Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady Review 2025: MerMaiden NYC to Bermuda

Table of Contents

• The Verdict: Would We Sail Again?
• Our Story: Why We Chose Brilliant Lady
• Embarkation from NYC
• Sea Terrace Cabin: The Truth
• Food: The Good, The Slow, The Bottomless
• Parties That Actually Delivered
• LGBTQ+ Inclusivity: The Real Deal
• What Needs Fixing
• Comparing to Resilient Lady
• Who Should Sail Brilliant Lady
• Quick Practical Guide
• FAQ

The Verdict: Would We Sail Again?

The crew member scanned our ship cards as we walked off Brilliant Lady for the last time. "Hope you had a brilliant voyage." We did. Despite everything.

We've just returned from Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady's MerMaiden voyage, NYC to Bermuda, November 2024. Five days of bottomless brunches, neon body paint, ridiculously long waits for breakfast, and some of the best parties we've experienced at sea.

The short answer? We'd sail again. But we need to be honest about what worked and what didn't.

This was our second Virgin Voyages sailing in 12 months. In May 2024, we sailed Resilient Lady from Athens in a RockStar Suite. That experience set our expectations sky-high with excellent food, fast service, and energy that felt effortlessly inclusive. Brilliant Lady delivered on some promises but stumbled on others, largely because this was the ship's first full-capacity sailing with paying passengers.

Quick Stats:

• Ship: Brilliant Lady (Virgin's newest, fourth Lady ship)
• Sailing: MerMaiden Voyage, NYC to Bermuda, November 2024
• Cabin: Sea Terrace (previously sailed RockStar Suite on Resilient Lady)
• Passengers: 2,770 at full capacity (first proper sailing after friends/family UK-NYC crossing)
• Our verdict: 4/5—excellent vibe, some first-sailing teething issues

Brilliant Lady is stunning. The ship feels fresh, the design is smart, and the adults-only policy creates atmosphere that's sophisticated without being stuffy. The crew genuinely embody that classic Virgin Group energy—friendly, approachable, clearly enjoying their jobs. The parties are creative, the bars are excellent, and the inclusivity isn't performative. It's real.

However, this was the ship's first proper sailing at full capacity, and it showed. Long wait times for food, venues hitting capacity during peak hours, and general sense of chaos that wasn't present on our Athens sailing. Virgin clearly prioritized profit over experience for this inaugural voyage, packing the ship to capacity while crew were still learning their roles. Not a disaster, but not smooth either.

Still, we had an excellent time. Virgin Voyages remains one of the most authentically LGBTQ-friendly cruise lines we've experienced. The bar tab value is unbeatable. The energy onboard is infectious. And honestly? We're already planning our next sailing.

Read our detailed deep-dives:

• RockStar Suite vs Sea Terrace: Which Cabin?
• Brilliant Lady Dining Guide: Every Restaurant
• Brilliant Lady Parties & LGBTQ+ Vibes
• One Day in Bermuda Guide

Our Story: Why We Chose Brilliant Lady

We booked Brilliant Lady's MerMaiden voyage the day it went on sale. We'd sailed Resilient Lady from Athens in May 2024 and loved every minute. When Virgin announced their newest ship would sail from NYC to Bermuda for her inaugural voyage, we were in.

The timing worked perfectly. We'd been planning a New York trip anyway. Extending it with a five-night cruise to Bermuda felt like the obvious choice. Plus, sailing Virgin's brand-new ship on her first proper voyage? Too good to miss.

We booked a Sea Terrace cabin rather than RockStar. After experiencing RockStar's absurdly huge bed and massive bathroom on Resilient Lady, we were curious whether Sea Terrace would feel like a downgrade. Spoiler: it didn't.

Read our 5-Day New York Itinerary for Gay Couples for what we did before the cruise.

Embarkation from NYC

We Ubered directly to Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. Cost about $35 from Midtown Manhattan, took 25 minutes with moderate traffic, dropped us right outside the entrance. Easiest option by far.

The embarkation process itself was straightforward but noticeably busier than our Athens experience on Resilient Lady. This was Brilliant Lady's first full-capacity sailing, and it showed. Not a disaster, just noticeably less polished.

Embarkation Timeline:

• 11:30 AM: Uber dropped us at terminal entrance
• 11:35 AM: Security check (bags through scanner, quick check)
• 11:40 AM: Queue for check-in (moved steadily)
• 11:50 AM: Documents checked (ESTA required for US entry)
• 12:00 PM: Boarded ship (cabins not ready until 15:00)
• 12:15 PM: First drinks in hand

💡 TIP: Stick to your designated boarding time. Seriously. Arriving early doesn't help—you'll just wait in cramped terminal with nowhere to sit. Virgin assigns boarding times for reason. We arrived 10 minutes before our slot, walked straight through, on ship within 30 minutes.

One thing stood out immediately: friendliness of crew. Virgin Voyages staff are genuinely lovely. No fake cruise-ship smiles, no overly rehearsed greetings—just genuine, warm, approachable people who seemed happy to be there. That Virgin Group energy is real.

Documents Needed:

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• ESTA approval (if sailing from US and you're not US citizen)
• Virgin Voyages app with uploaded travel docs

What to Expect:

• Boarding starts around 13:00 (check your specific sailing)
• Cabins ready around 15:00 (leave bags outside cabin, crew bring them up)
• Restaurants and bars open immediately—grab lunch while waiting
• Mandatory muster drill (safety briefing) before ship departs
• Ship sails around 17:00-18:00

The muster drill on Virgin Voyages is significantly less painful than traditional cruise lines. No standing on deck in life jacket. You go to designated muster station, listen to safety briefing, done in 10 minutes. Efficient and painless.

⚠️ MISTAKE: We tried to get breakfast at The Galley on disembarkation day at 07:30. After 30 minutes, food still hadn't arrived. We had to leave at 08:45 to make our 09:00 disembarkation time. We never got breakfast. This pointed to serious capacity planning issues we'll discuss in the food section.

Sea Terrace Cabin: The Truth

Right, let's talk about our Sea Terrace cabin. We were genuinely worried. After experiencing RockStar Suite on Resilient Lady with its absurdly huge bed, massive bathroom, and Richard's Rooftop access, we thought we'd feel like we'd downgraded.

We didn't. At all.

Our Sea Terrace cabin on Brilliant Lady was genuinely lovely. Spacious, smartly designed, thoughtfully laid out in way that made the space feel bigger than it actually was. Virgin clearly spent time thinking about how people actually use cruise cabins.

The Bedroom

The bedroom area was generous. Much more space than expected. The bed was queen-sized (not the absurd super-king you get in RockStar, but still very comfortable), positioned against far wall with proper walking space on both sides. No awkward squeezing past each other to get in/out of bed.

Storage was excellent. Wardrobe ran along one wall with enough hanging space for both of us, plus shelves for folded clothes and safe for valuables. Under bed, proper storage space where suitcases fit perfectly—important because we hate clutter.

Lighting was smart. Multiple light sources (overhead, bedside, mood lighting) so you could adjust atmosphere. Bedside reading lights were bright enough to actually read by.

TV was decent-sized and positioned so you could watch from bed or seating area. We didn't use it much (too busy being out), but nice to have for lazy mornings.

The Bathroom

Here's where Sea Terrace cabins show their compromise. The bathroom was small. Functional, yes. Well-designed, absolutely. But small. It's wet room setup—shower, toilet, and sink all in one compact space.

The shower was powerful (excellent water pressure, hot water on demand, rainfall showerhead), but space was tight. Alex is 6'2", and he had to angle himself slightly to avoid hitting elbows on walls. Not dealbreaker, but worth noting if you're taller.

Storage in bathroom was limited but clever. Small shelf above sink for toiletries, couple of hooks for towels. We ended up keeping most toiletries in bedroom wardrobe and bringing them into bathroom as needed. Not ideal, but manageable.

The Balcony

The balcony was brilliant. Proper outdoor seating (two chairs and small table), enough space to sit comfortably without feeling cramped, and just enough privacy that we weren't on display to neighbouring cabins. We spent hours out here—morning coffee, evening cocktails, just sitting and watching ocean.

The railing was glass rather than metal, which gives uninterrupted ocean views. Small detail, but it makes difference.

One thing we loved: balcony door slid open fully, creating seamless indoor-outdoor flow. On warm days, we'd leave it open and let breeze flow through cabin. Made space feel much larger and more luxurious than it actually was.

Storage Breakdown:

• Wardrobe: Hanging space for 10-12 items each, plus four shelves for folded clothes
• Under-bed: Fits two large suitcases plus carry-ons
• Bathroom: Minimal—one small shelf above sink
• Safe: Standard size, fits passports, cash, cards, small electronics
• Bedside: Small wall-mounted ledges (enough for phone and glasses)

Read our full RockStar vs Sea Terrace comparison for detailed cabin analysis.

WORTH IT? Absolutely. Sea Terrace delivers brilliant value. The space is well-designed, balcony is lovely, and while bathroom is small, it's not dealbreaker. If you're prioritizing experiences over cabin luxury, Sea Terrace is excellent choice.

Cost: $1,500-2,500 per person for 5-night sailing | When to go: Wait 3-6 months post-launch for smoother operations | How to book: virginvoyages.com or travel agent | Don't miss: Request higher deck for better views | Skip if: You need large bathroom or resort-scale luxury

Food: The Good, The Slow, The Bottomless

Food on Brilliant Lady was mixed bag. The concepts are excellent—varied cuisines, no assigned seating, flexibility to eat when and where you want. The execution on this particular sailing was hampered by first-sailing chaos, capacity issues, and crew learning curves.

Extra Virgin: Best Restaurant

Extra Virgin is Virgin's Italian restaurant, and it's genuinely lovely. The pasta was excellent. We tried three different dishes across two visits—cacio e pepe, carbonara, seafood linguine—and all three were spot-on. Pasta cooked perfectly al dente, sauces with proper depth of flavour, generous portions.

Service here was noticeably better than other venues. Our server (Giovanni, Italian, brilliant sense of humour) was attentive, efficient, clearly experienced. Kitchen was faster too—appetizers arrived within 10 minutes, mains within 15.

Standout dishes:

• Cacio e pepe (simple, classic, perfectly executed)
• Burrata (creamy, fresh, served with excellent bread)
• Tiramisu (rich, boozy, proper Italian dessert)

Read our full Brilliant Lady Dining Guide for every restaurant reviewed.

Pink Agave: Mexican with Waits

Pink Agave was one of our favourites. Proper sit-down restaurant, Mexican-inspired menu, vibrant atmosphere. The food was noticeable step up from The Galley.

But service was slow. Our server was lovely—attentive, knowledgeable—but kitchen was clearly struggling with volume. We'd order appetizers, wait 20 minutes, order mains, wait another 25 minutes. By time dessert rolled around, we'd been at table for nearly two hours.

Standout dishes:

• Ceviche (fresh fish, citrus, avocado—perfect)
• Short rib tacos (fall-apart tender, brilliant flavour)

The Galley: Convenient Chaos

The Galley is Virgin's food hall—multiple stations serving different cuisines (Mexican, Asian, Italian, comfort food, salads). On Resilient Lady, The Galley was brilliant. On Brilliant Lady, it was chaos.

Long queues at every station, food running out mid-service, confused crew still learning. The food itself was fine when we actually got it. Nothing blew us away, but nothing was terrible.

The breakfast disaster on disembarkation day perfectly encapsulated capacity issues. We arrived 07:30, ordered scrambled eggs and toast. After 30 minutes, nothing arrived. We had to leave at 08:45 to make our 09:00 disembarkation. We never got breakfast.

Bar Tab Strategy

Virgin's bar tab system is genuinely brilliant. We loaded $1,000 USD (£700) onto our account before sailing. For two people who enjoy cocktails, wine, and champagne regularly, this was absolutely perfect.

We didn't skimp, didn't stress about drink costs, and still had credit left for bottle of Moët on final night. Virgin gives bar tab discount for pre-purchasing (usually around 10%), which makes loading more than you think you'll need smart financial move.

What Bar Tab Covers:

• All cocktails ($8-12)
• Wine by glass or bottle ($30-70 bottle)
• Champagne ($50-90 bottle)
• Beer and cider ($6-8)
• Spirits and mixers ($8-10)
• Specialty coffees ($4-5)

💡 TIP: Load more than you think you'll need. Virgin refunds unused credit. Better to have too much than too little. We loaded $1,000 for five nights and it was spot-on.

Splash for Your Bash: Bottomless Brunch Hack

One of best-value uses of bar tab is Splash for Your Bash, Virgin's bottomless brunch. Costs around $45 per person, genuinely bottomless—unlimited cocktails, champagne, and food for two hours.

We had at least six cocktails each, plus champagne, plus food. If you'd bought drinks individually, you'd easily spend $60-80 per person. For $45, it's ridiculous value.

WORTH IT? Food quality varies by restaurant. Extra Virgin was excellent, Pink Agave good but slow, The Galley convenient but chaotic. Bar tab system is brilliant. Splash for Your Bash is exceptional value. Compared to Athens sailing, food quality was noticeably lower, but we attribute this to first-sailing issues.

Parties That Actually Delivered

Right, this is where Virgin Voyages absolutely shines. The party schedule is packed. There's something happening almost every night—themed deck parties, DJ sets, drag performances, late-night club vibes. The energy is consistently high, production values are excellent, and inclusivity isn't performative.

Neon Party: Our Favourite Night

The Neon Party on Brilliant Lady was hands down best party experience we've had on any cruise. Ever. The entire pool deck transformed into glowing, pulsing, euphoric rave.

Virgin distributed glow sticks at entrance (thousands of them), set up UV lights across deck, and brought in DJs who actually understood how to build and hold crowd. The music was proper house—driving basslines, building drops, none of that generic cruise ship party music.

We arrived around 22:00, didn't leave until after 01:00. The deck was packed but never felt dangerously crowded. The atmosphere was joyful, inclusive, uninhibited. Same-sex couples everywhere—dancing together, kissing, being affectionate without second-guessing themselves.

Alex covered himself in neon body paint (provided by Virgin at stations around deck) and looked absolutely ridiculous under UV lights. By midnight, we were both drenched in sweat, grinning like idiots, completely caught up in moment.

💡 TIP: Arrive early to grab glow sticks and body paint before they run out. Wear something you don't mind getting sweaty and paint-stained. Bring water bottle (free water stations nearby). Don't bring phone unless waterproof—energy is so good you won't want to be on phone anyway.

Read our full Brilliant Lady Parties & Entertainment Guide for detailed party coverage.

Drag Performances at Razzle Dazzle

Virgin hosts standalone drag shows throughout week. These aren't amateur hour—these are genuinely talented performers with sharp comedy, excellent lip-syncing, and crowd work that rivals proper West End or Broadway shows.

The queens worked entire room, made jokes that actually landed, created atmosphere that felt celebratory without being tokenistic. This wasn't "look, we have drag queens because we're LGBTQ-friendly"—this was "we have drag queens because they're brilliant entertainers and everyone deserves to experience this."

The General Party Atmosphere

Beyond big themed events, there's constant sense of energy and celebration throughout ship. DJs play poolside most afternoons. The Aquatic Club has sophisticated daytime party vibe. The Manor transforms into proper nightclub most evenings.

The crowd makes it work. People are friendly, open, genuinely there to have fun. We've been on cruises where socializing feels forced—Virgin's crowd actively wants to meet people, chat, dance together. Creates collective energy that enhances everything.

⚠️ CAPACITY ISSUES: On full-capacity sailings, some venues hit maximum occupancy during popular events. We couldn't get into couple of shows because The Red Room reached capacity and security stopped admitting people. RockStar passengers get guaranteed entry, but Sea Terrace passengers are at mercy of timing.

Our advice: Arrive 20-30 minutes early for shows you're excited about. Not 5 minutes early—properly early. Grab seat, grab drink, wait. Annoying, but only way to guarantee entry on full sailings.

LGBTQ+ Inclusivity: The Real Deal

We need to talk about this properly because "gay-friendly" gets thrown around constantly in travel marketing, and most of time, it's meaningless. Virgin Voyages is different.

Same-sex couples were everywhere on Brilliant Lady. At breakfast, by pool, at dinner, dancing at parties. Holding hands, being affectionate, existing without modification or self-consciousness. Staff used inclusive language naturally—asking about "partners" rather than assuming gender, treating same-sex couples identically to straight couples.

This wasn't rainbow capitalism or performative allyship. This was genuine, embedded inclusivity. Virgin actively courts LGBTQ+ travellers, and it shows in who books their cruises. We felt completely comfortable being ourselves—dancing together, being affectionate, making queer jokes without second-guessing whether they'd land.

Specific Observations:

• Multiple same-sex couples celebrating anniversaries or honeymoons
• Gender-neutral bathroom options clearly marked
• Drag performances integrated into regular entertainment (not segregated into "LGBTQ+ night")
• Staff comfortable using they/them pronouns when appropriate
• Zero awkwardness or discomfort from other passengers when we were affectionate

For straight allies reading this: this is what genuine inclusivity looks like. Not tolerance, not acceptance—celebration. Virgin creates space where queer people can be fully themselves, and in doing so, creates better experience for everyone.

Read our expanded LGBTQ+ Inclusivity & Party Guide for detailed coverage.

What Needs Fixing

We need to be honest about what didn't work. These are first-sailing growing pains, but they significantly affected experience.

Food Service Speed

Biggest letdown. Long waits, inconsistent timing, breakfast disaster on disembarkation day all pointed to capacity planning issues. Virgin packed ship to capacity before crew had time to find rhythm. Profit over experience.

We expect this'll improve dramatically by ship's tenth or twentieth sailing once crew finds rhythm and Virgin adjusts operations.

Venue Capacity Management

Missing shows because venues hit capacity was frustrating. RockStar passengers get guaranteed entry, but everyone else is left hoping. Virgin needs better systems for managing demand or clearer communication about capacity limits.

Embarkation Organization

Functional but chaotic. Crew were still learning ship's layout, signage wasn't always clear, general sense of "we're all working this out together."

Comparing to Resilient Lady

We sailed Resilient Lady from Athens in May 2024. How does Brilliant Lady compare?

Resilient Lady (Athens):

• Smoother operations (ship had been in service longer)
• Better food quality (faster service, more consistent dishes)
• Easier embarkation/disembarkation (Piraeus port better organized)
• Similar party energy (excellent on both ships)
• Similar inclusivity (genuine on both ships)

Brilliant Lady (NYC):

• More chaotic (first full-capacity sailing, crew still learning)
• Slightly lower food quality (wait times longer, dishes less polished)
• More challenging logistics (Brooklyn Terminal, NYC transport)
• Same excellent party energy
• Same genuine inclusivity

The core Virgin experience—inclusive atmosphere, creative parties, adults-only sophistication—was identical on both ships. The operational smoothness differed, and we attribute that entirely to Brilliant Lady being newer.

Who Should Sail Brilliant Lady

You'll Love Brilliant Lady If:

• You're looking for genuinely inclusive LGBTQ+ travel experiences
• You enjoy nightlife, parties, high-energy atmospheres
• You value flexibility over rigid cruise schedules
• You're willing to forgive first-sailing hiccups
• You want adults-only cruising (no kids, ever)
• You prioritize experiences over ultra-luxury

Brilliant Lady Might Not Suit You If:

• You prefer quiet, traditional cruise experiences
• You need everything to run perfectly smoothly
• You're sailing in first few months after launch
• You prioritize food quality above all else
• You're uncomfortable in high-energy party environments

When to Sail: Wait until ship's been in service for 3-6 months. By then, crew will have found rhythm, capacity issues will be resolved, operations will be smoother. You'll still get new-ship excitement without first-sailing chaos.

Quick Practical Guide

Money & ---

title: "Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady Review 2025: MerMaiden NYC to Bermuda"
excerpt: "Our honest Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady MerMaiden review: chaotic embarkation, bottomless brunches, neon parties, and why we'd sail again despite teething issues. Plus RockStar vs Sea Terrace cabin verdict."
slug: "virgin-voyages-brilliant-lady-review-nyc-bermuda"
date: "2025-09-12"
updated: "2025-12-17"
author: "Joe Hodkinson & Alex Reade"
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imageUrlAlt: "Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady cruise ship exterior docked at Brooklyn Cruise Terminal New York"
country: "Cruises"
contentType: "cruise-review"

overview:
bestFor: "LGBTQ+ travellers, party lovers, adults-only cruising, Bermuda sailings"
budget: "$1,500-3,500 per person for 5-night sailing"
dontMiss: "Neon Party, bottomless brunches, Sea Terrace balconies, genuine LGBTQ+ inclusivity"
skip: "First sailings if you need perfect service, breakfast on disembarkation day"

rating:
inclusivity: 5
value: 4
comfort: 4
service: 3

review:
rating: 4
maxRating: 5
reviewAspect: "Cruise Experience"
reviewBody: "Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady delivered exceptional LGBTQ+ inclusivity, brilliant parties, and spacious Sea Terrace cabins. But MerMaiden first-sailing chaos meant slow food service, venue capacity issues, and breakfast disasters. We'd sail again once operations smooth out."
itemReviewed:
name: "Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady"
type: "Product"
additionalType: "Cruise Ship"
author:
type: "Person"
name: "Joe Hodkinson & Alex Reade"
datePublished: "2025-09-12"

location:
country: "United States"
city: "New York"
region: "Atlantic / Bermuda"

venues:

• name: "Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady"
  type: "TouristAttraction"
  description: "Virgin Voyages' fourth adults-only cruise ship with 2,770 passengers, LGBTQ-inclusive entertainment, NYC to Bermuda sailings"
  address:
  addressLocality: "Brooklyn"
  addressRegion: "New York"
  addressCountry: "US"
  geo:
  latitude: 40.6787
  longitude: -74.0115
  priceRange: "$$$"
  pricing:
  sea_terrace: "$1,500-2,500 per person 5-night"
  rockstar_suite: "$3,000-5,000 per person 5-night"
  bar_tab: "$700-1,000 for two moderate drinkers"
  specialty_dining: "$35-50 per person (Wake steakhouse)"
  url: "https://www.virginvoyages.com/ships/brilliant-lady"
  tags: ["adults-only", "lgbt-friendly", "party-cruise", "bermuda", "modern-luxury"]
  vibe: "High-energy adults-only with genuine LGBTQ+ inclusivity and creative parties"
  bestFor: "LGBTQ+ couples, party lovers, adults seeking sophisticated fun"
  dontMiss: "Neon Party, drag performances, Sea Terrace balconies, bar tab value"
  skipIf: "You prefer traditional formal cruising or need perfect service"
  crowdAge: "30-50s predominantly"

• name: "Brooklyn Cruise Terminal"
  type: "TouristAttraction"
  description: "Departure point for Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady sailings from New York City"
  address:
  streetAddress: "72 Bowne Street"
  addressLocality: "Brooklyn"
  addressRegion: "NY"
  postalCode: "11231"
  addressCountry: "US"
  geo:
  latitude: 40.6787
  longitude: -74.0115
  tags: ["cruise-terminal", "brooklyn", "embarkation"]

entities:

• name: "Virgin Voyages"
  type: "Organization"
  description: "Adults-only cruise line owned by Virgin Group, operating four Lady ships"
  sameAs: ["https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgin_Voyages"]
• name: "Bermuda"
  type: "Place"
  description: "British Overseas Territory in North Atlantic, popular cruise destination"
  sameAs: ["https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bermuda"]
• name: "New York City"
  type: "Place"
  description: "Embarkation port for Brilliant Lady's MerMaiden voyage from Brooklyn Terminal"
  sameAs: ["https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City"]

citations:

• author: "Virgin Voyages"
  title: "Brilliant Lady Ship Information"
  url: "https://www.virginvoyages.com/ships/brilliant-lady"
  datePublished: "2025-09-05"
• author: "CruiseMapper"
  title: "Brilliant Lady Itinerary and Ship Review"
  url: "https://www.cruisemapper.com/ships/Brilliant-Lady-1979"
  datePublished: "2025-12-03"

affiliatePartners: ["Virgin Voyages"]

keywords:
primary: "Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady review"
secondary: ["Virgin Voyages MerMaiden", "Brilliant Lady NYC Bermuda", "Virgin Voyages LGBTQ", "RockStar vs Sea Terrace"]
long_tail: ["Is Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady gay-friendly", "Virgin Voyages bar tab strategy", "Virgin Voyages first sailing review", "Should I book RockStar Suite or Sea Terrace"]

faq:

• question: "Is Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady gay-friendly?"
  answer: "Absolutely. Virgin Voyages is one of the most genuinely LGBTQ-inclusive cruise lines we've experienced. Same-sex couples were everywhere on our MerMaiden sailing, staff used inclusive language naturally, and the vibe felt authentically queer-friendly rather than performative. We felt completely comfortable holding hands, dancing together, and being ourselves throughout the entire sailing."
• question: "Is RockStar Suite worth it on Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady?"
  answer: "Depends on priorities. RockStar Suites offer huge beds, larger bathrooms, and guaranteed venue access (crucial on full sailings). But Sea Terrace cabins are genuinely fantastic with spacious bedrooms, good storage, balconies, and significantly cheaper ($1,500-2,500 vs $3,000-5,000 per person for 5-night sailing). We've done both and loved both. If sailing at capacity or want guaranteed show access, RockStar is worth it. Otherwise, Sea Terrace is brilliant value."
• question: "How much should I load on Virgin Voyages bar tab?"
  answer: "For two people who enjoy cocktails, wine, and champagne regularly, $1,000 USD (£700) was perfect for 5-night sailing. We didn't skimp and still had credit left for bottle of Moët on final night. Virgin gives bar tab discounts for pre-purchasing, so load more than you think. Unused credit refunds at end. Cocktails run $8-12, wine by bottle $30-70, champagne $50-90."
• question: "What's embarkation like for Brilliant Lady from New York?"
  answer: "Straightforward but busy from Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. Arrive during your designated boarding time, limited seating if early. Uber drop-off easiest (nearest subway 20-minute walk with luggage). Queues moved quickly once boarding started. You'll need ESTA for US entry, unlike Mediterranean sailings. From Uber to ship took 20-30 minutes."
• question: "What's the food like on Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady?"
  answer: "Good but inconsistent on our MerMaiden sailing. First-sailing capacity and crew learning curves meant wait times were long. We didn't get breakfast on disembarkation day. Compared to our Athens sailing on Resilient Lady in May 2024, food quality was slightly lower. Extra Virgin Italian restaurant was excellent. Pink Agave Mexican was good but slow. The Galley food hall was chaotic."
• question: "How do I get Uber after disembarkation in New York?"
  answer: "Walk few blocks away from Brooklyn Cruise Terminal before requesting Uber. Everyone tries to grab rides directly outside terminal, making it nearly impossible. Short walk solves problem immediately. We walked 3 blocks west, got Uber within 2 minutes."
• question: "Should I wait to book Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady?"
  answer: "Yes, wait 3-6 months after launch for operations to smooth out. Our MerMaiden first-sailing had food service delays, venue capacity issues, and breakfast disasters. Core Virgin experience (inclusivity, parties, cabins) was excellent, but operational chaos affected enjoyment. Later sailings will be smoother once crew finds rhythm."

---

Table of Contents

• The Verdict: Would We Sail Again?
• Our Story: Why We Chose Brilliant Lady
• Embarkation from NYC
• Sea Terrace Cabin: The Truth
• Food: The Good, The Slow, The Bottomless
• Parties That Actually Delivered
• LGBTQ+ Inclusivity: The Real Deal
• What Needs Fixing
• Comparing to Resilient Lady
• Who Should Sail Brilliant Lady
• Quick Practical Guide
• FAQ

The Verdict: Would We Sail Again?

The crew member scanned our ship cards as we walked off Brilliant Lady for the last time. "Hope you had a brilliant voyage." We did. Despite everything.

We've just returned from Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady's MerMaiden voyage, NYC to Bermuda, November 2024. Five days of bottomless brunches, neon body paint, ridiculously long waits for breakfast, and some of the best parties we've experienced at sea.

The short answer? We'd sail again. But we need to be honest about what worked and what didn't.

This was our second Virgin Voyages sailing in 12 months. In May 2024, we sailed Resilient Lady from Athens in a RockStar Suite. That experience set our expectations sky-high with excellent food, fast service, and energy that felt effortlessly inclusive. Brilliant Lady delivered on some promises but stumbled on others, largely because this was the ship's first full-capacity sailing with paying passengers.

Quick Stats:

• Ship: Brilliant Lady (Virgin's newest, fourth Lady ship)
• Sailing: MerMaiden Voyage, NYC to Bermuda, November 2024
• Cabin: Sea Terrace (previously sailed RockStar Suite on Resilient Lady)
• Passengers: 2,770 at full capacity (first proper sailing after friends/family UK-NYC crossing)
• Our verdict: 4/5—excellent vibe, some first-sailing teething issues

Brilliant Lady is stunning. The ship feels fresh, the design is smart, and the adults-only policy creates atmosphere that's sophisticated without being stuffy. The crew genuinely embody that classic Virgin Group energy—friendly, approachable, clearly enjoying their jobs. The parties are creative, the bars are excellent, and the inclusivity isn't performative. It's real.

However, this was the ship's first proper sailing at full capacity, and it showed. Long wait times for food, venues hitting capacity during peak hours, and general sense of chaos that wasn't present on our Athens sailing. Virgin clearly prioritized profit over experience for this inaugural voyage, packing the ship to capacity while crew were still learning their roles. Not a disaster, but not smooth either.

Still, we had an excellent time. Virgin Voyages remains one of the most authentically LGBTQ-friendly cruise lines we've experienced. The bar tab value is unbeatable. The energy onboard is infectious. And honestly? We're already planning our next sailing.

Read our detailed deep-dives:

• RockStar Suite vs Sea Terrace: Which Cabin?
• Brilliant Lady Dining Guide: Every Restaurant
• Brilliant Lady Parties & LGBTQ+ Vibes
• One Day in Bermuda Guide

Our Story: Why We Chose Brilliant Lady

We booked Brilliant Lady's MerMaiden voyage the day it went on sale. We'd sailed Resilient Lady from Athens in May 2024 and loved every minute. When Virgin announced their newest ship would sail from NYC to Bermuda for her inaugural voyage, we were in.

The timing worked perfectly. We'd been planning a New York trip anyway. Extending it with a five-night cruise to Bermuda felt like the obvious choice. Plus, sailing Virgin's brand-new ship on her first proper voyage? Too good to miss.

We booked a Sea Terrace cabin rather than RockStar. After experiencing RockStar's absurdly huge bed and massive bathroom on Resilient Lady, we were curious whether Sea Terrace would feel like a downgrade. Spoiler: it didn't.

Read our 5-Day New York Itinerary for Gay Couples for what we did before the cruise.

Embarkation from NYC

We Ubered directly to Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. Cost about $35 from Midtown Manhattan, took 25 minutes with moderate traffic, dropped us right outside the entrance. Easiest option by far.

The embarkation process itself was straightforward but noticeably busier than our Athens experience on Resilient Lady. This was Brilliant Lady's first full-capacity sailing, and it showed. Not a disaster, just noticeably less polished.

Embarkation Timeline:

• 11:30 AM: Uber dropped us at terminal entrance
• 11:35 AM: Security check (bags through scanner, quick check)
• 11:40 AM: Queue for check-in (moved steadily)
• 11:50 AM: Documents checked (ESTA required for US entry)
• 12:00 PM: Boarded ship (cabins not ready until 15:00)
• 12:15 PM: First drinks in hand

💡 TIP: Stick to your designated boarding time. Seriously. Arriving early doesn't help—you'll just wait in cramped terminal with nowhere to sit. Virgin assigns boarding times for reason. We arrived 10 minutes before our slot, walked straight through, on ship within 30 minutes.

One thing stood out immediately: friendliness of crew. Virgin Voyages staff are genuinely lovely. No fake cruise-ship smiles, no overly rehearsed greetings—just genuine, warm, approachable people who seemed happy to be there. That Virgin Group energy is real.

Documents Needed:

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• ESTA approval (if sailing from US and you're not US citizen)
• Virgin Voyages app with uploaded travel docs

What to Expect:

• Boarding starts around 13:00 (check your specific sailing)
• Cabins ready around 15:00 (leave bags outside cabin, crew bring them up)
• Restaurants and bars open immediately—grab lunch while waiting
• Mandatory muster drill (safety briefing) before ship departs
• Ship sails around 17:00-18:00

The muster drill on Virgin Voyages is significantly less painful than traditional cruise lines. No standing on deck in life jacket. You go to designated muster station, listen to safety briefing, done in 10 minutes. Efficient and painless.

⚠️ MISTAKE: We tried to get breakfast at The Galley on disembarkation day at 07:30. After 30 minutes, food still hadn't arrived. We had to leave at 08:45 to make our 09:00 disembarkation time. We never got breakfast. This pointed to serious capacity planning issues we'll discuss in the food section.

Sea Terrace Cabin: The Truth

Right, let's talk about our Sea Terrace cabin. We were genuinely worried. After experiencing RockStar Suite on Resilient Lady with its absurdly huge bed, massive bathroom, and Richard's Rooftop access, we thought we'd feel like we'd downgraded.

We didn't. At all.

Our Sea Terrace cabin on Brilliant Lady was genuinely lovely. Spacious, smartly designed, thoughtfully laid out in way that made the space feel bigger than it actually was. Virgin clearly spent time thinking about how people actually use cruise cabins.

The Bedroom

The bedroom area was generous. Much more space than expected. The bed was queen-sized (not the absurd super-king you get in RockStar, but still very comfortable), positioned against far wall with proper walking space on both sides. No awkward squeezing past each other to get in/out of bed.

Storage was excellent. Wardrobe ran along one wall with enough hanging space for both of us, plus shelves for folded clothes and safe for valuables. Under bed, proper storage space where suitcases fit perfectly—important because we hate clutter.

Lighting was smart. Multiple light sources (overhead, bedside, mood lighting) so you could adjust atmosphere. Bedside reading lights were bright enough to actually read by.

TV was decent-sized and positioned so you could watch from bed or seating area. We didn't use it much (too busy being out), but nice to have for lazy mornings.

The Bathroom

Here's where Sea Terrace cabins show their compromise. The bathroom was small. Functional, yes. Well-designed, absolutely. But small. It's wet room setup—shower, toilet, and sink all in one compact space.

The shower was powerful (excellent water pressure, hot water on demand, rainfall showerhead), but space was tight. Alex is 6'2", and he had to angle himself slightly to avoid hitting elbows on walls. Not dealbreaker, but worth noting if you're taller.

Storage in bathroom was limited but clever. Small shelf above sink for toiletries, couple of hooks for towels. We ended up keeping most toiletries in bedroom wardrobe and bringing them into bathroom as needed. Not ideal, but manageable.

The Balcony

The balcony was brilliant. Proper outdoor seating (two chairs and small table), enough space to sit comfortably without feeling cramped, and just enough privacy that we weren't on display to neighbouring cabins. We spent hours out here—morning coffee, evening cocktails, just sitting and watching ocean.

The railing was glass rather than metal, which gives uninterrupted ocean views. Small detail, but it makes difference.

One thing we loved: balcony door slid open fully, creating seamless indoor-outdoor flow. On warm days, we'd leave it open and let breeze flow through cabin. Made space feel much larger and more luxurious than it actually was.

Storage Breakdown:

• Wardrobe: Hanging space for 10-12 items each, plus four shelves for folded clothes
• Under-bed: Fits two large suitcases plus carry-ons
• Bathroom: Minimal—one small shelf above sink
• Safe: Standard size, fits passports, cash, cards, small electronics
• Bedside: Small wall-mounted ledges (enough for phone and glasses)

Read our full RockStar vs Sea Terrace comparison for detailed cabin analysis.

WORTH IT? Absolutely. Sea Terrace delivers brilliant value. The space is well-designed, balcony is lovely, and while bathroom is small, it's not dealbreaker. If you're prioritizing experiences over cabin luxury, Sea Terrace is excellent choice.

Cost: $1,500-2,500 per person for 5-night sailing | When to go: Wait 3-6 months post-launch for smoother operations | How to book: virginvoyages.com or travel agent | Don't miss: Request higher deck for better views | Skip if: You need large bathroom or resort-scale luxury

Food: The Good, The Slow, The Bottomless

Food on Brilliant Lady was mixed bag. The concepts are excellent—varied cuisines, no assigned seating, flexibility to eat when and where you want. The execution on this particular sailing was hampered by first-sailing chaos, capacity issues, and crew learning curves.

Extra Virgin: Best Restaurant

Extra Virgin is Virgin's Italian restaurant, and it's genuinely lovely. The pasta was excellent. We tried three different dishes across two visits—cacio e pepe, carbonara, seafood linguine—and all three were spot-on. Pasta cooked perfectly al dente, sauces with proper depth of flavour, generous portions.

Service here was noticeably better than other venues. Our server (Giovanni, Italian, brilliant sense of humour) was attentive, efficient, clearly experienced. Kitchen was faster too—appetizers arrived within 10 minutes, mains within 15.

Standout dishes:

• Cacio e pepe (simple, classic, perfectly executed)
• Burrata (creamy, fresh, served with excellent bread)
• Tiramisu (rich, boozy, proper Italian dessert)

Read our full Brilliant Lady Dining Guide for every restaurant reviewed.

Pink Agave: Mexican with Waits

Pink Agave was one of our favourites. Proper sit-down restaurant, Mexican-inspired menu, vibrant atmosphere. The food was noticeable step up from The Galley.

But service was slow. Our server was lovely—attentive, knowledgeable—but kitchen was clearly struggling with volume. We'd order appetizers, wait 20 minutes, order mains, wait another 25 minutes. By time dessert rolled around, we'd been at table for nearly two hours.

Standout dishes:

• Ceviche (fresh fish, citrus, avocado—perfect)
• Short rib tacos (fall-apart tender, brilliant flavour)

The Galley: Convenient Chaos

The Galley is Virgin's food hall—multiple stations serving different cuisines (Mexican, Asian, Italian, comfort food, salads). On Resilient Lady, The Galley was brilliant. On Brilliant Lady, it was chaos.

Long queues at every station, food running out mid-service, confused crew still learning. The food itself was fine when we actually got it. Nothing blew us away, but nothing was terrible.

The breakfast disaster on disembarkation day perfectly encapsulated capacity issues. We arrived 07:30, ordered scrambled eggs and toast. After 30 minutes, nothing arrived. We had to leave at 08:45 to make our 09:00 disembarkation. We never got breakfast.

Bar Tab Strategy

Virgin's bar tab system is genuinely brilliant. We loaded $1,000 USD (£700) onto our account before sailing. For two people who enjoy cocktails, wine, and champagne regularly, this was absolutely perfect.

We didn't skimp, didn't stress about drink costs, and still had credit left for bottle of Moët on final night. Virgin gives bar tab discount for pre-purchasing (usually around 10%), which makes loading more than you think you'll need smart financial move.

What Bar Tab Covers:

• All cocktails ($8-12)
• Wine by glass or bottle ($30-70 bottle)
• Champagne ($50-90 bottle)
• Beer and cider ($6-8)
• Spirits and mixers ($8-10)
• Specialty coffees ($4-5)

💡 TIP: Load more than you think you'll need. Virgin refunds unused credit. Better to have too much than too little. We loaded $1,000 for five nights and it was spot-on.

Splash for Your Bash: Bottomless Brunch Hack

One of best-value uses of bar tab is Splash for Your Bash, Virgin's bottomless brunch. Costs around $45 per person, genuinely bottomless—unlimited cocktails, champagne, and food for two hours.

We had at least six cocktails each, plus champagne, plus food. If you'd bought drinks individually, you'd easily spend $60-80 per person. For $45, it's ridiculous value.

WORTH IT? Food quality varies by restaurant. Extra Virgin was excellent, Pink Agave good but slow, The Galley convenient but chaotic. Bar tab system is brilliant. Splash for Your Bash is exceptional value. Compared to Athens sailing, food quality was noticeably lower, but we attribute this to first-sailing issues.

Parties That Actually Delivered

Right, this is where Virgin Voyages absolutely shines. The party schedule is packed. There's something happening almost every night—themed deck parties, DJ sets, drag performances, late-night club vibes. The energy is consistently high, production values are excellent, and inclusivity isn't performative.

Neon Party: Our Favourite Night

The Neon Party on Brilliant Lady was hands down best party experience we've had on any cruise. Ever. The entire pool deck transformed into glowing, pulsing, euphoric rave.

Virgin distributed glow sticks at entrance (thousands of them), set up UV lights across deck, and brought in DJs who actually understood how to build and hold crowd. The music was proper house—driving basslines, building drops, none of that generic cruise ship party music.

We arrived around 22:00, didn't leave until after 01:00. The deck was packed but never felt dangerously crowded. The atmosphere was joyful, inclusive, uninhibited. Same-sex couples everywhere—dancing together, kissing, being affectionate without second-guessing themselves.

Alex covered himself in neon body paint (provided by Virgin at stations around deck) and looked absolutely ridiculous under UV lights. By midnight, we were both drenched in sweat, grinning like idiots, completely caught up in moment.

💡 TIP: Arrive early to grab glow sticks and body paint before they run out. Wear something you don't mind getting sweaty and paint-stained. Bring water bottle (free water stations nearby). Don't bring phone unless waterproof—energy is so good you won't want to be on phone anyway.

Read our full Brilliant Lady Parties & Entertainment Guide for detailed party coverage.

Drag Performances at Razzle Dazzle

Virgin hosts standalone drag shows throughout week. These aren't amateur hour—these are genuinely talented performers with sharp comedy, excellent lip-syncing, and crowd work that rivals proper West End or Broadway shows.

The queens worked entire room, made jokes that actually landed, created atmosphere that felt celebratory without being tokenistic. This wasn't "look, we have drag queens because we're LGBTQ-friendly"—this was "we have drag queens because they're brilliant entertainers and everyone deserves to experience this."

The General Party Atmosphere

Beyond big themed events, there's constant sense of energy and celebration throughout ship. DJs play poolside most afternoons. The Aquatic Club has sophisticated daytime party vibe. The Manor transforms into proper nightclub most evenings.

The crowd makes it work. People are friendly, open, genuinely there to have fun. We've been on cruises where socializing feels forced—Virgin's crowd actively wants to meet people, chat, dance together. Creates collective energy that enhances everything.

⚠️ CAPACITY ISSUES: On full-capacity sailings, some venues hit maximum occupancy during popular events. We couldn't get into couple of shows because The Red Room reached capacity and security stopped admitting people. RockStar passengers get guaranteed entry, but Sea Terrace passengers are at mercy of timing.

Our advice: Arrive 20-30 minutes early for shows you're excited about. Not 5 minutes early—properly early. Grab seat, grab drink, wait. Annoying, but only way to guarantee entry on full sailings.

LGBTQ+ Inclusivity: The Real Deal

We need to talk about this properly because "gay-friendly" gets thrown around constantly in travel marketing, and most of time, it's meaningless. Virgin Voyages is different.

Same-sex couples were everywhere on Brilliant Lady. At breakfast, by pool, at dinner, dancing at parties. Holding hands, being affectionate, existing without modification or self-consciousness. Staff used inclusive language naturally—asking about "partners" rather than assuming gender, treating same-sex couples identically to straight couples.

This wasn't rainbow capitalism or performative allyship. This was genuine, embedded inclusivity. Virgin actively courts LGBTQ+ travellers, and it shows in who books their cruises. We felt completely comfortable being ourselves—dancing together, being affectionate, making queer jokes without second-guessing whether they'd land.

Specific Observations:

• Multiple same-sex couples celebrating anniversaries or honeymoons
• Gender-neutral bathroom options clearly marked
• Drag performances integrated into regular entertainment (not segregated into "LGBTQ+ night")
• Staff comfortable using they/them pronouns when appropriate
• Zero awkwardness or discomfort from other passengers when we were affectionate

For straight allies reading this: this is what genuine inclusivity looks like. Not tolerance, not acceptance—celebration. Virgin creates space where queer people can be fully themselves, and in doing so, creates better experience for everyone.

Read our expanded LGBTQ+ Inclusivity & Party Guide for detailed coverage.

What Needs Fixing

We need to be honest about what didn't work. These are first-sailing growing pains, but they significantly affected experience.

Food Service Speed

Biggest letdown. Long waits, inconsistent timing, breakfast disaster on disembarkation day all pointed to capacity planning issues. Virgin packed ship to capacity before crew had time to find rhythm. Profit over experience.

We expect this'll improve dramatically by ship's tenth or twentieth sailing once crew finds rhythm and Virgin adjusts operations.

Venue Capacity Management

Missing shows because venues hit capacity was frustrating. RockStar passengers get guaranteed entry, but everyone else is left hoping. Virgin needs better systems for managing demand or clearer communication about capacity limits.

Embarkation Organization

Functional but chaotic. Crew were still learning ship's layout, signage wasn't always clear, general sense of "we're all working this out together."

Comparing to Resilient Lady

We sailed Resilient Lady from Athens in May 2024. How does Brilliant Lady compare?

Resilient Lady (Athens):

• Smoother operations (ship had been in service longer)
• Better food quality (faster service, more consistent dishes)
• Easier embarkation/disembarkation (Piraeus port better organized)
• Similar party energy (excellent on both ships)
• Similar inclusivity (genuine on both ships)

Brilliant Lady (NYC):

• More chaotic (first full-capacity sailing, crew still learning)
• Slightly lower food quality (wait times longer, dishes less polished)
• More challenging logistics (Brooklyn Terminal, NYC transport)
• Same excellent party energy
• Same genuine inclusivity

The core Virgin experience—inclusive atmosphere, creative parties, adults-only sophistication—was identical on both ships. The operational smoothness differed, and we attribute that entirely to Brilliant Lady being newer.

Who Should Sail Brilliant Lady

You'll Love Brilliant Lady If:

• You're looking for genuinely inclusive LGBTQ+ travel experiences
• You enjoy nightlife, parties, high-energy atmospheres
• You value flexibility over rigid cruise schedules
• You're willing to forgive first-sailing hiccups
• You want adults-only cruising (no kids, ever)
• You prioritize experiences over ultra-luxury

Brilliant Lady Might Not Suit You If:

• You prefer quiet, traditional cruise experiences
• You need everything to run perfectly smoothly
• You're sailing in first few months after launch
• You prioritize food quality above all else
• You're uncomfortable in high-energy party environments

When to Sail: Wait until ship's been in service for 3-6 months. By then, crew will have found rhythm, capacity issues will be resolved, operations will be smoother. You'll still get new-ship excitement without first-sailing chaos.

Quick Practical Guide

Money & & Costs

Budget for 5-Night Sailing (per person):

Sea Terrace cabin: $1,500-2,500 (£1,290-2,150)
RockStar Suite: $3,000-5,000 (£2,580-4,300)
Bar tab for two: $1,000 (£860) for moderate drinkers
Specialty dining (Wake): $35-50 (£30-43)
Shore excursions Bermuda: $50-150 (£43-129)
Total budget: $2,000-3,500 per person (£1,720-3,010)

Getting Around
To/From Brooklyn Cruise Terminal:

Uber from Midtown Manhattan: $30-40, 25 minutes
Nearest subway: 20-minute walk with luggage (not recommended)
Terminal address: 72 Bowne Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Disembarkation Uber Tip: Walk 3 blocks away from terminal before requesting Uber. Everyone tries grabbing rides directly outside, making it impossible. Short walk solves problem.
When to Sail
Best time: Wait 3-6 months post-launch for smoother operations
Peak season: Summer, holidays (full capacity, higher prices)
Off-peak: Winter, shoulder season (lower capacity, better value)
What to Pack

Swimwear for pool deck parties
Neon/white clothing for UV parties
Smart casual for restaurants (no formal nights)
Sunscreen (deck gets hot)
Going-out clothes for nightlife
Comfortable shoes for shore excursions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady gay-friendly? Absolutely. Virgin Voyages is one of the most genuinely LGBTQ-inclusive cruise lines we've experienced. Same-sex couples were everywhere on our MerMaiden sailing, staff used inclusive language naturally, and the vibe felt authentically queer-friendly rather than performative. We felt completely comfortable holding hands, dancing together, and being ourselves throughout the entire sailing. Is RockStar Suite worth it on Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady? Depends on priorities. RockStar Suites offer huge beds, larger bathrooms, and guaranteed venue access (crucial on full sailings). But Sea Terrace cabins are genuinely fantastic with spacious bedrooms, good storage, balconies, and significantly cheaper ($1,500-2,500 vs $3,000-5,000 per person for 5-night sailing). We've done both and loved both. If sailing at capacity or want guaranteed show access, RockStar is worth it. Otherwise, Sea Terrace is brilliant value. How much should I load on Virgin Voyages bar tab? For two people who enjoy cocktails, wine, and champagne regularly, $1,000 USD (£700) was perfect for 5-night sailing. We didn't skimp and still had credit left for bottle of Moët on final night. Virgin gives bar tab discounts for pre-purchasing, so load more than you think. Unused credit refunds at end. Cocktails run $8-12, wine by bottle $30-70, champagne $50-90. What's embarkation like for Brilliant Lady from New York? Straightforward but busy from Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. Arrive during your designated boarding time, limited seating if early. Uber drop-off easiest (nearest subway 20-minute walk with luggage). Queues moved quickly once boarding started. You'll need ESTA for US entry, unlike Mediterranean sailings. From Uber to ship took 20-30 minutes. What's the food like on Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady? Good but inconsistent on our MerMaiden sailing. First-sailing capacity and crew learning curves meant wait times were long. We didn't get breakfast on disembarkation day. Compared to our Athens sailing on Resilient Lady in May 2024, food quality was slightly lower. Extra Virgin Italian restaurant was excellent. Pink Agave Mexican was good but slow. The Galley food hall was chaotic. How do I get Uber after disembarkation in New York? Walk few blocks away from Brooklyn Cruise Terminal before requesting Uber. Everyone tries to grab rides directly outside terminal, making it nearly impossible. Short walk solves problem immediately. We walked 3 blocks west, got Uber within 2 minutes. Should I wait to book Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady? Yes, wait 3-6 months after launch for operations to smooth out. Our MerMaiden first-sailing had food service delays, venue capacity issues, and breakfast disasters. Core Virgin experience (inclusivity, parties, cabins) was excellent, but operational chaos affected enjoyment. Later sailings will be smoother once crew finds rhythm.

Final Verdict
Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady delivered experience that was chaotic, beautiful, occasionally frustrating, and genuinely fun. We loved it despite its flaws. We'd sail again without hesitation.
The teething issues will resolve themselves. Food will improve. Capacity management will get better. Crew will find rhythm. The core Virgin magic—that genuine inclusivity, those brilliant parties, that infectious energy—is already there. Everything else is just operational tweaking.
If you're considering Virgin Voyages, here's our honest advice:

Book Sea Terrace unless you have specific reasons to upgrade
Load more bar tab credit than you think you'll need
Book Extra Virgin for dinner multiple times
Arrive early for popular shows
Walk away from cruise terminal before requesting Uber
Most importantly: embrace chaos, dance at parties, let yourself get caught up in Virgin's genuinely special atmosphere

We're already planning our next sailing. That tells you everything you need to know.
Read our detailed deep-dives:

RockStar Suite vs Sea Terrace: Which Cabin?
Brilliant Lady Dining Guide: Every Restaurant
Brilliant Lady Parties & LGBTQ+ Vibes
One Day in Bermuda Guide

Travel with us, always with love and a little luxe 🌈✈️