Virgin Voyages staged pure magic in New York Harbor in a moment destined to be remembered as one of the most breathtaking spectacles in modern maritime history. As the cruise line’s crown jewel, Brilliant Lady, sailed into the New York City for the first time, 2,400 voices joined together in song, transforming the waters around the Statue of Liberty into a living symphony of connection.
Photo: Virgin Voyages Facebook
The arrival of Brilliant Lady, the final ship completing Virgin Voyages’ award-winning, adults-only fleet was marked by an unprecedented performance. More than 1,200 crew members and 1,200 Sailors, who had just crossed the Atlantic together, lifted their voices in harmony to Queen’s iconic anthem “Don’t Stop Me Now.” The performance was led by Astrid Jorgensen, creator of Pub Choir, known for her gift of turning strangers into a powerful, joy-fueled choir within minutes.
“Today, we completed our fleet and celebrated a moment that will leave a legacy far beyond our ships,” said Sir Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Group. “As we entered New York, with our crew and sailors singing as one, it was truly brilliant.”
The emotional moment unfolded against the backdrop of Lady Liberty, symbolizing hope and new beginnings. Tears and goosebumps spread across the ship as 2,400 voices echoed over the harbor, showing the power of music to create unity in a world that often feels divided.
For Virgin Voyages, named the No. 1 mega-ship cruise line in Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Awards, the milestone carried special weight. Four years earlier, Branson had welcomed the company’s first ship, Scarlet Lady, to these same waters, promising to redefine the cruising experience with a stylish, kid-free concept. With Brilliant Lady’s arrival, that vision reached its fullest expression.
“Brilliant Lady is the embodiment of everything Virgin Voyages stands for,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, Chief Executive Officer. “What happened today was proof of the profound connections that form when you give people permission to be their authentic selves. Our crew is the heartbeat of this brand, and this performance captured the very essence of Virgin Voyages.”
The celebration also marks the start of Brilliant Lady’s next chapter. On September 5, she will embark on her MerMaiden Voyage to Bermuda, followed by October sailings showcasing the dramatic fall foliage of the Northeast and Eastern Canada.
Photo: Virgin Voyages Facebook
“Today’s performance perfectly captured what happens when you step aboard Virgin Voyages,” said First Mate Jana. “You leave the world as it is and enter the world as it should be—a place where strangers become family and every voice matters.”
With this spectacular debut, Brilliant Lady not only completed Virgin Voyages’ fleet but also affirmed the brand’s promise: to deliver unforgettable experiences defined by connection, freedom, and joy.