Brilliant Lady Arrives in New York With Richard Branson

Virgin Voyages marked a milestone moment today as its newest ship, Brilliant Lady, arrived in New York City for the first time.

The Brilliant Lady, Richard Branson’s cruise ship, sails on the Hudson River toward Manhattan, with the New York City skyline and One World Trade Center visible in the background under a blue sky with scattered clouds. — (Photo courtesy of Virgin Voyages)

Founder Sir Richard Branson was on deck to welcome the vessel as it sailed past the Statue of Liberty and into the Hudson River, concluding the final piece of the cruise line’s four-ship fleet.

To celebrate the occasion, more than 2,400 crew and guests joined in a live performance of Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now,” led by Astrid Jorgensen of Pub Choir.

The event transformed the ship’s top deck into a 21st-century concert stage, with the Manhattan skyline and Lady Liberty as a dramatic backdrop.

A man in a pink shirt and a woman in a red floral top dance on the Brilliant Lady cruise ship deck near New York, while musicians play string instruments and an audience, possibly including Richard Branson, watches from above. — (Photo courtesy of Virgin Voyages)

“This moment will leave a legacy far beyond our ships,” said Branson, noting the unique sense of community and connection that Virgin Voyages aims to foster onboard. “What makes Virgin Voyages so intangibly special is our people.”

The performance was a symbolic close to the brand’s first chapter, which began in the same harbor in 2020 with the launch of Scarlet Lady.

Today’s arrival of Brilliant Lady marks the completion of Virgin Voyages’ adult-only fleet, which includes Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and Scarlet Lady.

Jorgensen, known for turning audiences into impromptu choirs, conducted the group in a unified rendition of the rock anthem.

A modern New York restaurant interior with red velvet chairs, wooden tables, a long bar with stools, wall art featuring red abstract faces, pendant lighting, and a patterned tile floor—a setting worthy of Richard Branson's Brilliant Lady. — (Photo courtesy of Virgin Voyages)

The event emphasized participation and collective experience over vocal precision—a reflection of Virgin Voyages’ approach to guest engagement.

Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages, said the celebration highlighted what the brand stands for: “joyous, welcoming, and transformative” experiences.

“We built this brand alongside our incredible Crew, and they are the beating heart of why our Sailors fall in love with Virgin Voyages,” he said.

Brilliant Lady will depart New York on her MerMaiden Voyage to Bermuda on September 5.