I have never sailed this cruise line so here is their latest press release without commentary
Fresh off her dazzling New York debut, Virgin Voyages’ newest ship, Brilliant Lady, has been turning heads with her epic arrival moment on the Hudson and series of showcase events. Next month, on Oct. 17, she’ll trade the fall foliage for palm trees as she makes her highly anticipated Miami arrival. Marking the start of her Caribbean season, the eight-night Miami MerMaiden will blend big city buzz with tropical energy, headlined by none other than Grammy-nominated artist and culinary creator Kelis.
The one-time-only itinerary takes Sailors from Miami to Tortola’s lush landscapes, St. Maarten’s cultural crossroads and Virgin Voyages’ private Beach Club at Bimini. But the real headliner is on board: Grammy-nominated artist and Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef Kelis. Known for global hits like “Milkshake” and “Bossy,” Kelis is set to deliver a high-energy performance under the Caribbean stars on Brilliant Lady’s pool deck.
And the celebration doesn’t stop at the music. Leaning into her culinary passion, Kelis will debut the indulgent Kelis Sundae at The Wake, a decadent dessert created exclusively for the Miami MerMaiden. It’s a first-of-its-kind treat that blends her artistry in both food and music, giving Sailors a taste of her creativity beyond the stage.
“There’s something magical about performing at sea and creating something deliciously special to celebrate such an epic moment aboard Brilliant Lady,” said Kelis. “Virgin Voyages gets that music and food tell stories, and I’m excited to share both sides of my passions with Sailors on this incredible Miami celebration.”
In true Virgin fashion, the voyage also spotlights Miami’s legendary nightlife. A bespoke speakeasy experience will bring the city’s bar culture to sea, with cocktail menus curated in collaboration with local favorites The Sylvester, Bar Kaiju, Swizzle and Better Days. This limited-edition experience captures the spirit of Miami’s electric evenings, adding a hometown flavor to the sailing.
“Miami has always been Virgin Voyages’ home, so bringing Brilliant Lady here with an artist like Kelis feels like coming full circle,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages. “Her fearless creativity and boundary-pushing artistry perfectly capture the spirit of what we’re building at sea.”
Following in the footsteps of past Virgin headliners like Nicky Jam, Melanie C and Boy George, the Miami MerMaiden underscores Virgin Voyages’ deep connection to music and culture. Named Travel + Leisure’s No. 1 mega-ship ocean cruise line for three consecutive years, Virgin continues to set the bar for at-sea experiences with Michelin-starred dining, immersive entertainment and boundary-pushing design. Brilliant Lady’s Miami debut is not only a milestone for the brand but also a love letter to the city where Virgin’s sailing story first began.
Brilliant Lady’s arrival also unlocks a season of longer Caribbean getaways. In addition to her debut MerMaiden, she’ll chart courses south to the ABC islands, explore Colombia’s colorful coastlines and call on Ocho Rios, offering Sailors an expanded menu of tropical escapes.
Sailors can secure their place on this historic voyage by visiting www.virginvoyages.com or connecting with their First Mate.
About Virgin Voyages
Promising to Create an Epic Sea Change for All, Virgin Voyages is the award-winning, exclusively adult cruise line founded by Sir Richard Branson. Delivering unforgettable, relaxing vacations at sea, Virgin Voyages launched at the end of 2021. Inspired by superyacht design, its fleet of Lady Ships exemplify an elevated, boutique hotel at sea with contemporary spaces that strike the perfect balance of nautical chic and glamour. Currently departing from the sun-soaked cities of Miami, Barcelona, Athens and San Juan, the fleet offers more than 60 unique itineraries, sailing to 150+ incredible ports of call.
On-board, 20+ eateries feature culinary experiences from Michelin-star chefs, stylish workout spaces and group fitness classes are offered daily, and a festival-like line-up of intimate and larger-than-life shows are on the agenda. Paired with modern, tech-savvy cabins, designer suites fit for a rockstar and a mermaid-inspired spa and thermal suite, the brand is taking the industry by storm. For three consecutive years – 2023, 2024 and 2025 – Virgin Voyages won best cruise line in Travel + Leisure’s highly coveted World’s Best Awards for mega-ship ocean cruise line, along with the 2023 and 2024 Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards for best large ocean cruise line.
