Virgin Voyages shares details about first-ever Alaska sailings

Virgin Voyages is setting course for Alaska in the summer of 2026, the adults-only cruise line announced Tuesday (Oct. 29).

Brilliant Lady, the newest ship in Virgin’s fleet, will also celebrate the grand finale of her inaugural North American tour with 17 new voyages – heroing 12 destinations.

Access for presale passholders opens on Thursday (Oct. 31), while itineraries go on sale for the general public starting Nov. 13 with inaugural season pricing expected to rise quickly.

Brilliant Lady will offer Sailors a front-row seat on a journey to the Pacific Northwest’s woody shores.

Seven to 12-night itineraries will depart from Seattle and Vancouver with stops in Alaska’s wilderness and Canada’s untouched northwest.

The MerMaiden voyage (May 21-28), for example, departs from the Emerald City and spends a day sailing to Ketchikan, a village located amongst the Tongass National Forest.

From there Brilliant Lady docks in  Sitka –  the iconic seaside town teeming with local culture that inspired Ryan Reynolds’ and Sandra Bullock’s rom-com “The Proposal” – followed by a day voyaging up the impressive Tracy Arm Fjord.

Brilliant Lady will also dock in Prince Rupert (British Columbia) before spending a final day travelling back to Seattle.

Sailors can wrap up in their warm, knitted cabin blanket with a cup of hot cocoa or glass of Moët and marvel in the serene beauty as 86 per cent of cabins boast balconies with hand-woven hammocks.

The Galley, Virgin’s food hall with food all included, offers floor-to-ceiling windows so Sailors never miss a beat, while cozy daybeds at The Athletic Club and The Dock make for desirable outdoor viewing spaces.

Even The Runway, Virgin Voyages’ suspended running track, can serve as a sightseeing platform, making morning runs even more exhilarating.

For foodies, new “Treat Yourself” culinary enhancements will feature locally sourced Alaskan seafood.

“We have incredibly high repeat rates, so our Sailors are always challenging us to seek new horizons; they always want to know ‘where else can we sail with Virgin?’ This brand is charting new paths, and the sold-out response to our Front(ier) of the Line passes earlier this year showed us just how sought after our Alaskan itineraries are. We continue to reach for the high seas with our itineraries, with Brilliant Lady being no exception. Soon our Sailors can visit one of the world’s most incredible destinations on the No. 1 cruise line, all while enjoying new and exciting artists, chefs and musicians that bring the Virgin vibe,” said Virgin Voyages’ CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu.

Following the announcement of Brilliant Lady’s North American tour, bookings for the U.S. itineraries surpassed anticipated demand.

Debuting in September 2026, Brilliant Lady kicks off her inaugural season in New York with voyages from Miami, LA and Seattle planned in the months that follow, including an epic 16-night sailing through the Panama Canal.

In May, 2024, members of the brand’s Sailing Club – Virgin Voyages’ loyalty program – were offered a chance to snag Front(ier) of the Line passes to pre-purchase the limited Alaskan itineraries.

After selling out, the Front(ier) of the Line passholders get booking access starting this week, with voyages opening to the general public on Nov. 13.

In addition to Alaska, the brand is unveiling an additional seven-night itinerary from Los Angeles. Highlights include Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlàn and Puerto Vallarta.

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