The Top Virgin Voyages Stories of 2025
Here are the top Virgin Voyages stories of 2025: Brilliant Lady’s launch, new menus, drink trials, entertainment updates & VoyageFair choices
Here’s a roundup of the top Virgin Voyages stories from 2025, as chosen by our readers. These moments reflect the developments that shaped conversation throughout the year, from major fleet milestones to changes that prompted questions, debate, and closer scrutiny.
1. Brilliant Lady Officially Launches
The defining story of 2025 was the long-awaited launch of Brilliant Lady. After years of planning, delays, and speculation, Virgin Voyages finally introduced its fourth ship, completing the original fleet vision. What made this story resonate was not just the launch itself, but the level of detail that followed. With VV Insider our readers got a full ship tour before anyone else, new videos of entertainment, and in-depth photography allowing our readers to properly understand how Brilliant Lady compares to her sister ships.
New and reworked spaces sparked plenty of discussion, particularly around how Virgin Voyages has refined its original design approach rather than reinventing it entirely. The launch also helped set expectations for where the brand may take future ships and refurbishments.
What’s Different on Brilliant Lady
2. Happenings Cast Takes Center Stage
Interest in the Happenings Cast remained consistently high throughout 2025. As onboard entertainment continued to evolve across the fleet, readers repeatedly looked for clear explanations of who the cast are, what they do, and how the experience differs from sailing to sailing. VV Insider is the only place to find the latest cast updates in full, stay tuned as with four ships sailing you never know who will be next on the list!
Complete Happenings Cast Guide
3. Menu Changes Across the Fleet, Including Gunbae and Extra Virgin
Food continued to be one of the most closely watched parts of the Virgin Voyages experience in 2025. Menu changes across the fleet generated steady interest, especially at venues that form part of the brand’s identity. Gunbae updates stood out because of the restaurant’s interactive format, where even small menu changes can noticeably affect the experience (bring back the bibimbap!).
Extra Virgin also became a major talking point after Virgin Voyages confirmed that menus are now unique to each ship. While this added variety, it also introduced new questions for diners trying to plan ahead. Readers wanted to know how different menus would be, and whether favorites would appear consistently across the fleet.
Extra Virgin Menus Now Unique to Each Ship
4. VoyageFair Choices and Gratuities Changes Roll Out
One of the most notable operational changes in 2025 was the rollout of VoyageFair Choices, alongside updates to how gratuities are handled. The aim was greater flexibility, but the changes quickly became controversial.
At VV Insider, we stepped in to clarify misinformation circulating on Reddit and published clear documentation, videos, and explainers on how the system works. While the reaction has been mixed, the framework has been in place since October 7. Some sailors have adjusted to it, while others remain unconvinced.
VoyageFair Choices and Gratuities Changes Explained
5. The “Drink Like a VIP” Trial Sparks Debate
The limited “Drink Like a VIP” trial quickly became one of the most debated topics of the year. For a brand that built its reputation on avoiding traditional drink packages, the trial represented a noticeable shift. Some welcomed the option, while others questioned whether it aligned with Virgin Voyages’ original positioning.
At the end of May the trail came to a close. That lack of follow-up left many wondering whether it was a one-off experiment or an early signal of broader changes still under consideration.
Drink Like a VIP Trial Details
Looking Ahead
As 2025 comes to a close, these stories reflect what defined the year for Virgin Voyages. It was a year that saw the launch of Brilliant Lady, ongoing menu changes across the fleet, and continued evolution of the Happenings Cast. At the same time, more controversial topics, including the introduction of drink packages and VoyageFair Choices, shaped longer-running discussion as the brand continues to mature. With ship updates, dry docks, and further fleet changes ahead, many of these conversations are set to continue into 2026.
As ever stay tuned to VV Insider as the only place for the most up to date Virgin Voyages news, guides, tools and more!
