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6th Feb 2027 | 12 nights | Virgin Voyages | Brilliant Lady
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Caribbean Vibes, Hidden Coves, Beaches & Rhum
24th Jan 27 | 11 nights
Virgin Voyages | Brilliant Lady
from £2099.00
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Caribbean Vibes & Hidden Coves | Adult-Only Cruising
21st Feb 27 | 11 nights
Virgin Voyages | Brilliant Lady
from £1799.00
View PackageFly from the UK to Miami, Florida
Check-in to your hotel for a 2-night stay in Miami, Florida
Another day at leisure to explore the cosmopolitan city of Miami.
St. Maarten is busier than ever, as cruise lines call on Philipsburg with their biggest ships. (Sometimes there are a half-dozen in port at one time.) There's also more to do once you disembark, with shopping and beaches serving as the primary attractions.
That can be viewed as either good news (more shopping choices, better deals and more beach activities) or bad news (more people) for this port of call, which, along with neighbouring St. Martin, makes up the world's smallest island inhabited by two countries.
St. Maarten, like many other Caribbean islands, was spotted by Christopher Columbus in 1493. But the island's real history began with French and Dutch settlers who divided the island in 1648. They have lived side-by-side ever since. St. Maarten, governed by the Netherlands Antilles until 2010, is now a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (along with Aruba, Curacao and the Netherlands), while St. Martin is part of the French West Indies. What's particularly fun is that you can easily swing back and forth from the Dutch to the French sides and enjoy the best of both.
On either side of the mountainous island, lovely beaches -- including the famed clothing-optional part of Orient Beach -- rival the best in the Caribbean. Plus, duty-free prices for electronics and liquor in Philipsburg might be the best deals around.
The largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix is perhaps the least known to cruise passengers, and that's a shame. The island -- home to the United States' easternmost point, Point Udall -- doesn't have the duty-free attractions of St. Thomas or St. Maarten. There's no prefabricated terminal in Frederiksted, a sleepy city on the west end that has been rejuvenated with extensive waterfront landscaping. There's no Senor Frog's, no Ripley's Believe it or Not. Instead, St. Croix features scores of nature activities and water sports, from horseback riding through the rain forest to some of the region's best scuba diving and snorkelling. History buffs will love the numerous historic attractions, such as Fort Frederik, the Estate Whim Plantation and the Christiansted National Historic Site's numerous monuments, reminders of St. Croix's Danish heritage. Those who enjoy the offbeat will be thrilled to tour the Cruzan rum distillery or feed beer to the island's famous drinking pigs. (Captain Morgan also has a facility on St. Croix.) A burgeoning food culture, anchored by the island's extensive agriculture, is becoming internationally known. And beach bums have scores of choices, both on the west end and farther afield. At the turn of the century, a rash of muggings gave the island a reputation for crime, which discouraged cruise lines from calling. But within the past decade, St. Croix has polished its image with new investments so it gleams. Now, Vice President Joe Biden regularly takes vacations there. The area surrounding the pier in Frederiksted is landscaped with lush gardens, cosy benches and a shopping area consisting of a range of gazebos. Lovely iron torchlights provide illumination and a period ambience that befits the restored 17th- and 18th-century Danish Creole buildings. The waterfront, too, is landscaped along Strand Street; you can walk along the boardwalk for great views and access to beautiful beaches. A stop in St. Croix will show you some of the best aspects of the Caribbean, with the added ease of using U.S. currency and the English language. You'll leave amazed that you haven't heard more about this more "virgin" Virgin Island -- and will soon be plotting your return.
As an anchor on Eastern and Southern Caribbean itineraries -- not to mention a turnaround port for many ships -- San Juan is a place where just about all cruisers, at some point or another, are going to wind up. Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, and San Juan is its urban hub. The city, by and large, is divided into new and old. The new includes a business district and outlying neighbourhoods, concentrated with hotel chains like Isla Verde. The old is, of course, the historic city within ancient walls. Both offer many Americanisms. (Senor Frog's has a prime outpost, and you'll never want for a McDonald's Big Mac.)
Get beyond that, though, because of all America's Caribbean islands, Puerto Rico offers the most exotic aura. The melange of indigenous Taino culture, combined with European and African influences in San Juan (and all of Puerto Rico, for that matter), is one major factor. Add to that its own unique influences in areas ranging from cuisine and music to history and art. And there's more: folks who have travelled to Cuba say that Old San Juan reminds them more of Cuba, at times, than Cuba itself! It's also very Spanish (think Seville) and even a bit Italian (reminiscent of Naples). Finally, the city evokes just a wee taste of South America (like Buenos Aires).
For those who visit San Juan as a day-stop on a Caribbean itinerary or embark or disembark there, the island's biggest appeal is the old city. Most cruise ships dock right in the heart of Old San Juan, which dates back to the 16th century. The old, walled city has been exquisitely preserved, and its sprawling forts, cobblestone streets, antique shops and art galleries make it an ideal first stop. Its mainstream attractions include the imposing El Morro fort, which dates back to 1539; the Cathedral of San Juan, where the island's first governor, Ponce de Leon, is buried; La Fortaleza, the oldest governor's mansion on U.S. soil; several colonial plazas; and the triumvirate of Calle del Cristo, Calle San Jose and Calle Fortaleza for shopping. Calle del Cristo, in particular, is chock-full of art galleries, artisan studios and distinctive boutiques.
But, if you're a "been there, done that" visitor to Old San Juan, there's much more to explore.
And there's one more thing to keep in mind: many cruises stay in port until late at night. That makes it possible to sample some of the city's vibrant restaurants and nightlife (as long as you keep an eye on the clock).
As the oldest city on the north coast of the country, Puerto Plata has a lot to offer visitors. Stroll through the Parque Central, admire the technicolour homes built by tobacco merchants, then pause at a local restaurant or bar before taking the cable car ride for stunning views on clear days. Alternatively, head to one of the nearby beach resorts to enjoy lively surf and endless golden beaches.
The Beach Club at Bimini is a private, resort-like experience for when you’re not out exploring the islands. With restorative days spent doing slow-flow yoga or lounging by the pool, nights give way to a vibrant-coloured sunset — ending with a bonfire on the beach to say our goodbyes.
Depart your ship and make your way to Miami airport for your flight back home.
Brilliant Lady is Virgin Voyages fourth cruise ship. The ship follows the look and feel of sister vessels Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady. Like its three sisters, Brilliant Lady’s fares include several perks, like basic beverage package (still and sparkling water, non-pressed juices, sodas, teas, and drip coffee), Wi-Fi and gratuities. Also included will be the signature fitness classes – like yoga, meditation, and cycling, among others - that the brand is known for, espousing the line’s “Vitamin Sea” philosophy of well-being and rejuvenation.
Brilliant Lady’s deck plans build on the cruise line’s non-standard style
Since debuting with Scarlet Lady in October 2021, Virgin Voyages has upheld the brand vision of providing a non-standard style of cruising that does away with the traditional elements. In that respect, Brilliant Lady features a wide variety of dining options, while foregoing the buffet and main dining room set up of most cruise lines. Sailors can expect about 20 dining venues, ranging from steakhouses and Korean BBQ to elaborate brunches and an international food market. Following the layout of its sister ships, Brilliant Lady’s onboard accommodations comprise of 1,408 cabins, the majority of which have ocean views and around 86 percent with balconies. Cabins for solo travellers are also be on offer and the largest cabins are the Mega RockStar suites with retro furnishings, vinyl turntables and electric guitars.
Brilliant Lady Specs
Like its sister ships, Brilliant Lady is 110,000 gross tons and carries 2,700 passengers at double capacity.
On Virgin Voyages' Brilliant Lady, your daily schedule isn't slipped under your cabin door – it's all on the app, and they encourage you to use it. The app's fantastic, not reliant on Wi-Fi, and details activities, events, shows, and bookings for classes like Yoga or Pilates. During the day, The Roundabout hosts a DJ and provides ample seating for people-watching. Workout classes, including themed ones like '80s workouts, are available on deck and in the Manor. The Social Club offers free games like air hockey and foosball, while The Arcade has classic video games like Space Invaders. Want to mix things up? Try a mixology, coffee crafting class, or a Squid Ink tattoo. Pro Tip: Fitness classes fill up fast; book early.
At night, the ship buzzes with live music, DJ sets, dancing, and spontaneous performances in various public spaces. Venture into The Dock, and you might witness impromptu musical performances or the band playing the engaging show Phantom Tales, a mix of micro-plays and soulful songs. Additionally, Scarlet Lady features the resident sexologist Dr. A in the late-night lounge Never Sleep Alone, an interactive show that pushes boundaries and involves the audience in playful and daring ways.
The ship also offers a vibrant nightlife scene with a DJ spinning tunes in The Roundabout. The Casino, located on Deck 6, offers various games and promotions, including Scarlet Night, where guests are encouraged to wear red and join the party on the pool deck after the top-deck show, Odysea.
The Red Room, not your typical theatre, boasts flexible seating arrangements that adapt to each show. We witnessed Duel Reality, a spectacular performance blending West Side Story and Romeo and Juliet with street dancing and acrobatics, creating an immersive and thrilling experience.
The Manor, the ship's nightclub, stands out with its double-height space, dance floor, and varied entertainment, hosting live bands and DJ sets.
Brilliant Lady offers a plethora of bars and lounges. Richard's Rooftop is a VIP space with craft cocktails and a relaxed ambience. Draught Haus, below a circular stairway, serves various beers and unique concoctions. For an elegant experience, visit Sip Lounge, reminiscent of a 1920s Art Deco bar, offering Champagnes, cocktails, and even High Tea. The Groupie is perfect for karaoke enthusiasts, boasting private karaoke booths. Grounds Club offers top-notch coffee and pastries, ideal for a morning pick-me-up.
The Aquatic Club on Deck 15 features pools and hot tubs, though the main pool is more for lounging than swimming. There is ample space for sunbathing, with both loungers and private cabanas. While pricey, the Redemption Spa's Thermal Suite offers various calming experiences, from mudrooms to saunas and breathtaking views.
Virgin goes all out with fitness, offering dedicated spaces like Bike and Burn and Build & Balance for workouts. They've even installed a bright-red running track above Deck 16 and equipped the ship with basketball courts, outdoor training, and a boxing ring. Fitness classes are free and plentiful, and even a dedicated yoga instructor is available. It's a fitness enthusiast's paradise at sea.
Virgin Voyages is revolutionising the onboard dining experience, crafting each dish with fresh ingredients and a made-to-order ethos. Their culinary repertoire spans from delectable food truck classics to extravagant ten-course tasting feasts. Endorsed by a collective of Michelin-starred chefs, these gastronomic marvels have secured accolades, including the coveted 'Best Dining' title from Cruise Critic in the UK and USA, along with a slew of awards from revered publications like Conde Nast, Travel Weekly, Cosmopolitan, and Travel + Leisure. Here's a glimpse into some of the standout venues:
Radiating sophistication and nostalgia, The Wake reinvents the classic mid-20th-century chophouse with a modern twist. Descending the grand staircase reveals an ambience reminiscent of a bygone steakhouse era, offering breathtaking views of the ship's wake.
A haven for relaxed and chic dining experiences at sea, Razzle Dazzle serves breakfast, a sensational all-day boozy brunch, and dinner. Whether seeking healthy fare or indulgent coconut milk fairy french toast, this vibrant hub reimagines beloved American comfort classics amidst striking decor.
Transporting guests to Mexico's vibrant culinary landscape, Pink Agave offers a taste beyond the ordinary taco. With bold flavours designed for sharing, this venue immerses diners in authentic Mexican cuisine, accompanied by an impressive array of tequila and mezcal found nowhere else at sea.
Celebrating the joy of hands-on meat grilling and savouring soju, Gunbae offers an immersive Korean BBQ experience. Vibrant and interactive, it sets the stage with a traditional Korean drinking game and a complimentary shot of soju, fostering lively social connections.
Embracing Italian traditions, Extra Virgin showcases dishes inspired by diverse regions of Italy. This culinary journey celebrates cultural richness and flavoursome delights, from shared antipasti to freshly crafted pasta and grilled meats.
A culinary adventure awaits at The Test Kitchen, resembling a laboratory and a dining destination. With evolving tasting menus curated by visionary chefs, this avant-garde culinary academy promises an unconventional gastronomic experience.
Indulge in 24-hour room service, delectable ice cream, all-day pizza, tapas-style plates, The Galley's freshly prepared bento boxes and expertly crafted burgers. Calories don't count on holiday - but if you want to burn off your brunch, the array of included fitness classes and access to cutting-edge gym equipment has you covered.
Brilliant Lady's cabins epitomize a modern and playful ambience, offering a range of accommodations from cosy interiors to luxurious suites designed to evoke a rock star lifestyle. Most cabins feature "terraces" (balconies in traditional terms), and an impressive 93% of staterooms provide scenic ocean views. The ship houses 46 cabins tailored for solo travellers, predominantly inside staterooms and ten accessible rooms spread across various categories.
Brilliant Lady's cabins are characterised by contemporary designs prioritising guest comfort, even within limited spaces. Intelligent furniture choices enable dual functionality, with sofas converting into beds for added convenience. While the bathrooms may be compact, they feature generously sized showers, albeit compromising on sink and vanity space.
Standard cabin amenities include queen beds convertible into twin setups, desks, chairs, sofas, night tables, mini-fridges, wardrobes, and safes. Technological conveniences abound with large flat-screen TVs, multiple U.S. outlets, USB charging ports, and a tablet controlling room features like lighting and temperature.
Refreshing water carafes are provided during morning servicing and evening turndown, a thoughtful touch ensuring guest comfort throughout their stay.
The ship offers cabins across three primary categories: inside rooms without exterior access, outside rooms featuring portholes for natural light, and balconies allowing private verandas.
In line with standard cruise ship dimensions, cabins on Brilliant Lady range from compact 105-square-foot spaces to expansive suites spanning 2,147 square feet – exceeding the size of many New York City apartments.
Balcony cabins on Brilliant Lady cover a comfortable 265 square feet, boasting modern decor with vibrant accents and spacious verandas. However, storage space under the bed might be limited due to convertible furniture.
Brilliant Lady's suites, named "Rockstar Quarters" and "Mega Rockstar Quarters," exude an exclusive vibe, featuring mood lighting and amenities like record players, blending nostalgia with contemporary luxury.
Starting at 352 square feet, suites offer exclusive perks such as access to "Richard's Rooftop," dedicated agents, premium Wi-Fi, bar tabs, and more.
Cabin bathrooms exhibit utilitarian designs, providing essential facilities, including toilets, basins, and modest storage shelves. Showers are more extensive than typical cruise-ship setups, featuring glass doors, rain showerheads, and branded amenities by Virgin.
Suite bathrooms boast luxurious touches such as marble finishes, peek-a-boo showers, and upgraded Red Flower bath products.
Accessible cabins offer barrier-free shower entry, grab rails, folding benches, and raised toilet heights for enhanced accessibility.
For Solo Travelers: Consider specially designed solo traveller cabins for stunning views without single supplements.
Budget-Friendly: Opt for a straightforward inside cabin for convenient access near elevator banks.
Group Accommodation: Book a Sea Terrace cabin accommodating four individuals with additional beds.
Unparalleled Views: Explore the Cheeky Corner suites on the ship's aft corners for breathtaking vistas.
Value Splurge: Indulge in the Brilliant Suite, offering exceptional value with spacious interiors, a generous balcony, and entry-level Rock Star perks.
Ultimate Luxury: Experience opulence in the Massive Suite, boasting lavish amenities, a large balcony, and ample space for gatherings.
Anyone with an active Instagram account and those looking for a trendy downtown vibe on their holiday
Early-to-bed travellers and anyone who is looking for a traditional at-sea experience
Virgin Voyages will appeal to a broad range of travellers. Early reports are that most booked guests are aged 37-62 with an average age of 47. Most have cruised before but are looking to try a new take on the cruise experience. The new-to-cruise customers the brand is likely to appeal to most are those curious about a holiday at sea, those who like stylish accommodation and excellent service, plus the feeling that they can indulge by night and detox by day, enjoying time with their travelling companions.
No. There is no dress code on Virgin Voyages ships, but given expect lots of chic "rent a runway"-style threads in the evening.
No, but cruise fares will be fairly inclusive, especially for a big-ship cruise line. The cruise fare will include all dining, basic drinks (soda, bottled and sparkling water, juices), basic Wi-Fi and group fitness classes. Extra charges will include streaming Wi-Fi, alcoholic drinks, shore excursions, and spa and beauty treatments. Cruisers staying in one of the line's RockStar Quarters will receive perks such as early boarding through a VIP entrance, priority access to booking, 24/7 access to "RockStar" agents who can fulfil any of your Rock Star needs, as well as the ability to create a rider (wish list) of just about anything they want their suite stocked with.
The nightlife is one of the main draws of the ship, with lots of bars and lounges and unusual night activities, including aerialists, comedy, pop-up music, interactive theatre and more. (There are no traditional big-stage production shows.) Additionally, the fleet is designed around a "Vitamin Sea" philosophy that emphasizes daytime relaxation and wellness. The line expects cruisers to participate in a detox, retox array of activities throughout the day
