Brilliant Lady Revealed: Virgin Voyages Newest Mermaid Icon
Brilliant Lady's new mermaid icon is causing quite a stir on social media. Revealed in social media posts on February 23, 2024, this new design continues the company's tradition of celebrating diversity.
Brilliant Lady‘s new mermaid icon is causing quite a stir on social media. Revealed in social media posts on February 23, 2024, this new design continues the company’s tradition of celebrating diversity. This move reflects Virgin Voyages’ broader commitment to inclusivity and representation, ensuring that travelers from all backgrounds feel welcomed and celebrated.
A Glimpse into the Painting Process
Currently, the Brilliant Lady is undergoing a dry-dock in Palermo, Sicily, as part of her dry dock phase, which we reported last week. After making her journey from the Fincantieri Genova Shipyard on February 12th, 2024, the ship is now being fitted and painted, preparing for her grand debut.
A Nod to Tradition with a Modern Twist
Virgin Voyages has long embraced the tradition of having a leading lady painted on the side of their vessels, serving as the ship’s fictional ‘godmother.’ This practice, borrowed from Virgin’s roots in the aviation industry, has been given a nautical twist for their cruise line, featuring mermaids instead of human models. The introduction of a mermaid with South East Asian features on the Brilliant Lady not only enriches this tradition but also showcases Virgin Voyages’ commitment to diversity and representation.
Brilliant Lady Continues To Prepare For Launch
The Brilliant Lady’s journey to completion has been filled with anticipation and excitement. Leaving the Fincantieri Shipyard on February 12th marked a significant milestone, moving her one step closer to her launch. Despite not entering service until potentially between May and September 2025, the enthusiasm surrounding her development has not waned. John Diorio, Virgin’s VP of North American sales, has expressed optimism for the ship’s future, acknowledging the necessary ramp-up period before service commencement. Meanwhile, modifications to the Brilliant Lady, including changes to lifeboats and cabins, suggest an ambition to navigate new destinations, such as the Panama Canal, which would expand the vessel’s reach.
The Tradition Continues
The Brilliant Lady’s new mermaid icon is more than just a painting; it’s a symbol of Virgin Voyages’ ongoing commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and the celebration of cultures. As the ship undergoes dry-dock and fitting out in Palermo, this latest revelation adds to the growing excitement and anticipation for her launch. Virgin Voyages continues to push the boundaries of traditional cruise experiences, promising a fleet that’s not only luxurious and eco-friendly but also reflective of the diverse world we live in.
Stay tuned for further updates on the Brilliant Lady as we continue to report on her journey towards launch. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news and happenings around this remarkable vessel.