Ship Comparison
Valiant Lady vs Brilliant Lady
Valiant Lady and Brilliant Lady both deliver Virgin Voyages' signature adults-only energy, with Valiant embracing Mediterranean and Caribbean flair, while Brilliant charts new courses to Alaska and the West Coast with refined culinary and entertainment offerings.
The verdict
Valiant Lady, launched in 2022, has firmly established Virgin Voyages' reputation for a dynamic, adults-only, and highly social cruise experience. She masterfully blends lively entertainment with a strong focus on wellness and diverse, included dining. Her itineraries lean heavily into the warmth of the Mediterranean and Caribbean, offering a vibrant backdrop for her unique onboard energy. Brilliant Lady, set to debut in 2025, builds upon this foundation, promising an evolution of the Virgin Voyages experience. While retaining the beloved adults-only, fun-centric atmosphere, she introduces new culinary concepts like Rojo by Razzle Dazzle and expanded entertainment productions. Her geographical focus shifts to exciting destinations like Alaska, the West Coast, and New England, appealing to those looking for fresh adventures and perhaps a slightly more refined, yet equally playful, luxury. Both ships excel in offering a non-traditional, boutique hotel-at-sea feel, but Brilliant Lady aims to push the boundaries further with enhanced amenities and new horizons.
Choose Valiant Lady if…
Travelers who prioritize a lively, adults-only social scene with diverse dining and a balance of party and wellness. Ideal for those seeking Caribbean and Mediterranean adventures.
Best for
- The Social Butterfly & Party Seeker
- The Foodie Adventurer
- The Modern Explorer & Cruise Disrupter
- The Wellness Warrior & Detox-Retox Enthusiast
- The Rockstar Suite Life Seeker
Avoid if
- Daytime Lull
- Dinner Reservations Fill Fast
- Lack of Traditional Cruise Elements
- Spa Access Costs Extra
- Premium Price Point
Choose Brilliant Lady if…
Explorers looking for a modern, adults-only cruise experience to new destinations like Alaska and the West Coast, appreciating enhanced dining, entertainment, and a slightly more polished luxury.
Best for
- The Culinary Explorer
- The Social Butterfly & Nightlife Seeker
- The Wellness & Fitness Enthusiast
- The Modern Luxury Seeker
- The Independent Adult Traveler
Avoid if
- Popularity Can Mean Patience
- Party Central Can Be Loud
- Spa Indulgences Come at a Cost
- Cabin Walls Can Be Thin
- Logistical Frustrations Can Arise
Overall Vibe
Valiant Lady
Launched in 2022, Valiant Lady is a sleek, modern ship, part of Virgin Voyages' distinctive fleet, designed to disrupt traditional cruising. Spanning 17 decks, this vessel embodies a chic, adults-only boutique hotel feel at sea. Her overall ambiance is one of vibrant social spaces, thoughtful design, and a focus on both lively revelry and serene wellness. She offers a unique blend of sophisticated leisure and energetic experiences, appealing to those who appreciate a fresh, contemporary take on a cruise vacation, with a distinct personality infused into every corner.
Brilliant Lady
Debuting in 2025, Brilliant Lady is poised as Virgin Voyages' newest evolution, promising enhanced luxury and unprecedented experiences across her 14 decks. While sharing the modern, adults-only ethos of her sisters, she aims to chart new courses in sea travel and exploration. Her design emphasizes intimate spaces and refined amenities, suggesting a slightly more polished yet equally fun-centric atmosphere. With a focus on multi-length itineraries and original concepts, Brilliant Lady is crafted for discerning travelers seeking a sophisticated, fun-filled escape that pushes the boundaries of conventional cruising.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Valiant Lady
Valiant Lady cultivates an adults-only atmosphere that is both social and spirited, carrying 2,700 passengers with a dedicated crew of 1,150. The ship buzzes with a lively energy, drawing a crowd keen on vibrant social interactions, impromptu pop-up performances, and late-night festivities. It’s a place where wellness and recovery are taken as seriously as the party, offering a balanced environment for those who enjoy both high-energy moments and serene relaxation. The focus is on creating a dynamic, inclusive space for adults to connect and indulge.
Brilliant Lady
Brilliant Lady embraces a swanky, fun-centric atmosphere for its 2,762 passengers and 1,150 crew, maintaining Virgin Voyages' adults-only, LGBTQIA+-friendly ethos. The ship is designed for intimate social gatherings and lively themed parties, with music curated to shift throughout the day. While promoting a vibrant nightlife, it also offers ample well-designed, cozy spaces for relaxation. The "Happenings Cast" replaces a traditional cruise director, fostering a more organic, interactive experience for guests who appreciate a modern, self-directed approach to their vacation.
Dining
Valiant Lady
On Valiant Lady, dining is a culinary adventure with over 20 included specialty eateries, eschewing traditional buffets for a fresh, made-to-order approach. Guests can savor Mexican street food at Pink Agave, interactive Korean BBQ at Gunbae, or classic steakhouse fare at The Wake. Vegetarian options abound at Razzle Dazzle, while The Test Kitchen offers chef-driven tasting menus. For casual bites, The Galley provides a diverse food hall experience, from sushi at Bento Baby to pizzas at The Pizza Place, ensuring a wide range of tastes are catered to throughout the day.
Brilliant Lady
Brilliant Lady elevates the culinary journey with nearly 20 included specialty dining venues, each boasting its own kitchen and designated chef, ensuring exceptional quality. A standout new addition is Rojo by Razzle Dazzle, offering modern Spanish tapas and paella, which is already proving very popular. Guests can also enjoy the experimental tasting menus at The Test Kitchen or the beloved fresh pasta at Extra Virgin. The Galley food hall provides diverse, made-to-order options, including a Noodle Bar and Let's Taco Bout It, with the new Grounds Club Too offering a secondary cafe and full bar experience.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Valiant Lady
Valiant Lady's nightlife is a vibrant tapestry of immersive performances and lively parties. The Red Room, a transformational theater, hosts boundary-pushing shows like "Duel Reality" and the edgy "Never Sleep Alone." For late-night revelers, The Manor nightclub, inspired by 70s punk, offers immersive dining experiences before transforming into a dance haven. Guests can also enjoy private karaoke at The Groupie, unwind at The Dock lounge with live acoustic music, or try their luck at The Casino, ensuring diverse options for every evening.
Brilliant Lady
Brilliant Lady offers a dynamic entertainment lineup, featuring new productions in The Red Room like "Red Hot" and "Out of Time," alongside resident favorites. The Manor nightclub is a hub for five new shows and parties, including "Murder in the Manor" and "Disco Reimagined," promising late-night energy. The unique "Happenings Cast" orchestrates engaging events throughout the ship, from trivia to pop-up performances. For more relaxed evenings, guests can enjoy jazz at On the Rocks or a sophisticated bubbly at Sip, ensuring a curated experience for diverse preferences.
Cabins & Suites
Valiant Lady
Valiant Lady offers 1,404 cabins, ranging from cozy Solo Insiders (105 sq ft) to lavish Mega Rockstar Quarters. Standard Sea Terrace cabins, at 185-225 sq ft, feature private balconies with signature red hammocks, while Sea View cabins (190 sq ft) offer porthole views. The RockStar Quarters, including the expansive Massive Suite (up to 830 sq ft interior, 1317 sq ft terrace with hot tub), boast mood lighting, record players, and exclusive perks. It's worth noting that cabins on Deck 8 can experience noise from bars below, and aft cabins on Deck 14 might hear activity from The Galley.
Brilliant Lady
With 1,408 cabins, Brilliant Lady provides a range of modern accommodations, from Solo Insiders to opulent Mega RockStar Quarters. Sea Terrace cabins, sized 185-225 sq ft, include hand-woven hammocks on their balconies. The RockStar Quarters, such as the Gorgeous Suite (396 sq ft interior, 174 sq ft terrace) and the Fab Suite (689 sq ft interior, 261 sq ft terrace with outdoor shower), are designed with plush European king beds and personalized touches. Cruisers should be aware of potentially thin cabin walls in Sea Terrace categories and reduced balcony sizes in some Deck 8 cabins due to lifeboat placement.
Service & Onboard Style
Valiant Lady
Valiant Lady embodies Virgin Voyages' distinctive onboard style: adults-only, modern, and focused on personalized service without pretense. The crew of 1,150 contributes to a vibrant, non-traditional cruise experience, where formality is eschewed for comfort and individuality. From the "Shake for Champagne™" service to the dedicated "Rockstar Agents" for suite guests, the emphasis is on intuitive, thoughtful assistance. The ship’s sleek design and hotel-like amenities complement this approach, creating an environment where guests feel both pampered and free to be themselves.
Brilliant Lady
Brilliant Lady maintains Virgin Voyages' commitment to a swanky, adult-focused experience, delivered by its 1,150 crew members. The onboard style is characterized by modern design and an intimate ambiance, fostering genuine connections. Suite guests benefit from dedicated "Rockstar Agents" and exclusive access to Richard's Rooftop, ensuring a pampered journey. While the ship champions a relaxed dress code, the service remains attentive and personalized, reflecting a boutique hotel ethos. The overall feel is one of effortless luxury and freedom, making every moment feel specially curated.
Best Itineraries
Valiant Lady
Valiant Lady is ideally suited for travelers eager to explore diverse cultural landscapes. Her itineraries prominently feature the sun-drenched Mediterranean, with voyages often departing from Barcelona. She also sails the vibrant Caribbean, offering routes like "Fire and Sunset Soirées," "Dominican Daze," and "Cayman Isles & Bimini Beach Miles." For those seeking longer adventures, Valiant Lady also embarks on Southern Caribbean cruises, Transatlantic crossings, and journeys through Canada & New England, even reaching Iceland and Greenland, providing a wide array of destination-rich experiences.
Brilliant Lady
Brilliant Lady is tailored for explorers seeking unique North American and exotic adventures. Her inaugural season will feature captivating journeys to Alaska, with itineraries like "Alaskan Glacier Blues & Coastal Views" and "Alaska: Fjords & More," departing from Seattle and Vancouver. She also offers "Hollywood Sunsets & Mexican Horizons" from the West Coast, and various Caribbean sailings. For those desiring longer voyages, options include the "Panama Canal & Pacific Wonders" and "New England & Canada" cruises, making her a perfect choice for those who wish to discover new horizons.
What reviewers say
Valiant Lady
4.5/5Valiant Lady is an evolutionary step in Virgin Voyages' goal to disrupt the cruise industry by reimagining how we cruise. This sleek and stylish ship with hotel-like features caters to social cruisers looking to detox and retox.
Brilliant Lady
4.5/5Brilliant Lady is a swanky, fun-centric ship designed for adults, offering intimate spaces, excellent entertainment, and delectable food for discerning palates. Despite minor issues with pool size and occasional crowding, it delivers a very good cruise experience.
Itineraries to compare
Pick an itinerary on either ship to see all available departure dates.
Valiant Lady
Brilliant Lady
Read our guides
In-depth guides on the ships and cruise lines in this comparison.

Ship Guide
Valiant Lady: Virgin Voyages' Disruptive Adults-Only Ship
Experience a reimagined cruise journey on Valiant Lady, designed for social adults seeking a vibrant, kid-free escape.

Ship Guide
Brilliant Lady: Virgin Voyages' Adults-Only Experience
Experience a vibrant, fun-centric voyage with excellent dining and entertainment, perfect for adult travelers.
Compare different ships
Swap either side to generate a new side-by-side comparison.
Ship A
Ship B