Brilliant Lady made her Alaska debut in 2026, and Sailors came back with plenty to talk about. From whale sightings and glacier views to adults-only sea days, we brought a distinctly Virgin take to one of cruising's biggest bucket-list destinations, completely flipping the script with plans to do it all over again in 2027.
Experienced cruisers reviewing their 2026 Alaska sailings praised Brilliant Lady's food, Crew, entertainment, modern cabins, and adults-only atmosphere. One repeat Alaska cruiser called Brilliant Lady a great choice for travelers looking for "something different," while another traveler said their first Virgin sailing beat previous experiences with several major cruise lines.
Alaska Cruise Itineraries Worth Planning Ahead For
Brilliant Lady returns to Alaska in 2027 with voyages through the Inside Passage, glacier country, and some of the region's most memorable coastal communities.
Depending on your itinerary, you can experience:
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Juneau
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Ketchikan
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Sitka
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Skagway
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Haines
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Icy Strait Point
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Hubbard Glacier
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Tracy Arm Fjord
Options range from 7-night sailings to a 12-night Inside Passage & Hubbard Glacier voyage, giving Sailors several ways to experience Alaska. You can also enjoy a one-way 9-night Alaska: Vancouver to Seattle cruise.
Shore Things You'll Remember Long After Alaska
Alaska is the kind of place where getting off the ship is part of the story.
Go searching for whales and bald eagles. Get closer to glaciers and fjords. Discover coastal communities and Alaska Native culture. Or spend the day surrounded by forests and wildlife that simply don't exist back home.
That experience resonated with 2026 Sailors. Unique Alaska Sailor reviews described seeing humpback whales, sea otters, seals, bald eagles, and black bears, while another specifically praised wildlife watching at Icy Strait Point.
See Why Sailors Are Talking About Brilliant Lady in Alaska
The first Alaska season gave travelers something they hadn't really had before: Alaska, the Virgin way.
Recent Alaska cruise reviews include longtime cruisers ranking Virgin above cruise lines they'd sailed previously, first-time Virgin Sailors praising the amount included in their fare, and repeat Alaska travelers highlighting Brilliant Lady as an alternative to the more traditional Alaska cruise experience.
Independent reviews for Virgin Voyages' debut in Alaska (watch below from YouTube.com) are glowing. Some reviewers have mentioned Brilliant Lady's outdoor-focused design is ideal for colder Alaska weather. Others who spent extended time aboard stated this matched their experience and praised Virgin's Alaska-specific programming.
It's Alaska, but it's Still Virgin
Glaciers outside don't mean giving up everything you love about a Virgin Voyage.
Your 2027 Alaska cruise includes Virgin Voyages' Always Included Luxury, including 20+ eateries, WiFi, fitness, and entertainment. And Brilliant Lady remains adults-only, so you can come back from a full day of exploring Alaska to dinner, cocktails, entertainment, and a ship designed entirely for grown-ups (we made adulting way more fun).
Make 2027 Your Alaska Year
If Alaska is on your bucket list, don't wait until 2027 to start planning it.
We recommend booking early to secure the cabin you want at the best-value price. That matters for Alaska, where the sailing season is limited and sought-after dates, Sea Terrace cabins, and RockStar Quarters have finite availability and went quick in 2026.
You've seen what Sailors had to say about Brilliant Lady's first Alaska season. Now imagine waking up to the Inside Passage, watching a glacier come into view, spotting your first whale, and realizing you're finally taking the trip you've talked about for years. If that doesn't move you, watch our 7-episode Alaska Cruise video to get a taste of how Alaska is a one-of-a-kind cruise vacation
Book your 2027 Alaska cruise early, choose the itinerary and cabin you really want, and make this the voyage you'll still be talking about years from now.