Virgin Unveils Brilliant Lady in Miami with Star-Filled Celebration

Virgin Unveils Brilliant Lady in Miami with Star-Filled Celebration

Virgin Voyages announced in a press release that the company hosted a star-studded celebration to welcome the Brilliant Lady into Miami on Thursday, October 16, 2025.

The event was attended by more than 2,000 guests, including DJ Khaled, rapper Swae Lee, Selling Sunset’s Polly Brindle, actors Agustina Palma and Lilimar Hernandez and The Real Housewives of Miami stars Kiki Barth, Alexia Nepola, Marysol Patton and Larsa Pippen.

Other attendees included journalists, influencers, brand partners and 1,000 of the company’s First Mates.

Virgin said that guests had the opportunity to experience the world premiere of Red Hot, a rockumentary-style spectacular featuring hits from the Spice Girls, Janet Jackson, David Bowie, Queen, The Killers and The Sex Pistols.

It also celebrates Virgin’s 50-plus-year legacy in music, complete with archival footage of Sir Richard Branson and a high-octane cast.

The ship’s entertainment lineup included Up With A Twist, a Gatsby-inspired Supper Club that channels the Roaring Twenties.

Throughout the day, guests discovered exclusives including the Secret Vintage, a speakeasy-style wine tasting and The Stitch Up in the Social Club and Rojo, the ship’s fiery Spanish-inspired eatery.

The night ended with Electric, a glowing, neon-drenched dance party in The Manor.

The Brilliant Lady will spend the coming weeks sailing the Caribbean before making her way through the Panama Canal to Los Angeles and onward to Alaska in spring 2026.

Soon after, all four of Virgin Voyages’ sister ships will unite in the Caribbean for the very first time.

Virgin Voyages: Cameo on The Real Housewives of Miami

Virgin Voyages: Cameo on The Real Housewives of Miami

Virgin Voyages has announced that it will feature on Bravo’s series “The Real Housewives of Miami” in two back-to-back episodes, premiering on Thursday, September 4.

The company said in a press release that the collaboration began when Richard Branson invited Miami entrepreneur Marysol Patton on board to toast her recent wedding. Joined by her girlfriends, the Housewives set sail in November.

“We couldn’t imagine a better way to showcase the Virgin Voyages experience than through the fabulous lens of The Real Housewives of Miami,” said Nicole Huang, SVP at Virgin Voyages.

“These episodes truly capture the spirit of our brand: bold, sophisticated and always a little fabulous. We love being the go-to vacation for celebrating life’s biggest and most glamorous milestones,” added Huang.

Virgin added that the cameo underscores its growing presence in pop culture while reinforcing its reputation.

According to the press release, the ladies experienced the company’s most iconic experiences, which included The Perch, a retro VHS-inspired 80s aerobics class, culinary adventures at The Wake and Test Kitchen with an edible theatre.

The group also had bites and Champagne at Richard’s Rooftop.

Three New Cruise Lines to Alaska in 2026

Three cruise lines are adding cruises to Alaska to their schedule in the summer of 2026: Azamara, MSC, and Virgin.

Returning to the destination after a seven-year hiatus, Azamara will offer a series of ten- to 13-night cruises in Alaska and Canada starting in May 2026.

Sailing in the region for the first time, the Azamara Pursuit will operate open-jaw itineraries that sail between Whittier and Vancouver.

According to Azamara, the voyages were created to prioritize unspoiled destinations, visiting locations such as Kodiak, Dutch Harbor and Icy Strait Point.

The deployment will also include excursions aimed at bringing guests closer to natural beauty, unparalleled wildlife and authentic culture, Azamara said.

MSC Cruises will debut for the first time in Alaska in 2026, with the MSC Poesia offering a series of seven-night cruises from Seattle.

The season runs from early May to late September and includes a regular itinerary that visits Ketchikan, Icy Strait Hoonah, Tracy Arm, Juneau and Victoria.

In a press release, MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato said that the new operation in Alaska and Canada further expands the company’s global offerings by sailing to a must-see region.

Virgin Voyages is also debuting in Alaska in 2026 with the new Brilliant Lady. After entering service in late 2025, the ship is scheduled to spend its first summer season in the region.

From May to September, the Brilliant Lady offers 17 voyages to 12 destinations in Alaska, including Sitka, Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway.

Ranging from seven to 12 nights, Virgin’s itineraries sail from Seattle and Vancouver and also include destinations in Canada, such as Prince Rupert and Victoria.

According to the company, the cruises will give guests opportunities to experience Alaska’s wildlife and landscapes while taking part in activities that include salmon fishing, glacier trekking, lumberjack shows and dog sledding.

As one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, Alaska accounted for nearly five per cent of the industry’s market share this year, according to data from the 2024 Cruise Industry News Annual Report.