Virgin Voyages brilliant lady gets ready for mermaiden voyage
After a 2 year delay, Virgin Voyages’ latest marvel, Brilliant Lady—the fleet’s fourth Lady Ship—makes her grand debut on September 5, 2025, marking a bold expansion into new horizons including New York, the Panama Canal, Alaska, and more. We are excited to be booked onto the Mermaiden out of New York, and will be bringing you lots of content about the new ship and her first voyage out to Bermuda and back. In the meantime, heres the scoop on some things we know so far.
Happenings Cast: Our Stars Revealed
Virgin Voyages doesn’t do cruise directors — instead, it has the Happenings Cast. Think of them as a floating troupe of charismatic personalities, each with a distinct role designed to surprise and delight Sailors throughout the voyage. They don’t just announce events — they live them, weaving entertainment into unexpected corners of the ship.
The cast includes everything from a ship-wide fitness guru and foodie guide to the headline-grabbing Diva — a glamorous, quick-witted host who keeps the energy sparkling day and night. For Brilliant Lady’s inaugural sailing we have had some confirmations of who to expect.
Along with the rest of the cast, there is certain to be a lot of energy with new entertainment options onboard, its going to be great to see them launch this new era for Virgin Voyages.
Rojo by Razzle Dazzle: From Bold Brunches to Spanish Flair
Razzle Dazzle started life on Virgin Voyages’ first Lady Ships as a plant-forward, veggie-leaning brunch and dinner spot known for its playful, high-contrast décor and unexpected menu twists (including the famous “naughty” section for meat-lovers). Over time, the concept has evolved, keeping its bold personality but embracing new cultural inspirations. With Scarlet Lady gaining Lucky Lotus by Razzle Dazzle, its set to be the differentiated dining for each of the ships.
On Brilliant Lady, that evolution takes a dramatic turn with Rojo by Razzle Dazzle, a vibrant Spanish-inspired dining experience helmed by celebrated chefs Justin Severino and Nate Hobart. The menu blends traditional Iberian flavors with modern creativity. We recently got a feel for how the menu was going to look.
Rendering of new Rojo by Razzle Dazzle dining concept - Copyright: Virgin Voyages
The space itself carries forward the cheeky, high-energy vibe of the original Razzle Dazzle, now layered with warm reds, golden accents, and design elements evoking lively Spanish markets.
The Crew: The Beating Heart of Brilliant Lady
No matter how sleek the ship or dazzling the entertainment, it’s the crew that gives Virgin Voyages its signature soul. Brilliant Lady’s behind-the-scenes video captures the dedication, excitement, and personality of the team preparing her for her maiden voyage.
From hospitality pros meticulously setting up staterooms to culinary teams perfecting dishes and performers rehearsing shows, every crew member plays a role in creating Virgin’s promise of “Epic Sea Change” — a cruise experience that’s effortlessly cool, sailor-centered, and full of unexpected moments.
We got a peak this week into the set up for Brilliant Lady with this video being posted on the official Virgin Voyages channel.
As we count down the days until we board Brilliant Lady we are getting more and more excitement. Make sure to follow along on our socials to make sure you don’t miss out on all the latest and greatest.
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Theres still time to book your cabin about the Mermaiden sailing from New York on the 5th September.
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1. What is the Happenings Cast on Virgin Voyages?
The Happenings Cast is Virgin Voyages’ reimagined take on a cruise director — instead of one person, a team of specialized hosts leads activities, pop-up performances, and themed events throughout the ship. Each has their own personality, from The Diva to the fitness coach, making the experience dynamic and interactive.2. Who is The Diva on Brilliant Lady?
The Diva is a glamorous, larger-than-life personality in the Happenings Cast. On Brilliant Lady, the role will be played by Dixie Krystals, a fan-favorite known for witty banter, show-stopping costumes, and unforgettable cabaret moments.3. What is Rojo by Razzle Dazzle?
Rojo by Razzle Dazzle is an exclusive Spanish-inspired restaurant debuting on Brilliant Lady. It’s an evolution of Virgin’s original Razzle Dazzle concept, blending bold, plant-forward creativity with Iberian classics like tapas, pintxos, and regional wines.4. Is Rojo by Razzle Dazzle vegetarian?
Like the original Razzle Dazzle, Rojo offers a strong selection of plant-based dishes, but also includes meat and seafood options — including signature Spanish recipes — to cater to all tastes.5. When does Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady launch?
Brilliant Lady begins sailing September 5, 2025, with itineraries including the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, and Alaska.