Australian travel enthusiasts can now prepare to explore Alaska’s stunning wilderness with Virgin Voyages, as the cruise line announced its new 2026 Alaska itineraries aboard the Brilliant Lady.
Fresh off winning both Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Award for best large-ship liner and Travel + Leisure’s award for best mega-ship, Virgin Voyages is charting a course for Alaska, offering a front-row seat to the region’s captivating natural beauty from May to September 2026.
New Voyages to Alaska’s Natural Wonders
The 17 new voyages will be the highlight of Brilliant Lady‘s North American tour, offering travellers immersive experiences across 12 unique destinations. Pre-sale access opens to passholders this week, with general bookings available on November 13. Demand is expected to be high, with initial pricing anticipated to rise quickly, given the popularity of these bucket-list itineraries.
With sailings scheduled to capture Alaska’s famed orca season, Brilliant Lady‘s itineraries include stops at scenic and wildlife-rich locales like Ketchikan, Sitka, and the breathtaking Tracy Arm Fjord. Each port offers adventure seekers a chance to encounter Alaska’s magnificent wildlife, from bald eagles to humpback whales, alongside exciting shore excursions, such as salmon fishing, dog sledding, glacier trekking, and traditional lumberjack shows.
Itinerary Highlights and Ports of Call
Travellers can choose from seven to twelve-night voyages departing from Seattle and Vancouver. The MerMaiden voyage, from May 21 to May 28, 2026, kicks off from Seattle, travelling to Ketchikan, the quaint village amidst the Tongass National Forest, and Sitka, known for its vibrant local culture and scenic coastlines. A day through the dramatic Tracy Arm Fjord adds to the voyage’s allure, with additional stops in Canada’s pristine northwest, including Prince Rupert, before concluding in Seattle.
Onboard Experiences and Amenities
Brilliant Lady is designed to maximise sightlines, offering 86% of cabins with balconies and featuring Virgin Voyages’ hallmark food hall, The Galley, with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic viewing. Other popular amenities include Virgin’s suspended running track, The Runway, and The Dock, an open-air daybed retreat perfect for unwinding amidst Alaska’s beauty. To enrich the experience, new culinary features highlight locally sourced Alaskan seafood, adding a true taste of the Pacific Northwest.
Upcoming Sailings and Expansions
Following a successful inaugural season in New York, Brilliant Lady will kick off in September 2025, sailing from New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and Seattle, culminating with her grand Alaskan season. A 16-night voyage through the Panama Canal is also planned for those seeking an extended adventure, as well as an additional seven-night cruise from Los Angeles featuring stops in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta.
Virgin Voyages, known for its “Always Included” packages, continues to deliver value-driven luxury, with each fare covering specialty dining, basic beverages, high-speed Wi-Fi, gratuities, fitness classes, and entertainment.
