Virgin Voyages Sets Sail for Alaska in Summer 2026

Did Juneau that Virgin Voyages is sailing to Alaska? Voted the best large-ship liner in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards and the best mega-ship liner in Travel + Leisure’s 2024 World’s Best Awards, Sir Richard Branson’s brilliantly disruptive travel company is setting course for the Last Frontier in the summer of 2026. From cascading waterfalls to vast, rugged landscapes, Alaska’s gripping wildlife and sprawling vistas await between May and September.

Introducing Brilliant Lady

Brilliant Lady, the newest ship in Virgin’s impressive fleet, will celebrate the grand finale of her inaugural North American tour with 17 new voyages, heroing 12 awe-inspiring destinations. Access for presale pass holders opens on Thursday, while itineraries go on sale for the general public starting November 13, with inaugural season pricing expected to rise quickly.

Unforgettable Alaskan Adventures

Just in time for peak orca season, Brilliant Lady will offer Sailors a front-row seat on an unforgettable journey to the Pacific Northwest’s woody shores. Ports of call promise the adventure of a lifetime and the rare chance to witness majestic creatures in their natural habitat. There will be opportunities to spot bald eagles, seals, and humpback whales, while salmon fishing, glacier trekking, lumberjack shows, and dog sledding are just a sample of Shore Things on offer.

Itinerary Highlights

Seven- to 12-night itineraries depart from Seattle and Vancouver with stops in Alaska’s magnificent wilderness and Canada’s untouched northwest. For example, the MerMaiden voyage (May 21-28) departs from the Emerald City and spends a day sailing to Ketchikan, a quaint village located amongst the Tongass National Forest. From there, Brilliant Lady docks in verdant 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), a picturesque coastal town offering cosmopolitan amenities, before spending a final day travelling back to Seattle.

Luxurious Onboard Experience

With all the incredible wildlife that lies beyond Brilliant’s bow, guests are spoiled for spaces to take in the sights. 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% 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.

Virgin Voyages’ Commitment to Adventure

Virgin Voyages’ CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu said, “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 while enjoying new and exciting artists, chefs, and musicians that bring the Virgin vibe.”

High Demand and Future Voyages

Following the Brilliant Lady’s North American tour announcement, bookings for the coveted US 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 following months, including an epic 16-night sailing through the Panama Canal.

The bucket-list Alaskan voyages, however, really stole the show. 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(er) of the Line pass holders get booking access starting this week, with voyages opening to the public on November 13. In addition to Alaska, the brand unveiled an additional seven-night itinerary from Los Angeles. Highlights include Cabo San Lucas, magical Mazatlàn, and charming Puerto Vallarta.

Virgin Voyages is a brand that believes in offering its Sailors more value and more choice without nickel-and-diming at every turn. Specialty dining and Michelin-inspired food, essential beverages, high-speed Wi-Fi, gratuities, group fitness classes, and entertainment are always included and built into every voyage fare.