Virgin Voyages' Brilliant Lady Makes Historic Maiden Call at Lisbon Port

Lisbon Welcomes the Brilliant Lady

The Porto de Lisboa is set to host the inaugural call of the Brilliant Lady, the latest cruise ship from Virgin Voyages. This maiden voyage is scheduled to depart from New York on September 5, 2025, marking a significant moment for Lisbon's tourism sector.

Sustainability and Innovation at Sea

Similar to its sister ships—Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, and Resilient Lady—the Brilliant Lady is designed with a strong commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency. It incorporates innovative technologies to reduce environmental impact and fuel consumption, all while ensuring onboard comfort and safety.

For the Administração do Porto de Lisboa, this visit underscores Lisbon's strategic role in cruise tourism. "We are thrilled to welcome the Brilliant Lady for the first time," officials stated. "This confirms Lisbon's position as a premier destination and the growing confidence of international operators in our hospitality capabilities."

Key Features and Capabilities

A major highlight of this ship is its ability to traverse the Panama Canal, thanks to a structural design adapted to the new locks. With a beam of 38 meters, it features redesigned balconies and lifeboat arrangements. Enhancements include advancements in propulsion and hydrodynamic efficiency, powered by four diesel-electric generators and two full-rotation POD propellers, ensuring high maneuverability and efficient navigation.

Built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the Brilliant Lady is the fourth ship in the luxurious, adults-only Lady class. It measures 278 meters in length, weighs 110,000 tons, and boasts 1,408 cabins, accommodating up to 2,770 passengers and 1,160 crew members.

To commemorate this debut, the Porto de Lisboa will present the captain with a traditional commemorative plaque in an onboard ceremony. The arrival will be escorted by tugs from Portugs, officially marking the ship's entry into Portuguese waters.