On Monday, August 18, 2025, Portsmouth International Port announced it had completed the “full Virgin Voyages set” when Brilliant Lady officially sailed into the harbor. Brilliant Lady’s arrival made Portsmouth the first port in the world to welcome all four Virgin Voyages’ Lady Ships.
Brilliant Lady will spend the week in the city hosting media and guests onboard to experience all the ship has to offer. The crew will meet with members of the International Chamber of Shipping and the International Underwriting Association to give them a first-hand look at the inner workings of a cruise ship. Additionally, the crew will host an event introducing 20 students to career opportunities in the cruise industry.
Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages said, “Portsmouth has become a meaningful part of our journey. It’s where we introduced Scarlet Lady to the world and — four years later — where we’re celebrating the arrival of Brilliant Lady. Along the way, our full fleet of Lady Ships has passed through, making Portsmouth the first and only port in the world to have welcomed all of our vessels. Each one marks a new moment in the evolution of this incredible brand. The city has welcomed us from the start and been a great partner. As we continue to expand globally, it feels right to mark these milestones in a place that reflects our values, shares our maritime spirit and has supported us every step of the way.”
Portsmouth welcomed Virgin Voyages’ first ship, Scarlet Lady, as she debuted in 2021. She is currently sailing her summer season from Portsmouth and embarked on a 13-day roundtrip sailing to Ireland just this week. Since Scarlet Lady’s debut in 2021, more than 72,000 Virgin Voyages Sailors and First Mates have visited Portsmouth bringing significant growth to the port and surrounding area.
Councillor Steve Pitt, leader of Portsmouth City Council, said, “Portsmouth is very proud to be dubbed the UK home for such a recognizable brand. The investment our council-owned port has seen over the last few years has attracted many regular calls from established cruise lines who bring repeat business into the city. Virgin’s ships are also equipped to receive shore power, meaning they will be ready to plug in at the port and turn off their engines when the system goes live.”
Brilliant Lady will remain in Portsmouth until Thursday, August 21, 2025, when she embarks on her transatlantic voyage to New York. From New York, she will sail four voyages calling on Bermuda and ports throughout the Northeast and Canada before setting sail for Miami and the Caribbean.