Brilliant Lady Arrives in NYC with a Choir-Led Sail-In at the Statue of Liberty
Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady enters NYC with Statue of Liberty flyby and Branson-led “Don’t Stop Me Now” singalong, ahead of her MerMaiden.
Statue Of Liberty Sail-In Kicks Off Brilliant Lady’s New York Launch
Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady made a high-profile entrance into New York Harbor this morning, circling the Statue of Liberty as thousands of guests joined a deck-top singalong. The sail-in opens a week of launch events in the city ahead of the ship’s “MerMaiden” voyage on Sept. 5.
A Statue Of Liberty Moment, Set To “Don’t Stop Me Now”
At about 9:30am Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady eased alongside the Statue of Liberty, sailors and crew lined the rails to wave their first hello, kicking off a huge shipwide celebration. High above, Sir Richard Branson appeared on the roof, returning the greeting and acknowledging helicopter-mounted cameras with a broad wave.
A Taste Of The Onboard Soundtrack
Performers from Up With a Twist—a new, roaring-’20s–tinged supper-club show debuting with Brilliant Lady—followed with a New York medley stitching Broadway favorites to pop standards, neatly matching the skyline in view. Virgin has teased the production as a high-energy blend of live band, dancers, and powerhouse vocalists—a signal of the line’s entertainment push on its newest ship.
From “AGT” To New York Harbor: Astrid Jorgensen Conducts The Crowd
Australian conductor Astrid Jorgensen—fresh off a standout “America’s Got Talent” appearance turning a studio audience into a full choir.
Video Clip of the Pub Choir Moment
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more footage from on board Brilliant Lady.
A Splash To Seal It
After the final chorus, Branson and senior Virgin Voyages leaders leapt into the pool, drawing cheers from the decks and wrapping the welcome with the brand’s signature playful flourish.
What’s Next: Launch-Week Parties And The “MerMaiden”
The New York launch now moves dockside with two party nights on Sept. 3 and 4, ahead of Brilliant Lady’s five-night “MerMaiden” sailing to Bermuda on Friday, Sept. 5.
Why It Matters
Brilliant Lady is the fourth ship in Virgin Voyages’ Lady Ship fleet and the capstone to the brand’s first phase. Her inaugural season is a North American tour—New York and Canada/New England this autumn; Miami through the winter; a Panama Canal transit; Los Angeles for the Mexican Riviera; and, in 2026, Alaska—underscoring Virgin’s aim to extend its footprint beyond the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
