Brilliance Awaits: Journey to the Magnificent Alaskan Wilderness with No. 1 Cruise Brand, Virgin Voyages

Tuesday, Oct 29, 2024 0

Expeditions to the Last Frontier on sale Nov. 13

Did Juneau that Virgin Voyages is sailing to Alaska? Voted the best large-ship liner in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards and the best mega-ship liner in Travel + Leisure’s 2024 World’s Best Awards, Sir Richard Branson’s brilliantly disruptive travel company is setting course for the Last Frontier in the summer of 2026. From cascading waterfalls to vast rugged landscapes, Alaska’s gripping wildlife and sprawling vistas await between May and September. Brilliant Lady, the newest ship in Virgin’s impressive fleet, will celebrate the grand finale of her inaugural North American tour with 17 new voyages – heroing 12 awe-inspiring destinations. Access for presale passholders opens on Thursday, while itineraries go on sale for the general public starting Nov. 13 with inaugural season pricing expected to rise quickly.

Just in time for peak orca season, Brilliant Lady will offer Sailors a front-row seat on an unforgettable journey to the Pacific Northwest’s woody shores. Ports of call promise the adventure of a lifetime and the rare chance to witness majestic creatures in their natural habitat. There will be opportunities to spot bald eagles, seals and humpback whales, while salmon fishing, glacier trekking, lumberjack shows and dog sledding are just a sample of Shore Things on offer.

Seven- to 12-night itineraries depart from Seattle and Vancouver with stops in Alaska’s magnificent wilderness and Canada’s untouched northwest. The MerMaiden voyage (May 21-28), for example, departs from the Emerald City and spends a day sailing to Ketchikan, a quaint village located amongst the Tongass National Forest. From there Brilliant Lady docks in verdant Sitka – the iconic seaside town teeming with local culture that inspired Ryan Reynolds’ and Sandra Bullock’s rom-com “The Proposal” – followed by a day voyaging up the impressive Tracy Arm Fjord. Brilliant Lady will also dock in Prince Rupert (British Columbia), a picturesque coastal town offering cosmopolitan amenities, before spending a final day travelling back to Seattle.

With all of the incredible wildlife that lies beyond Brilliant’s bow, guests are spoiled for spaces to take in the sights. Sailors can wrap up in their warm, knitted cabin blanket with a cup of hot cocoa or glass of Moët and marvel in the serene beauty as 86% of cabins boast balconies with hand-woven hammocks. The Galley, Virgin’s food hall with food all included, offers floor-to-ceiling windows so Sailors never miss a beat, while cosy daybeds at The Athletic Club and The Dock make for desirable outdoor viewing spaces. Even The Runway, Virgin Voyages’ suspended running track, can serve as a sightseeing platform, making morning runs even more exhilarating. For foodies, new “Treat Yourself” culinary enhancements will feature locally sourced Alaskan seafood.

Virgin Voyages’ CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu said, “We have incredibly high repeat rates, so our Sailors are always challenging us to seek new horizons; they always want to know ‘where else can we sail with Virgin?’ This brand is charting new paths, and the sold-out response to our Front(ier) of the Line passes earlier this year showed us just how sought after our Alaskan itineraries are. We continue to reach for the high seas with our itineraries, with Brilliant Lady being no exception. Soon our Sailors can visit one of the world’s most incredible destinations on the No. 1 cruise line, all while enjoying new and exciting artists, chefs and musicians that bring the Virgin vibe.”

Following the announcement of Brilliant Lady’s North American tour, bookings for the coveted US itineraries surpassed anticipated demand. Debuting in September 2025, Brilliant Lady kicks off her inaugural season in New York with voyages from Miami, LA and Seattle planned in the months that follow, including an epic 16-night sailing through the Panama Canal. The bucket-list Alaskan voyages, however, really stole the show. In May, 2024, members of the brand’s Sailing Club – Virgin Voyages’ loyalty program – were offered a chance to snag Front(ier) of the Line passes to pre-purchase the limited Alaskan itineraries. After selling out, the Front(ier) of the Line passholders get booking access starting this week, with voyages opening to the general public on Nov. 13. In addition to Alaska, the brand is unveiling an additional seven-night itinerary from Los Angeles. Highlights include Cabo San Lucas, magical Mazatlàn and charming Puerto Vallarta.

Virgin Voyages is a brand that believes in offering its Sailors more value and more choice without nickel and diming at every turn. Always included and built into every voyage fare is specialty dining and Michelin-inspired food, essential bevvies, high-speed wifi, gratuities, group fitness classes and entertainment.

To take advantage of the incredible value and start planning a brilliant getaway to explore the glacial waters and aurora-lit skies of the Pacific Northwest, travelers can sail on over to www.VirginVoyages.com or contact their First Mate (travel advisor).