Awarded Best Cruise Line 2025
**Update December 2025 ***
CONGRATS to Virgin for being award Cruise Critic’s Best Cruise Line!
Stepping Aboard: First Impressions
There’s something special about walking up the gangway of a brand-new ship. On September 25, 2025, I joined a guided tour for this Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady Review 2025, exploring the ship’s dining, staterooms, entertainment, and hidden surprises.
From the moment I stepped on board, it was clear: this ship is designed to push boundaries while staying true to Virgin’s adult-only, no-kids promise. The energy was modern, cheeky, and distinctly Virgin — but with new surprises I hadn’t expected.
A Ship Built for More Than One Ocean
One of the most fascinating aspects of Brilliant Lady is her design. Unlike her sister ships, she was built slim enough to transit the Panama Canal. That engineering choice makes her a true multi-destination ship — able to sail in the Caribbean, along the Mexican Riviera, Alaska and even out of Los Angeles on West Coast itineraries.
The trade-off? Her narrower frame means more staterooms with partially obstructed views. Still, the ability to open up itineraries far beyond the Caribbean makes her a unique player in Virgin’s growing fleet.
Staterooms and Common Areas
Staterooms:
During our room inspections, what struck me was Virgin’s focus on smart design over flashy gimmicks. Cabins are stylish, with Scandinavian-inspired décor, built-in storage, and tech-friendly lighting and outlets. Beds convert from day loungers into night mode with ease, and balconies felt private — though the narrower hull means some sightlines are less than perfect.
It’s clear these cabins are designed for adults who value functionality, comfort, and just a touch of flair.
**Fun Fact you have your own doorbell!
Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady Dining Review
Virgin Voyages has made waves by eliminating buffets, and Brilliant Lady doubles down on that promise.
- The Galley operates like a food hall, with multiple counters serving fresh, cooked-to-order meals. It’s fresher than a buffet but comes with one trade-off — you might wait during busy times.
- Test Kitchen offers an experimental tasting menu that adventurous eaters will love. For picky eaters, this may be a one-and-done.
- Every menu across the ship has been curated by Michelin-starred chefs, raising the bar for cruise dining.
As a foodie, I was impressed. As a travel advisor, I know some clients will need to adjust their expectations if they’re used to endless buffets.
Shopping and Entertainment
Walking through the theatre, I could immediately imagine how immersive Virgin’s shows will feel. The sightlines were excellent, and the tech setup suggests bold productions.
The casino felt sleek, but what blew me away was discovering that the nightclub entrance is hidden through the casino itself. It’s trippy, it’s playful, and it’s very Virgin.
Virgin also knows how to keep the fun rolling outside the main venues. Guests can rent private karaoke booths, perfect for groups who want to belt out their favorites without a full stage audience. It’s another example of Virgin leaning into social, memory-making experiences.
Shops mix luxury retail with Virgin’s signature quirky flair. And yes — the rumors are true — there’s a tattoo parlor at sea, along with a barbershop and salon on the shopping deck.
The View walking into the Karaoke Bar
Inside view of the Blue Room. Your own private studio to sing the night away!
No Ship is Perfect
Pros
- Adult-Only (18+): The vibe is consistent, stylish, and unapologetically grown-up.
- Inclusive Soda: Coca-Cola products are free — no extra charges for a Diet Coke.
- Hidden ADA Improvements: Many subtle changes for guests with accessibility needs.
- Food Philosophy: Elevated dining curated by Michelin chefs instead of traditional buffets.
- Playful Energy: From tattoo shops to trippy entrances, Virgin is creating conversation starters.
Cons
- Obstructed Views: A consequence of her Canal-capable design.
- No Buffets: Great for freshness, but some cruisers dislike waiting for meals.
- Experimental Dining: Test Kitchen isn’t for everyone.
- No Drink Packages: Virgin uses a Bar Tab system instead. Simple once you get it, but confusing at first.
- Recent Fare Adjustments: Cruise pricing changes have shifted value perceptions for some travelers.
Easter Eggs and Hidden Gems
One of the things I loved most about Brilliant Lady was how she rewards curiosity. This isn’t a ship where you just walk from point A to point B — there are playful little details tucked around corners, waiting to be found. Here are a few of the surprises I stumbled across on my tour:
As you explored the ship, countless small details caught your eye. The elevators, in particular, had an indescribable energy to them. Each one burst with vibrant, colorful lighting that made stepping inside feel less like boarding a simple people mover and more like entering a lively disco.
My Final Take: Who Should Book Brilliant Lady?
If you’re an adult traveler who loves food-forward experiences, enjoys a modern design vibe, and craves itineraries that range from the Caribbean to the Mexican Riviera to the Pacific Coast, Brilliant Lady is a fantastic choice.
If you can’t live without buffets or unlimited-drink packages, you may need to adjust your expectations. But for travelers who want something fresh, fun, and distinctly Virgin, Brilliant Lady is exactly that.
Plan Your Virgin Voyages Adventure
Brilliant Lady is sailing now to the Caribbean, Mexico, Los Angeles and many more locations on her sailings. Check out the official Virgin Voyages website to see all her beautiful destinations. Also don’t forget to visit our Cruises page which is filled with information on Caribbean Cruises, Packing Lists, First Time Cruisers Guide and more!
