Virgin Voyages Unveils Spectacular Alaska Cruises on Brilliant Lady for Summer 2026
From glacier trekking to whale watching, Alaska has never looked so tempting
Well, this is one Alaska cruise we've been waiting for.
Virgin Voyages has officially revealed that Brilliant Lady will make her Alaska debut this summer, with 17 incredible voyages sailing between Seattle, Vancouver and some of Alaska's most spectacular destinations through to September 2026.
If you've been hoping Virgin would add the Last Frontier to its line-up, you're certainly not alone. The cruise line says demand has been huge, with its exclusive Front(ier) of the Line presale passes selling out when they first went on sale.
Glaciers, whales and jaw-dropping scenery await
Brilliant Lady's Alaska itineraries range from seven to 12 nights, giving Sailors plenty of opportunities to experience towering glaciers, cascading waterfalls and the kind of scenery that has you reaching for your camera every five minutes.
The MerMaiden voyage sets sail from Seattle on 21 May, calling at Ketchikan, Sitka and Prince Rupert before returning to Seattle.
Better still, Brilliant Lady arrives during peak orca season, so wildlife lovers could be in for a real treat.
Shore Things (Virgin's name for shore excursions) include:
Whale, bald eagle, seal and sea otter spotting
Glacier trekking
Salmon fishing
Traditional lumberjack shows
Totem trail walks
Sightseeing and cultural experiences
Let's be honest... if you've ever wanted to see humpback whales while cruising past glaciers, this is ticking plenty of boxes.
Virgin Voyages 2026 Alaska Cruises onboard the Brilliant Lady
The scenery doesn't stop when you're back onboard
One thing Virgin Voyages has clearly thought about is making the most of Alaska's incredible views.
Around 86% of Brilliant Lady's cabins feature private balconies complete with the line's signature hand-woven hammocks. It doesn't take much imagination to picture yourself wrapped in a blanket with a hot chocolate, or maybe something a little more bubbly, as the glaciers glide past.
The Galley's huge windows mean you won't miss the scenery at mealtimes, while The Dock offers cosy outdoor daybeds and The Runway becomes one of the most scenic jogging tracks at sea.
Food lovers also have something new to look forward to, with locally sourced Alaskan seafood featuring in new "Treat Yourself" culinary experiences during the season.
Brilliant Lady gets a fresh new look
Ahead of her North American adventures, several of Brilliant Lady's favourite venues have been refreshed.
The Athletic Club now offers even better glacier views thanks to a new panoramic glass wall, while The Roundabout has been transformed into an inviting indoor retreat complete with cosy seating and barista-made coffee.
Meanwhile, Razzle Dazzle has evolved into Rojo by Razzle Dazzle, bringing Spanish-inspired flavours and colourful new surroundings perfect for sharing plates with friends.
More adventures are still to come
Alaska may be grabbing all the attention, but Brilliant Lady isn't stopping there.
After her Alaska season, she'll sail Pacific Coastal cruises, head south for Mexican Riviera itineraries and then complete an unforgettable Panama Canal voyage before arriving in Miami for winter.
As always with Virgin Voyages, fares include speciality dining, essential drinks, Wi-Fi, entertainment and fitness classes, while selected Alaska sailings are also offering up to $500 onboard credit.
For cruise fans who have been wondering when Virgin Voyages would finally head north, the wait is almost over, and it looks like Brilliant Lady is ready to make quite the entrance.