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Brilliant Lady Launching 5 September 2025

After experiencing significant delays, Virgin Voyages has announced the forthcoming launch of the Brilliant Lady in 2025.

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Brilliant Lady Launches 2025
Brilliant Lady Launches 2025 © Photo by Virgin Voyages

After experiencing significant delays, Virgin Voyages has finally announced the forthcoming launch of the Brilliant Lady – 5 September 2025. Originally slated for December 24th, 2023, the ship’s debut was postponed, resulting in the cancellation of numerous sailings.

Bookings for the Brilliant Lady inaugural season open on 8 May 2024, bookings can be made through Virgin Voyages directly or your preferred ‘First Mate’ (travel advisor).

Brilliant Lady MerMaiden Voyage

The eagerly awaited MerMaiden Voyage is scheduled to embark on 5 September 2025 from New York City. Virgin Voyages has assured those previously booked on this voyage that they will have priority booking, securing their spots on this special journey. Additional “MerMaiden” voyages will take place in Los Angeles & Miami (Seattle has been teased). Bookings for these exclusive voyages will be opening shortly.

Launch Season

Brilliant’s inaugural season will feature the largest number of new ports for a Virgin Voyages ship. Destinations include:

  • New York City starting in 2025 in September
  • Miami in October 2025 to March 2026
  • Panama Canal to Los Angeles from 21 March to May 2026
  • Seattle, and Alaska in May to September 2026

More details to follow as we discover the new itineraries.

New York City
Brilliant Lady will be launching from New York City in September 2025© Photo by Patrick Tomasso

 

MerMaiden Details

It’s been confirmed that there will be 4 MerMaiden voyages, three of the MerMaiden voyages have been revealed in details while a fourth, based from Seattle has been only teased at in the announcement video.

For those booked on the original Brilliant Lady MerMaiden voyages and have been promised pre-booking for the new dates have until 7 May to claim their priority booking window. These sailors should contact their original travel advisors or Virgin Voyages directly to select the voyage they would like to book.

Brilliant Lady MerMaiden Cruise from New York City – 5 September 2025

“Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime MerMaiden 5 Night Cruise from NYC to Bermuda for a perfect blend of city life and island paradise, & All Included Luxury.”

Brilliant Lady MerMaiden Cruise from Miami – 17 October 2025

“This round-trip voyage from Miami stops at three beautiful islands including Tortola, Bimini (home to our exclusive beach club), and St. Maarten.”

Brilliant Lady MerMaiden Cruise from Los Angeles – 7 April 2026

“Embark on an enchanting 5-night round trip MerMaiden cruise from Los Angeles to top destinations like Santa Barbara, San Diego & Ensenada, Mexico.”

Brilliant Lady MerMaiden Cruise from Seattle – May 2026

This was teased at in the announcement video but we are awaiting more details soon.

Current Brilliant Lady Movements

Recent months have seen heightened activity surrounding the Brilliant Lady. This includes the application of the iconic mermaid emblem, installation of various artworks like the roundabout octopus, and successful sea trials following its departure from the original shipyard.

A mermaid being pained on the side of a cruise ship with 'Brilliant Lady' written underneath
A close-up of Virgin Voyages’ latest mermaid icon for Brilliant Lady

Looking to the Future

This announcement marks the culmination of the initial set of Lady ships that commenced in 2021 with Scarlet Lady. Despite encountering delays and itinerary alterations, Virgin Voyages looks ahead optimistically. With a complete fleet at their disposal, sailors can anticipate more exciting itineraries in the future.

On Sale Date

Bookings open on 8 May 2024, bookings can be made through Virgin Voyages directly or your preferred ‘First Mate’ (travel advisor).

Keep Updated on Brilliant Lady News

VV Insider will continue to provide updates on all Brilliant Lady developments. Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook for the latest information.

About the author

Co-Founder and Editor. An iOS developer and writer with a passion for theme parks and extensive cruise experience, blending technical know how with a love for Virgin Voyages nearing 15 sailings around the world.


12 Comments

  1. Sam says:

    You have 2023 as the original launch date, should it not be 2024?

    It is shocking that there is such a long delay. 255 days is not just a normal delay. It would be very interesting to know what happened that caused such a massive delay.

    1. Rob Sammons says:

      Indeed Brilliant Lady was due to launch December 24th 2023!

  2. Bella says:

    Alaska here we com!!!

  3. Simon says:

    So disappointed to see it won’t be sailing to Australia.

  4. Jules says:

    The new Mermaiden sailings are crazy expensive. We were scheduled for the original San Juan Mermaiden and had our TA price the new one out of Miami. The eight-night was more than our 15-night transatlantic next May

    1. James Vickers says:

      What sort of prices are they quoting out of interest?

  5. Sue Black says:

    Looking forward to experiencing Brilliant Lady. Was hoping Australia may have been included from U.S. west coast.

  6. Matt says:

    Super excited for more North America options!! Thanks for the scoop

    1. Ed Gray says:

      I can’t wait to go on brilliant but it’ll have to wait till 2027

      1. Brian says:

        What about Australia?

        1. Rob Sammons says:

          Nothing yet. Maybe after Seattle

  7. I CAN NOT WAIT TO EXPERIENCE BRILLIANT LADY!! 😍😍

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