - More overlooked but a great spot on Deck 16 for Hawaiian-Asian fusion cuisine and ample seating.
Premium Upcharge Dining: "Up With a Twist"
While all standard restaurants are free, Virgin offers one specialty entertainment-dining experience inside The Manor. Titled Up With a Twist, this $50-per-person 1920s-style cabaret dinner show includes a multi-course meal (featuring tenderloin beef or swordfish), fresh appetizers, and unlimited premium cocktails throughout the performance. The West End-grade singing, dancing, and immersive jazz atmosphere make it an absolute bargain for the price.
Cabins on Brilliant Lady
Virgin Voyages offers a crisp, modern approach to staterooms. Storage is surprisingly clever, power outlets are plentiful (with USB-A and USB-C ports at the bedside), and everything in the room is controlled via an in-cabin iPad tablet.
Instead of heavy wooden wardrobes that eat into your living space, storage is hidden behind a clever full-length curtain wall, revealing open shelving, drawers, and hanging rails.
Cruiser Tip: Closet space is slightly more compact than what you’d find on Celebrity or Royal Caribbean. If you're heavy packers like us, bring a few magnetic hooks for the metal cabin walls to hang bags, hats, and jackets!
Here is a full breakdown of the cabin categories available on Brilliant Lady, so you can decide which space fits your travel style and budget.
Inside Cabins
Solo Insider (approx. 105 sq ft)
The Insider (approx. 105–177 sq ft)
Social Insider (approx. 177 sq ft)
If you are the type of cruiser who only uses your room to sleep, shower, and change, the Insider cabins are a remarkably cost-effective pick.
What surprised us: Virgin is one of the few cruise lines actively catering to solo travelers without slapping them with a massive 100% single supplement fee. The Solo Insider is purpose-built for one guest, featuring a cozy single bed and full tech integration. On the flip side, the Social Insider is configured with bunk beds that can sleep up to four sailors—a great budget option if you're traveling as a group of friends who plan on spending 90% of their time out exploring the ship.
The Honest Verdict: Standard Insiders are compact, but because of the sleek wall-mounted furniture layout, they don't feel claustrophobic. Plus, with no window, they get pitch-black at night—which is an absolute blessing when you’re trying to sleep off a late night at The Manor!
Oceanview (Sea View Cabins)
Solo Sea View (approx. 130 sq ft)
The Sea View (approx. 130 sq ft)
Positioned primarily on Decks 5, 9, 11, and 12, Sea View cabins give you natural daylight and ocean views through a large picture window without having to pay the full price of a walk-out balcony.
What we loved: Most Sea View rooms feature a clever built-in window seat. Sitting with a morning drip coffee while watching the wake roll by from the cushioned window nook is surprisingly cozy.
The Honest Verdict: To be fair, if you are sailing somewhere warm like the Caribbean, we almost always recommend stretching your budget to a balcony. However, if you’re booking Brilliant Lady for cold-weather itineraries (like Alaska or Atlantic crossings), a Sea View is a very smart compromise. You get the scenery without paying for a private balcony you might be too chilly to sit on!
Sea Terraces (Balcony Cabins)
Limited View Sea Terrace (approx. 225 sq ft including terrace)
The Sea Terrace (approx. 225 sq ft including terrace)
Central Sea Terrace (approx. 225 sq ft including terrace)
XL Sea Terrace (approx. 265 sq ft including terrace)
The Sea Terrace is Virgin’s signature balcony room and makes up over 80% of the accommodations on board.
Every standard Sea Terrace comes equipped with Virgin’s iconic red hand-woven terrace hammock (handcrafted in Thailand by a weaver named Waraporn). Photos really don't do it justice—curling up in this hammock with a warm blanket while watching the sea is easily one of our favorite things to do on any cruise ship.
Our Honest Take & Ultimate Cabin Hack: Because the mattress is designed to fold and split into a couch, it can feel noticeably firmer than traditional cruise mattresses. But here is our top tip: ask your cabin host for a mattress topper on Day 1. They will fit a thick, plush mattress pad over the bed, completely transforming it into an absolute marshmallow!
XL Sea Terrace vs. Standard
If you want a bit more breathing room, the XL Sea Terrace adds extra floor space and upgrades the bathroom layout. Instead of a single compact bathroom, XL rooms feature a split-bathroom design—one room for the toilet and sink, and a separate room with a massive glass rain shower and vanity.
Watch on Camera: The layout of the convertible bed and shower setup makes far more sense when you see it in motion.
Suites (Rockstar & Mega Rockstar Quarters)
If you want to splurge, Virgin’s suite offerings—designed by legendary British designer Tom Dixon—are split into two distinct tiers: Rockstar Quarters and Mega Rockstar Quarters.
Rockstar Suites
Seriously Suite (approx. 352 sq ft)
Sweet Aft Suite (approx. 416–615 sq ft)
Cheeky Corner Suite (approx. 615–735 sq ft)
Brilliant Suite (approx. 482 sq ft)
Rockstar Suites ditch the convertible sofa beds for proper, permanent European King beds. The retro-glam decor includes mid-century record players (complete with real vinyl records!), full marble bathrooms with peek-a-boo glass rain showers, and a stocked mini-bar credenza.
Rockstar Perks: You get access to Richard’s Rooftop (an exclusive VIP sundeck with a daily complimentary Moët Champagne sunset happy hour), priority booking for all dining and shows, and a dedicated Rockstar Agent to handle your requests.
Mega Rockstar Suites
Gorgeous Suite (approx. 570 sq ft)
Posh Suite (approx. 833 sq ft)
Fab Suite (approx. 950 sq ft)
Massive Suite (approx. 2,147 sq ft)
This is the top-tier luxury experience on board. The Mega Rockstar Quarters feature expansive outdoor terraces with private hot tubs, outdoor lookouts, and open-air "Peek-a-View" showers. The flagship Massive Suite even features its own private music room stocked with electric guitars and amplifiers!
Mega Perks: In addition to Richard’s Rooftop access, Mega Rockstars receive a bottomless in-room bar, complimentary daily thermal spa passes, free laundry service, and private transfer/parking benefits.
Planning a VIP Trip? Read our complete [Rockstar Suite Perks & VIP Guide] where we break down whether the extra suite costs are actually worth the money compared to booking a standard Sea Terrace!Brilliant Lady vs Other Cruise Lines
Brilliant Lady vs Other Cruise Lines: How Does She Compare?
If you’ve cruised extensively with mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean or Norwegian, or stepped up to premium lines like Celebrity and Princess, booking Virgin Voyages can feel like learning a completely new travel language. There are no formal nights, no set dining times, no main dining rooms, and—most importantly—not a single child in sight.
Having sailed across virtually every major cruise line in the world, we find *Brilliant Lady* sits in a really unique sweet spot. Her food quality easily rivals (and often beats) Celebrity, but her casual, fun-focused atmosphere feels much closer to Royal Caribbean—just tailored strictly for adults.
| Feature / Aspect | Brilliant Lady (Virgin Voyages) |
Mainstream Lines (Royal Caribbean / NCL / MSC) |
Premium Lines (Celebrity / Princess) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger Vibe & Crowd | Strictly Adults Only (18+). Incredibly diverse, inclusive, and relaxed. Think trendy boutique city hotel at sea. Zero screaming kids by the pool. | Family & Multi-Gen. High-energy, loud, and bustling. Packed with kids, families, and big groups on sea days. | Adult-Focused & Mature. Calmer, quieter, and more traditional. Very few kids, but evenings wind down much earlier. |
| Dining Inclusions & Quality | Exceptional & All-Included. 20+ specialty-grade eateries with no cover charges. No buffets or main dining rooms—everything is made fresh to order. | Hit and Miss. Decent Main Dining Room and large buffets, but the best food is hidden behind $45–$90 specialty cover charges. | High Quality & Polished. Excellent Main Dining Rooms and elegant specialty venues (at an added fee). Traditional dining formats. |
| Fare Inclusions (Value) | Very High Inclusions. Basic Wi-Fi, gratuities, sodas, drip coffee, fitness classes, and all food are bundled into the base fare. | Low Base Fare, High Upcharges. Heavy nickel-and-diming for Wi-Fi ($20–$30/day), daily tips ($18+/day), sodas, and activities. | Moderate to High. Often offers bundled package rates (Wi-Fi + Drinks), though specialty dining and fitness cost extra. |
| Entertainment Style | Edgy & Modern. West End acrobats (Dual Reality), drag bingo, immersive pop-up gigs, and Scarlet Night. No cheesy cabaret acts. | Massive Scale. Full Broadway musicals, high-diving aqua shows, ice skating, waterparks, and street parades. | Classic & Refined. West End/Broadway reviews, guest vocalists, live acoustic bands, and quiet evening lounges. |
| Layout & Weather Versatility | Outdoor-Focused. Brilliant in warm climates. Lacks a covered indoor pool or glass solarium for cold-weather ports like Alaska. | Vast Indoor Spaces. Mega-promenades, indoor arcades, and massive covered solariums cater well to any weather. | Outstanding Indoor Sanctuaries. Gorgeous glass solariums, quiet observation lounges, and climate-controlled spaces. |
Our Honest Take: Which Ship Line Should You Pick?
Choose Brilliant Lady if: You want incredible food without paying extra specialty cover charges, you hate rigid formal nights and set dining times, and you want a stylish, adults-only atmosphere where you can actually relax by the pool without a single splashing child in sight.
Stick to Celebrity or Royal Caribbean if: You are traveling as a family, you love massive indoor glass solariums for chilly sea days, or you prefer traditional cruise touches like grand three-story dining rooms, formal nights, and classic theater revues.
🎥 Want to see how the vibe actually feels in real life? You can see how the energy shifts from relaxing afternoon sea days to full-blown Scarlet Night celebrations in our full Brilliant Lady Ship Tour Vlog on YouTube!
Final Verdict: Is Brilliant Lady Worth Booking?
Brilliant Lady proves that Virgin Voyages’ fresh approach to cruising is here to stay.
By removing the stuffier traditions of ocean travel—like formal nights, set dining times, and endless hidden add-on fees—Virgin has created a cruise experience that feels genuinely modern, fun, and relaxing. The food quality across every single venue remains some of the best in the entire cruise industry, and the subtle design tweaks aboard Brilliant Lady make her the most polished ship in the fleet.
If you are an adult looking for a stylish holiday with world-class included food, energetic West End-grade entertainment, and a warm, inclusive atmosphere, Brilliant Lady is an absolute triumph.
Planning Your Next Cruise?
Check out our other honest reviews and guides to help you plan your next voyage:
Are you thinking about booking Brilliant Lady, or have you sailed with Virgin Voyages before? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section of our YouTube tour!
