On September 2nd, 2025, the waterways around New York City witnessed something unforgettable. This wasn’t just a ship docking on the Hudson — it was a cultural movement. A moment of gorgeous unity. Virgin Voyages’ fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, sailed into her first new homeport in New York City surrounded by the power of 2,400 voices singing Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now.”
🎥 Watch the moment Brilliant Lady arrived into New York Harbor.
A choir? Go on…
To mark Brilliant Lady’s arrival, we wanted more than spectacle — we wanted connection. The joy of what happens when voices, and people, come together to create something extraordinary. That’s where Pub Choir came in.
Pub Choir, founded in Brisbane, Australia, by Astrid Jorgensen in 2017, has become a global phenomenon that proves something magical happens when ordinary people put down any fear of perfection — and sing together. No auditions, no sheet music, no pressure. Just voices blending in real time, imperfect but glorious, strangers becoming family through song.
It’s the kind of unfiltered joy that breaks down barriers and reminds us that harmony doesn’t mean sameness — it means difference working together. And that matters because that spirit is at the very heart of who we are at Virgin Voyages.
The song that became our anthem
We chose “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen — not just because it’s iconic, but because it’s unstoppable. It’s a pure shot of energy, optimism, and hope for the future — the perfect soundtrack for a ship that’s rewriting what it means to travel.
As Freddie Mercury once sang, “I’m a shooting star leaping through the sky.” That’s Brilliant Lady: bold, brilliant, and built to inspire.
The stage: New York Harbor
From Ellis Island to the Statue of Liberty, the harbor has always been a place where dreams arrive and blossom. For centuries, it’s been the first glimpse of possibility for millions.
Sailing past Lady Liberty with 1,200 crew and 1,200 Sailors singing in unison, Brilliant Lady became part of that story — one that celebrates inclusivity, diversity, and the courage to dream bigger.
Diversity in harmony
Look at that choir, and you’ll see the world: different accents, backgrounds, and stories. Each voice is unique, yet all essential. Together, they proved that our differences aren’t something to smooth over — they’re what make the music soar.
This is the Virgin Voyages way: unapologetically inclusive, joyously rebellious, and beautifully human.
A movement, not a just a moment
Brilliant Lady’s arrival isn’t just about one ship — it’s about what’s possible when people come together. Travel can be more than movement across oceans. It can be movement across hearts.
This was our declaration in song: that joy is worth fighting for, that inclusion makes us stronger, and that the future is unstoppable when we live it together.
That's exactly what Virgin Voyages is about: coming together, celebrating life, and creating moments that matter. Four magnificent lady ships where you can be brilliantly, authentically yourself, while connecting with like-minded people.
At a time when the world can sometimes feel less joyful, we're here to remind you that being with those we love — that's where joy lives. We have a simple philosophy at Virgin: be the reason someone smiles today.
Want a peek behind the scenes?
Let us pull back the curtain and show you exactly how this epic day came together.
