Virgin Voyages Releases Alaskan Itineraries for Brilliant Lady

October 29, 2024 Randy Young

Virgin Voyages is taking its renowned, adult-only cruise experience to Alaska, and unveiling summer 2026 itineraries for the Brilliant Lady. Virgin Voyages’ newest ship is set to explore Alaska’s stunning landscapes and wildlife, with 17 sailings scheduled between May and September. Today, they’ve released the itineraries for 2026 and announced when you can book.

A Peek at the Virgin Voyages’ Alaska Itineraries

Brilliant Lady’s Alaska Season will begin with the MerMaiden voyage from Seattle on May 21, 2026. The cruise will offer guests a rich blend of nature, culture, and adventure. This seven-night itinerary stops in Ketchikan, known for its proximity to Tongass National Forest, and then visits Sitka, an Alaskan town brimming with local culture. Following Sitka, guests will experience the dramatic Tracy Arm Fjord and conclude with a scenic day in Prince Rupert, British Columbia.

tracy arm fjord — Many of the new itineraries will sail by Tracy Arm Fjord.

After that sailing, Brilliant Lady will run a variety of 7- to 12-night sailings. They will depart from either Seattle or Vancouver and stop at a variety of popular Alaskan destinations (over the course of the summer, the ship will visit 12 different destinations).

These itineraries are well-timed for peak wildlife viewing, allowing guests to see bald eagles, seals, humpback whales, and orcas in their natural habitat. Virgin Voyages offers excursions (or “Shore Things” as they call them) such as salmon fishing, glacier trekking, and dog sledding to make these encounters even more memorable.

Our Sailors are always challenging us to explore new horizons. We know they want to experience the unique destinations we offer, and Alaska has been in high demand. These itineraries capture the spirit of adventure while staying true to Virgin’s lively and vibrant atmosphere.”
– Virgin Voyages CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu

Brilliant Lady Will Shine in Alaska

Virgin Voyages has designed the Brilliant Lady to make the most of Alaska’s sights. Guests can enjoy the beautiful views while relaxing on their private balconies, with 86% of cabins featuring private balconies and Virgin’s signature hammocks. The ship’s Galley food hall has floor-to-ceiling windows for constant views while eating, while popular spots like The Dock and The Athletic Club offer outdoor spaces for uninterrupted sightseeing. The elevated Runway track lets Sailors take in the Alaskan scenery while keeping active.

For those wishing to enjoy local cuisine, the “Treat Yourself” section of the food menus onboard (the only food at an additional cost on Virgin Voyages) will serve fresh, locally sourced seafood for an authentic taste of the region.

inside passage glacier — Guests can enjoy the views of the Inside Passage from their balconies, The Dock, and The Galley.

Virgin’s Alaskan Itineraries Go On Sale This Week

Virgin’s Alaskan itineraries have been a hot commodity. Earlier this year, Virgin Voyages introduced its Front(ier) of the Line passes, which sold out quickly and allowed loyalty members early access to Alaska bookings. Passholders will gain access to reservations starting this Thursday, October 31, while general booking will open on November 13, 2024.

In addition to Alaska, Virgin Voyages is also offering a new seven-night itinerary departing from Los Angeles, with stops in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta, highlighting the brand’s expansion into the Pacific.

The Virgin Voyages Experience in Alaska

Of course, all Alaska sailings will feature what Virgin Voyages has been known for. That means all these sailings remain “Adult-Only” and follow their “always included” philosophy, including amenities such as specialty dining, essential beverages, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and group fitness classes. This transparent pricing model aims to make the cruise experience worry-free, allowing guests to focus on relaxation and exploration rather than hidden costs.

Don’t Wait to Book Your Alaska Cruise

If you are interested in an Alaskan sailing, book soon. Virgin Voyages uses demand-based pricing, and they said that “inaugural season pricing is expected to rise quickly.” There’s also a very good chance these sailings will completely sell out, as demand was incredibly high for the pre-sale.