Virgin Voyages unveiled its latest ship Brilliant Lady this month with lavish launch events in New York ahead of its inaugural journey.
As the latest addition to the cruise line’s adults-only fleet entered New York Harbor in sight of the Statue of Liberty, more than 1,200 crew members and 1,200 passengers came together in song with a rendition of Queen’s anthemic “Don’t Stop Me Now.”
The performance during the ship’s sail-in was led by Astrid Jorgensen of Pub Choir, known for her ability to bring rooms full of strangers into a joyful community choir in minutes, regardless of technical vocal ability or memorization.
“Brilliant Lady is the embodiment of everything Virgin Voyages stands for,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, Virgin Voyages’ Chief Executive Officer, in a press release statement. “Like her sister ships, she creates an atmosphere that is joyous, welcoming, and above all, transformative.”
Scarlet Night Launch Party Aboard Brilliant Lady
The musical sail-in was followed by a Scarlet Night launch event at Pier 90 at the Hudson River waterfront, attended by Virgin Voyages founder Sir Richard Branson and a host of celebrities, professional athletes, influencers and media.
The launch event featured immersive performances and showcased the new culinary offerings and spaces debuting on Brilliant Lady, such as craft beer outlet Draught Haus, tapas restaurant Rojo by Razzle Dazzle, and retro-inspired multi-functional space The Athletic Club.
“We asked ourselves: how do we create spaces where strangers become friends and quiet moments become cherished memories?” says Erin Barton, Director of Design at Virgin Voyages, in a press release statement. “Brilliant Lady’s transformation is our love letter to the social soul of travel, designed to spark conversations, encourage lingering and celebrate the beautiful unpredictability of human connection.”
Brilliant Lady departed on its inaugural voyage on Sept. 5, sailing from New York to Bermuda. Following its first voyage, the new ship will then sail a series of fall itineraries to Canada during peak foliage season before repositioning to Miami and the Caribbean for the winter. Future itineraries will showcase U.S. destinations including Los Angeles and Alaska.
For more information, visit VirginVoyages.com.
