Fresh off its New York debut, Virgin Voyages’ newest ship, Brilliant Lady, has been turning heads with its epic arrival moment on the Hudson and series of showcase events. The ship will make its highly anticipated arrival in Miami on October 17. Marking the start of its Caribbean season, the eight-night inaugural cruise will blend big city buzz with tropical energy, headlined by Grammy-nominated artist and culinary creator Kelis.
The one-time-only itinerary takes guests from Miami to Tortola’s lush landscapes, St. Maarten’s cultural crossroads and Virgin Voyages’ private Beach Club at Bimini. The cruise will be headlined by Grammy-nominated artist and Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef Kelis. Known for global hits like “Milkshake” and “Bossy,” Kelis is set to deliver a high-energy performance under the Caribbean stars on Brilliant Lady’s pool deck.
And the celebration doesn’t stop at the music. Leaning into her culinary passion, Kelis will debut the Kelis Sundae at The Wake, a dessert created exclusively for the “Miami MerMaiden” voyage. It’s a first-of-its-kind treat that blends her artistry in both food and music, giving guests a taste of her creativity beyond the stage.
“There’s something magical about performing at sea and creating something deliciously special to celebrate such an epic moment aboard Brilliant Lady,” said Kelis. “Virgin Voyages gets that music and food tell stories, and I’m excited to share both sides of my passions with Sailors on this incredible Miami celebration.”
The voyage also spotlights Miami’s legendary nightlife. A bespoke speakeasy experience will bring the city’s bar culture to sea, with cocktail menus curated in collaboration with local favorites The Sylvester, Bar Kaiju, Swizzle and Better Days. This limited-edition experience captures the spirit of Miami’s electric evenings, adding a hometown flavor to the sailing.
“Miami has always been Virgin Voyages’ home, so bringing Brilliant Lady here with an artist like Kelis feels like coming full circle,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages. “Her fearless creativity and boundary-pushing artistry perfectly capture the spirit of what we’re building at sea.”
Following in the footsteps of past Virgin headliners like Nicky Jam, Melanie C and Boy George, the eight-night “Miami MerMaiden” underscores Virgin Voyages’ deep connection to music and culture. Brilliant Lady’s Miami debut is not only a milestone for the brand but also a tribute to the city where Virgin’s sailing story first began.
Brilliant Lady’s arrival also unlocks a season of longer Caribbean getaways. In addition to its debut MerMaiden, the ship will chart courses south to the ABC islands, explore Colombia’s colorful coastlines and call on Ocho Rios, offering guests an expanded menu of tropical escapes.
For more information, visit www.virginvoyages.com.
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