Just four years after Virgin Voyages’ first ship sailed its inaugural Caribbean itineraries, the cruise line is bringing online its fourth ship while continuing to challenge the norms of the industry.
Brilliant Lady, which is calling PortMiami home for the winter, arrived in October from New York City to sail adults-only cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas, ranging from six to 12 nights. While closely resembling its sister ships, the 110,000-gross-ton Brilliant Lady features “software” updates to its dining menus and entertainment offerings. It’s also the first Virgin ship capable of a Panama Canal crossing, with its lifeboats now tucked into the ship rather than hanging over the side.
The ship’s slate of entertainment offerings includes the roaring ’20s-inspired “Up With A Twist” dinner show, which features a four-course meal and five cocktails, a “Murder In The Manor” interactive mystery show, the “Out of Time” musical comedy and “Red Hot,” a show celebrating the “playfully rebellious spirit” of Virgin Group founder Richard Branson.
Upon embarkation, a reimagined roundabout welcomes guests into an atrium that spans two decks with abundant options to grab a seat and a drink. Rather than embarking to see a grand foyer or concourse, a defining feature of most modern megaships, it’s immediately clear that the focus of Virgin’s mission is intimate spaces for connecting and socializing.
Onboard, guests can explore more than 20 specialty restaurants with food made from scratch in individual kitchens with options from steak to seafood and tapas offerings at the new evening dining venue, Rojo by Razzle Dazzle. Libations can be found at a dozen bars, from the poolside Aquatic Club bar to the nautically-themed Loose Cannon.
Reimagined cruise dining is only one arena where Virgin is rocking the boat of traditional cruise experiences. There are no buffets or big dining halls. Gone are the rules about formal nights and set dining times.
Wi-Fi is included with cruise fare, as are gratuities, soft drinks and specialty dining experiences, for instance. Many of the balcony rooms have a signature red hammock. One amenity that comes standard on Virgin ships is a tattoo parlor. And guests can use an onboard app to shake their phone and have a bottle of champagne hand-delivered to them.
Since there are no kids on board, there are dedicated spaces for helping adults embrace their inner child. At the Athletic Club, discover a see-saw, swinging chairs, oversized chess, a suspended net for lounging and a boxing ring. There’s still an arcade, set just beside The Loose Cannon dive bar and The Social Club, which has shelves of board games and shuffleboard.
All of these concepts were crafted by hit-or-miss brainstorming, said Frank Weber, Virgin Voyages’ senior vice president of fleet operations.
“You throw spaghetti at the wall. Some falls off right away, some sticks and some goes slowly down,” Weber said. “Where the spaghetti stuck, those are things we have to hold onto. With the stuff that slowly slides down, you have to make adjustments.”
The Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady is docked at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 28. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)
A reimagined roundabout greets guests embarking on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
On Deck 15, Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady has a small well-being pool at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Art is scattered throughout the roundabout that guests see upon embarking on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
A casino is located on Deck 6 on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
On Deck 16, Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady has the Athletic Club, an adult playground and fitness area at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Virgin has its own craft English pale ale on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady is docked at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Some cabins come equipped standard with a record player on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
On Deck 16, guests can find a sports area on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
On Deck 15, Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady has a small well-being pool at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
A view from the jogging track on Deck 17 shows the well-being pool on Deck 15 and adjacent bars on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
On Deck 15, Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady has a small well-being pool and a bar at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
On Deck 16, guests can find oversized chess and other adult activities on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
On Deck 15, Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady has a pool and lounge chairs at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Many balcony rooms come with a signature red hammock on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
A reimagined roundabout greets guests embarking on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Pink Agave is a Mexican-inspired restaurant on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The sea view cabin is one of the accommodation options on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
A view of the Virgin logo can be seen from the jogging track on Deck 17 on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
On Deck 16, Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady has the Athletic Club, an adult playground and fitness area complete with a see-saw at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
On Deck 16, Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady has the Athletic Club, an adult playground and fitness area complete with a boxing ring at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Massive Suite is the largest accommodation option on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
“Up With A Twist” is a roaring ‘20s-inspired dinner show in The Manor on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
“Up With A Twist” is a roaring ‘20s-inspired dinner show in The Manor on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
“Up With A Twist” is a roaring ‘20s-inspired dinner show in The Manor on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
“Up With A Twist” is a roaring ‘20s-inspired dinner show in The Manor on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
A view of the Miami skyline can be seen from the jogging track on Deck 17 on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Massive Suite is the largest accommodation option on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady has art all around the ship at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady is docked at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady has multiple suite accommodations to choose from at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady has board games available for guests to borrow at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Massive Suite is the largest accommodation option on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Virgin Voyages CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu introduces the “Red Hot” show on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
A reimagined roundabout is the focal point and atrium of Deck 6 and 7 on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
A sparkly hallway leads into The Manor on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Dock serves as an outdoor eatery and bar on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Social Club is a place for dining, drinking and hanging out on Deck 7 of the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady has multiple suite accommodations to choose from at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
“Up With A Twist” is a roaring ‘20s-inspired dinner show in The Manor on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Richard’s Rooftop is a VIP sundeck and bar on Deck 16 on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The “Red Hot” show celebrates the “playfully rebellious spirit” of Virgin Group founder Richard Branson on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The “Red Hot” show celebrates the “playfully rebellious spirit” of Virgin Group founder Richard Branson on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The “Red Hot” show celebrates the “playfully rebellious spirit” of Virgin Group founder Richard Branson on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The “Red Hot” show celebrates the “playfully rebellious spirit” of Virgin Group founder Richard Branson on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The “Red Hot” show celebrates the “playfully rebellious spirit” of Virgin Group founder Richard Branson on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Virgin logo is lit up as seen from the jogging track on Deck 17 on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
“Electric” in The Manor gives guests a chance to dance at a blacklight “glow party” on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Guests can find an arcade on Deck 7 on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The pool is lit up at night on Deck 15 on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The well-being pool is lit up at night on Deck 15 on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
“Electric” in The Manor gives guests a chance to dance at a blacklight “glow party” on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The well-being pool is lit up at night on Deck 15 on the Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady is docked at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 28, 2025. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)
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The Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady is docked at PortMiami’s Terminal V on Oct. 28. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)
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One example: Gunbae, the Korean barbecue restaurant and soju bar set just off The Galley food hall, was developed by Weber and his wife, one of the cruise line’s early development chefs, in their Miami Beach apartment. The couple hatched the idea for the concept after visiting Koreatown, Los Angeles, and then put together drinking games before inviting friends over to test their concept. Accordingly, every meal at Gunbae begins with a drinking game and a complimentary shot of soju.
Putting this much money and effort into the cruise business, something Branson never saw himself getting into, seems to be paying off in the form of customer loyalty.
“One day, we had a bunch of friends over for a meal and started mulling about, ‘Is it an industry that can be shaken up like the airline industry or other industries that we’ve gone into?’” Branson said. “If we made it an adult-only experience, all that space you put aside for kids, we could devote to adults for better restaurants, better entertainment, running tracks, better health facilities and better party areas.”
In the last several years, the cruise line has focused on treating its customers and its crew right, letting the “financial outcomes” follow later.
“We don’t compete on the hardware; we compete on the software. It’s not about how big the ship is and not about the waterslides. It’s about the experience you get on the ships,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, Virgin Voyages’ CEO.
He also counts a happy crew as an essential business philosophy. That means crew get free Wi-Fi and housekeeping, for instance.
While the food, kid-free atmosphere, crew and included extras are the top four reasons guests book their first Virgin cruise, Saverimuttu said the crew is what keeps them coming back.
Plus, it’s hard to beat a glowing word-of-mouth review.
“People talk about their experience and say, ‘Listen, you should really go try this,’” Weber said. “It’s all of the little things that we put together to make this a much nicer experience.”
Prices start at $903 per person based on double occupancy.
Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com. Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.
