3 minute read
Virgin Voyages has made a dramatic entrance into new waters this week, with Scarlet Lady making her inaugural call on Iceland and Brilliant Lady gearing up for a sweeping U.S. debut. These milestones mark significant expansions for the adult-only cruise brand known for its design-forward ships and bold approach to ocean travel.
Scarlet Lady Sails into the Nordics
On August 4, Scarlet Lady arrived in Akureyri, Iceland, for the first time, becoming the first Virgin Voyages ship to call on the Nordic region. Her northern voyage includes stops in Ísafjörður and an overnight in Reykjavik, giving guests an immersive taste of Icelandic culture and landscapes.
“Scarlet Lady was the ship that started it all, and she’s still setting the pace. Her arrival in Iceland reflects growing global demand for our unapologetic approach to ocean-going vacations.”
– Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages
The move underscores Virgin Voyages’ evolving destination strategy, offering more diverse and experience-rich itineraries for travelers seeking something beyond the traditional Caribbean circuit.
Brilliant Lady Heads to the U.S.
Meanwhile, Virgin Voyages’ fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, has completed final outfitting in Palermo and is en route to the UK and Lisbon for a series of pre-launch showcase events. Her official MerMaiden Voyage is set to depart New York City on September 3.
Brilliant Lady’s inaugural season will span four major U.S. markets—New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and Seattle—reflecting the brand’s strategic push into North America. Notably, the ship will also sail to Alaska in 2026, marking Virgin’s first entry into the rugged northern cruise territory.
“With each new ship, we’re listening more and refining faster. Brilliant Lady’s North American tour is a milestone, not just in scale, but in how we continue evolving the Sailor experience.”
– Michelle Bentubo, Chief Operations Officer
Longer Itineraries and Deeper Experiences
Responding to growing demand for extended, immersive voyages, Virgin Voyages is also introducing new seven-night Caribbean itineraries from Miami. These additions complement its already popular Mediterranean sailings and transatlantic repositioning cruises.
“There’s a strong appetite for grown-up experiences that feel effortless, immersive, and fun. Our Sailors want more time to relax and more space to explore, and we’re delivering that across every part of our offering.”
– Michelle Bentubo
Investing in Crew Culture
Ahead of her launch, Brilliant Lady is hosting a four-day cultural orientation at sea for Crew called “The Virgin Way.” The initiative is rooted in Richard Branson’s people-first philosophy and aims to reinforce Virgin’s unique service culture through deeper connection, creativity, and community-building among the crew.
“Our Crew are the foundation of everything we do,” Saverimuttu said. “The Virgin Way brings it back to our brand roots, ensuring our Crew feel equipped to provide exceptional service built on authenticity.”
Charting New Territory
From Iceland to Alaska, Virgin Voyages continues to push the envelope in modern cruise travel. Whether it’s expanding into uncharted regions or redefining what a premium, kid-free voyage can be, the brand remains focused on delivering curated, unforgettable experiences for its growing base of adult travelers.
