Brilliant Lady Moves Closer to Launch
Virgin Voyages' Brilliant Lady sets sail from Fincantieri Shipyard, Palermo bound, anticipated launch 2025, celebrated by shipyard workers.
Brilliant Lady, Virgin Voyages’ next anticipated vessel, embarked on its final journey from the Fincantieri Genova Shipyard on February 12th, 2024, celebrated by many who worked on her at the shipyard. This significant milestone marks the ship’s structural completion in a step that moves her closer to launch.
She is currently heading to Palermo in Sicily, Italy, expected to arrive on February 16th, 2024 likely to go to another Shipyard for further fittings. Eager sailors can track her location directly on CruiseMapper.
Potential Launch Date
Despite this progress, the Brilliant Lady is not scheduled to enter service in 2024. First Mates received information last December indicating that the ship’s debut is expected between May and September 2025, with potential further delays pushing the launch to 2026.
Insights from Virgin Voyages
John Diorio, Virgin’s VP of North American sales, expressed optimism in an interview with Seatrade Cruise News, indicating plans to finalize strategies for the Brilliant Lady’s future within the next four to five months. However, he highlighted the necessity of an 18 to 24-month ramp-up period post-sale before the ship’s service commencement.
Shipyard Celebrations
Workers at Fincantieri Shipyard celebrated her leaving the yard with a series of posts on Instagram.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Historical Background
The Brilliant Lady was floated out on November 25, 2022, and is currently undergoing the fitting-out process. It is expected to offer the same amenities akin to its sister ships, alongside eco-friendly technologies and sustainable practices.
The original MerMaiden voyage was scheduled for December 23rd, 2023, but faced delays, pushing the launch date to a projected window between May and October 2025. Details regarding the MerMaiden voyage are currently unavailable.
Rumors of Changes to Support More Destinations
VV Insider reported last month about modifications to the Brilliant Lady’s lifeboats and cabins to facilitate passage through the Panama Canal, a feat not achievable by the current fleet.
Stay Tuned for Further Updates
As we hear more about Brilliant Lady in the lead up to launch we’ll be reporting about the latest developments. Sailors can eagerly await the Brilliant Lady’s eventual debut while acknowledging the complexities involved in bringing this remarkable vessel to fruition.
Subscribe to our Newsletter to be informed with the latest news and happenings around Brilliant Lady.
