Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – The highly anticipated Brilliant Lady cruise ship, which is being built for the Virgin Voyages line owned by billionaire businessman Richard Branson, is set to begin its voyages from Los Angeles in the spring of 2026. Puerto Vallarta will be one of the key destinations on its travel itinerary, marking a notable milestone for the city’s tourism sector.
Currently under construction in Italy, the Brilliant Lady will be a 912-foot-long cruise ship capable of accommodating over 2,700 passengers. The ship will feature 17 decks, 20 onboard restaurants, modern state-of-the-art cabins, and designer suites. According to Virgin Voyages, the suites will offer rock star-worthy accommodations, and the ship will be specially designed to navigate rugged landscapes, including the vast glaciers and fjords of Alaska.
The Brilliant Lady is scheduled to make its official debut when it sets sail from New York in September 2025. The ship will cruise around North America, stopping at several busy ports, including Miami and Seattle, before making its way to the Pacific Ocean via the Panama Canal. This journey will signify Virgin Voyages’ debut in the Pacific, adding a new dimension to its already impressive service network.
Virgin Voyages, which currently operates three other ships from ports such as Miami, Barcelona, Athens, and San Juan, has quickly become a major player in the cruise industry. “Virgin Voyages started as a simple idea for me and has grown into the world’s largest cruise line with a full fleet of ships,” said Richard Branson in a press release. “This ship will be brilliant in every way possible, and that includes the incredible new places we can travel to.”
The ship is set to arrive in Los Angeles in April 2026, offering five- to eight-night itineraries that will include visits to Puerto Vallarta, Baja California, San Diego, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, and Catalina Island. These new routes promise to attract a wide array of travelers looking for unique and luxurious cruise experiences.
Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation and providing fresh, exciting experiences for its guests. To that end, the Brilliant Lady’s voyages will be exclusively for guests over 21 years old and will feature entertainment programs likened to the experience of attending a festival.
Luis Villaseñor, director of the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Trust, expressed his enthusiasm for the addition of the Brilliant Lady to the roster of cruise ships visiting Puerto Vallarta. “Our Magic Port is a great attraction, as travelers disembark in a spectacular hacienda-type terminal and immediately have access to shopping centers, swimming beaches, hotel areas, restaurants, bars, tours in the destination, and all types of tourist services, in addition to being just 10 minutes by taxi from the boardwalk and historic center of the city,” Villaseñor stated.
The arrival of the Brilliant Lady will add to the extensive list of luxury cruise ships and yachts that already frequent Puerto Vallarta. The city’s maritime terminal has previously hosted notable vessels such as the Attessa IV, the 328-foot-long superyacht owned by billionaire Dennis Washington, which has become a regular visitor.
The inclusion of Puerto Vallarta on the Brilliant Lady’s itinerary is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy. The influx of tourists from these luxury cruises will likely increase demand for local services and businesses, from tour operators to restaurants and retail outlets. This development aligns with Puerto Vallarta’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a premier destination for high-end tourism.
As Puerto Vallarta continues to attract large shipping companies and high-profile visitors, the city’s reputation as a top-tier destination is further solidified. The strategic partnerships with leading cruise lines like Virgin Voyages are crucial for maintaining and enhancing the city’s appeal to international travelers.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The highly anticipated Brilliant Lady cruise ship, which is being built for the Virgin Voyages line owned by billionaire businessman Richard Branson, is set to begin its voyages from Los Angeles in the spring of 2026. Puerto Vallarta will be one of the key destinations on its travel itinerary, marking a notable milestone for the city’s tourism sector.
