Sailing past Lady Liberty and down the Hudson, Richard personally greeted Sailors and Crew, marking a milestone moment for the adults-only cruise line.
Brilliant Lady’s debut featured 2,400 Sailors and Crew performing Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now, led by Astrid Jorgensen of global sensation Pub Choir.
The ship’s arrival in New York was a full-circle moment for the cruise line since Scarlet Lady first launched there.
“Today, we completed our fleet and celebrated a moment that will leave a legacy far beyond our ships,” said Sir Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Group.
“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.”
The Pub Choir experience focuses on participation and connection rather than technical vocal ability or memorisation.
Astrid has brought this transformative musical experience to tens of thousands of people, from pubs in Brisbane to stages in New York to America’s Got Talent.
Brilliant Lady will welcome her first guests for her MerMaiden Voyage on September 5 before setting sail for Bermuda.
Throughout October she will offer guests front-row seats to the autumn foliage of the Northeast and Eastern Canada.
“Brilliant Lady is the embodiment of everything Virgin Voyages stands for,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, Virgin Voyages’ Chief Executive Officer.
“Like her sister ships, she creates an atmosphere that is joyous, welcoming and above all, transformative.’
