NEW YORK CITY — Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, was on deck yesterday as Brilliant Lady, the newest ship in Virgin Voyages’ fleet, sailed into New York City.

Cruising past the Statue of Liberty and down the Hudson River, the ship’s arrival featured 2,400 passengers and crew performing Queen’s ‘Don’t Stop Me Now,’ led by Pub Choir founder Astrid Jorgensen.

Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson

It was a full-circle moment for Virgin Voyages, just about four years after the cruise line’s first ship, Scarlet Lady, first debuted in NYC in August 2021.

“Today, we completed our fleet and celebrated a moment that will leave a legacy far beyond our ships,” said Branson. “What makes Virgin Voyages so intangibly special is our people. As we entered New York, with our crew and sailors singing as one, it was truly brilliant.”

Virgin Voyages’ CEO, Nirmal Saverimuttu, added: “Brilliant Lady is the embodiment of everything Virgin Voyages stands for. Like her sister ships, she creates an atmosphere that is joyous, welcoming and above all, transformative. What happened today was proof of the profound connections that form when you give people permission to be their authentic selves. We built this brand alongside our incredible Crew, and they are the beating heart of why our Sailors fall in love with Virgin Voyages time and time again. This moment perfectly captured the magic that happens when you create space for people to shine exactly as they are, free from judgment and full of possibility.”

Brilliant Lady’s inaugural season officially begins Sept. 5 with two five-night sailings roundtrip from NYC to Bermuda. Brilliant Lady will then pivot to fall foliage cruises of the Northeast U.S. and Eastern Canada followed by Caribbean itineraries.

Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady is the cruise line’s fourth ship