By
Alex Smith |
Virgin Voyages is to introduce a new lineup of entertainment onboard its newest ship, Brilliant Lady, when it debuts in New York in September 2025, including more comedy, live music, and storytelling.
Announced by Virgin’s CEO, chief marketing officer and vice president of entertainment on a live stream, Brilliant Lady will debut seven original productions and a range of new ‘Happenings’ events, alongside the return of reimagined fleet favourites, in a move intended to refresh the experience for the brand’s repeat guests.
The Red Room theatre will feature Red Hot, a musical revue of Virgin’s 50-year history through hits from Virgin Records’ musical catalogue, including archival clips. Out of Time, a time-travelling comedy developed in a collaboration between Virgin Voyages and entertainment company No Ceilings, will also show at the venue, including music, fashion, flappers and acrobatic cavemen.
The Manor, a two-tiered entertainment venue, will play host to five new shows on Brilliant Lady. Among them is Up with a Twist, the latest instalment of Virgin Voyages’ Supper Club Series, inspired by the 1920s. Guests find themselves at Lady Valentina’s Emporium of Excess, where a live band plays vintage songs and summer soundtrack favourites with a modern twist, with audience members having a say in the show’s ending.
Murder in the Manor, meanwhile, is an immersive thatre performance influenced by true crime shows and 1980s murder mystery novels, blending spectacle, mystery and dancing. Created by No Ceiling, the show tasks guests with assisting the investigators to help figure out who killed a rockstar twin sister.
Duets is a stage show showcasing duets across generations and genres, featuring Motown, classic rock and contemporary ballads, all performed with jazz-infused arrangements. Electric is a dance party filled with fluorescent accents, UV reactive outfits, neon face paint and a jellyfish parade, while Disco Reimagined is a 90-minute show of dance breaks and circus moments featuring an explosion of sequins, flared pants and acrobatics.
The Scarlet Night will return in a reimagined form onboard Brilliant Lady. The night, which celebrates the octopus goddess, will now head indoors to the Red Room when Brilliant Lady sails to Alaska with specialised programming designed to recreate the atmosphere outdoors.
Finally, Duel Reality, Virgin Voyages’ acrobatic take on Romeo and Juliet, will also return, having become the first cruise ship production to go from sea to land in Boston in 2024.
“The new incredible additions to our entertainment is just the first reveal in a series of imaginative experiences we’re unveiling for our fourth and final ship,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages. “Our brand has come so far since our launch in 2021, and we’re grateful to our travel advisor community for being such an important part of our journey. Thanks to their valuable feedback, we’re constantly challenging ourselves to raise the bar by offering more entertainment and never-before-seen experiences. Not only will Brilliant’s entertainment take us to the next level, but it will also answer the areas where we needed to grow.”
Brilliant Lady’s itineraries will range from five to 16 nights, exploring destinations such as Bermuda and Alaska.