After spending the winter anchored off the coast of Málaga, Brilliant Lady is finally moving closer to her long-anticipated debut. She’s expected to enter a wet dock within the next month or so, likely at the Fincantieri shipyard in Palermo, as Virgin Voyages prepares her for service.

What is a Wet Dock?

A wet dock is an in-water maintenance period where ships receive upgrades, inspections and finishing touches without being taken out of the water. It’s a cost-effective alternative to a dry dock, which involves lifting the ship onto land. Because Brilliant Lady only left the shipyard in early 2024, a full dry dock won’t be needed for some time. This rare pre-service wet dock allows Virgin Voyages to get her ready after the delays in her delivery timeline.

From Construction to Completion

Brilliant Lady was floated out on November 25th, 2022, and officially left the Fincantieri Genova Shipyard on February 12th, 2024. She’s since been anchored off the coast of Málaga, waiting for her final outfitting.

Once the wet dock is complete, crew members will begin boarding the ship from June into July as Virgin Voyages brings her to life for the first time.

What’s Next for Brilliant Lady?

After crew onboarding and final checks, Brilliant Lady is expected to host a trade event in the UK. This event will offer a first look at the ship to travel advisors and partners ahead of her debut.

Her first sailing will be an invite-only Friends & Family voyage departing from Portsmouth in August. This preview test sailing will give select guests an early experience of the ship before she officially begins service.

Brilliant Lady will then head across the Atlantic, with her public debut scheduled for September 5th, 2025, in New York.

Onboard Enhancements

Confirmed additions include Rojo by Razzle Dazzle, which will be introduced as part of her food and drink offering. Other expected features are in line with Scarlet Lady’s recent refit—likely including Grounds Club Too, VIP Cabanas, and minor updates. It’s not yet clear whether there will be time or capability to install any of the new suites introduced on Deck 11 during this wet dock period.

Learn More on the Celebration Voyage

More details about the process will be shared on board the May 4th Celebration Voyage during a talk titled Wet + Dry Docks with Frank. Hosted by Frank Weber, SVP of Marine Technical, the session will explore recent dry dock changes on Scarlet Lady and the wet dock plans for Brilliant Lady.

This session is part of the broader event line-up revealed last month for those sailing on this special voyage.

Looking Ahead

Brilliant Lady’s wet dock is an unusual step ahead of her debut, but it highlights Virgin Voyages’ focus on ensuring every detail is in place before she welcomes sailors. With Valiant Lady also scheduled for a dry dock in May 2026, it’s clear the brand is investing in keeping its fleet refreshed and future-ready.

Stay tuned for more updates as Brilliant Lady prepares to join the Virgin Voyages lineup.

Source: 4 May 2025 – Celebration Voyage – Event Line-up