7-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise on Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady
June 8, 2026
When Virgin Voyages announced in 2024 that their newest ship, Brilliant Lady, would be sailing from Los Angeles, my husband and I booked right away! After nearly two years of waiting, we finally stepped aboard this past April for a 7-night Mexican Riviera cruise visiting Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta, with three relaxing sea days in between.
As a travel advisor and someone who had previously sailed aboard Valiant Lady, I was excited to experience Virgin Voyages’ newest ship for myself and see what made it special. The short answer? We absolutely loved it.
This cruise ended up being exactly what we needed: amazing food, beautiful ocean views, fun entertainment, slow mornings, afternoon naps, and a true escape from everyday life.
If you’re considering Virgin Voyages and wondering what it’s really like onboard, this review is for you. I’m sharing my honest experience aboard Brilliant Lady, including what I loved, my favorite dining venues, entertainment highlights, and who I think this cruise line is best suited for.
First Impressions of Brilliant Lady
The first thing I noticed when boarding Brilliant Lady was how beautiful and modern the ship felt. Since we had already sailed Virgin Voyages before, I loved that I already knew the general layout of the ship. It made embarkation day feel stress-free because I did not have to spend hours trying to figure out where everything was.
If you have sailed another Virgin Voyages ship before, Brilliant Lady will feel familiar, but there are a few updates and changes throughout the ship that make it feel fresh and exciting.
One thing I continue to love about Virgin Voyages is the overall atmosphere onboard. The vibe is relaxed, elevated, and very much “you do you.” There is no pressure to constantly participate in activities, no loud overhead announcements interrupting your day, and no rigid cruise schedule being pushed on you every hour.
It truly feels like a vacation where you can relax however you want.
Dining on Brilliant Lady
One of the biggest reasons we keep coming back to Virgin Voyages is the food.
Unlike most cruise lines, Virgin Voyages does not have a traditional main dining room. Instead, you’ll find a collection of unique restaurants, each with its own menu, atmosphere, and style of cuisine. Even better, specialty dining is included in your cruise fare, so there are no extra charges for most restaurants onboard.
Virgin also includes soft drinks like soda, still and sparkling water, juice, and basic coffee (which is actually good!!) in your cruise fare. It’s one of those little extras that helps simplify the onboard experience and adds even more value.
The dining experience feels much more like eating at a collection of restaurants in a city rather than dining on a cruise ship. Whether you’re in the mood for steak, Italian, Mexican, Korean BBQ, or a casual meal by the pool, there is something for everyone.
Some of our favorite dining experiences included:
- The Wake – Virgin’s elegant steak and seafood restaurant, which also serves one of the best brunches at sea.
- Pink Agave – A vibrant Mexican-inspired restaurant with incredible flavors, creative cocktails, and a fun atmosphere.
- Extra Virgin – Fresh handmade pasta, delicious Italian dishes, and one of our favorite restaurants onboard.
- The Galley – Virgin’s take on a food hall, offering made-to-order options instead of a traditional cruise buffet.
One dining experience I always recommend is brunch at either The Wake or Razzle Dazzle. Reservations can fill quickly, but they are absolutely worth it. The menus are excellent and offer a completely different experience than dinner. And my absolute favorite dessert on the entire ship? The crepe cake at The Wake served at brunch. It is rich, delicious, and something I still think about long after the cruise is over.
Another spot that deserves a special mention is The Dock House on Deck 7. This relaxed Mediterranean-inspired venue quickly became one of our favorite places onboard. We loved stopping by during Opa Hour for small bites and a blackberry sangria while watching the ocean go by. The views are incredible, especially at sunset, and it is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the moment.
If food is an important part of your vacation experience, Virgin Voyages truly delivers. The quality, variety, and included dining options are one of the biggest reasons many sailors become repeat guests.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Entertainment is one area where Virgin Voyages really stands apart from traditional cruise lines. The shows are creative, modern, and often more immersive than the typical production shows you might expect at sea.
During our sailing, we saw Red Hot, Murder in the Manor, Up With A Twist, The Big Remix, and The Diva Goes West. We also spent plenty of time enjoying live music throughout the ship and participating in trivia events during the week.
One thing I appreciate about Virgin Voyages is their focus on inclusivity and self-expression. The entertainment reflects that mindset, with a diverse cast, unique performances, and an atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to be themselves. If you’re looking for a cruise experience that feels modern and welcoming, you’ll likely appreciate Virgin’s approach.
The Diva Goes West was one of the most memorable shows of the week. Hosted by a fabulous drag queen, the show combined live vocals, comedy, audience interaction, and plenty of laughs. Even guests who weren’t sure what to expect seemed to have a great time, and it was a perfect example of Virgin’s fun and playful personality.
Red Hot was another standout. The show tells the story of Richard Branson and the Virgin brand through music, dance, and high-energy performances. It was entertaining, surprisingly heartfelt at times, and unlike anything I’ve seen on other cruise lines.
Murder in the Manor was equally enjoyable. Part murder mystery, part comedy, and part immersive theater experience, it kept us laughing and guessing until the very end. It quickly became one of our favorite entertainment experiences of the cruise.
Of course, no Virgin Voyages sailing would be complete without Scarlet Night. The evening begins with themed activities and entertainment throughout the ship before building toward the famous Scarlet Night Pool Party. It is energetic, immersive, and one of those experiences that truly sets Virgin Voyages apart. Even if you’re not usually someone who participates in cruise activities, Scarlet Night is worth experiencing at least once.
Our Sea Days on Virgin Voyages
Sea days are my favorite part of a cruise. Don’t get me wrong, I love to see new places, but I also love just being in the middle of the ocean with no plan and being able to do what I want.
We had 3 sea days on this trip and they all looked something like this:
- Sleeping in
- Slow brunch
- Relaxing by the pool
- Spending time at The Dock
- Afternoon naps and watching The Pitt on the TV
- Watching the Sunset
- & my favorite…hanging out in the hammock on our balcony
Those balcony hammocks really are as amazing as everyone says.
The last two days of our sailing were VERY windy, so using the balcony became a little difficult at times, but even then, just hearing the ocean from our room felt relaxing.
Ports of Call: Cabo, Mazatlán & Puerto Vallarta
Cabo San Lucas: Cabo continues to be one of our favorite cruise ports.
One of the best things to do in Cabo is getting out on the water. Catamaran excursions are incredibly popular there for good reason. The views of the coastline are beautiful, the water is gorgeous, and it is such a relaxing way to spend the day. Many tours include drinks, snorkeling, music, or beach stops, which makes it a great option for couples or groups.
Tip for Cabo:
Since Cabo is a tender port, I recommend booking excursions carefully and giving yourself plenty of time to get back to the ship.
Mazatlán: We did a half-day city tour on this day and honestly it was not our favorite excursion of the trip, but I still enjoyed seeing more of the area and learning about the city.
Tip for Mazatlán:
If I sailed there again, I would probably focus more on a beach club or smaller local food experience instead of a large city tour.
Puerto Vallarta: With a beautiful coastal vibe, great restaurants, beaches, and shopping we enjoy walking around the Malecon and not having a schedule until it’s time to make our way back to the ship.
Tip for Puerto Vallarta:
If you visit during warmer months, bring sunscreen and stay hydrated. It gets HOT.
Helpful Virgin Voyages Tips for First-Time Sailors
A few things I think first-time Virgin Voyages cruisers should know:
Everything happens in the app: Virgin Voyages is very app-based. Dining reservations, schedules, events, messaging, and daily activities all happen through the app, so download it before your cruise and get comfortable using it.
Ask for a steamer once you board the ship: This is one of my favorite random cruise tips. Virgin Voyages will loan you a clothing steamer onboard. Request one as soon as you board because they are popular and can run out quickly.
Bring magnetic hooks: Cabin storage is smart but compact. Magnetic hooks make organizing hats, bags, lanyards, and swimsuits so much easier.
Bring a pop-up laundry basket: This sounds silly until day three when clothes start piling up everywhere. It really helps keep the small cabin organized!
Wi-Fi & specialty dining are included: Many people do not realize how much value is included in Virgin Voyages fares. Specialty dining and Wi-Fi are already part of the cruise price, which helps the overall experience feel more upscale without constant upcharges.
Final Thoughts on Brilliant Lady
At the end of the cruise, I felt genuinely relaxed, which honestly says everything.
The combination of great food, ocean views, adults-only vibes, fun entertainment, and the laid-back atmosphere made this one of my favorite cruise experiences.
Virgin Voyages feels different in the best way. It is not about rushing from activity to activity. It is about slowing down, reconnecting, enjoying really good food, and actually feeling like you got a vacation.
And yes…we would absolutely sail Virgin Voyages again!
Who I Think Virgin Voyages Is Perfect For
In my opinion, Virgin Voyages is ideal for:
- Couples looking for a kid-free escape
- Busy parents who need time to reconnect and relax
- Food lovers
- Travelers who enjoy a more modern and laid-back cruise experience
- First-time cruisers who want something different from traditional cruising
As a mom myself, I completely understand the day-to-day chaos of family life, school schedules, sports, work, and endless responsibilities. This cruise felt like a chance to breathe for a week.
That said, Virgin Voyages is not for everyone.
If you are someone who loves constant pool games, nonstop announcements, traditional cruise directors, or packed daily schedules, you may find the atmosphere quieter than other cruise lines. There are definitely activities onboard, especially fitness classes, trivia, entertainment, and nightlife, but sea days on Virgin Voyages are more about relaxing and enjoying the ship at your own pace.
Music and entertainment can also be loud at times. We personally loved most of the shows, but if you are sensitive to sound, I would recommend bringing earplugs for some venues and performances.
Thinking About Sailing Virgin Voyages?
If you have been curious about Virgin Voyages or wondering whether it is the right fit for you, I would love to help you plan your trip.
I also have a hosted Virgin Voyages Girls Trip sailing in March 2027 and would love for you to join us! Whether you are traveling solo, with friends, or simply looking for an adults-only escape, it is going to be such a fun experience.
Schedule a complimentary planning call with me and let us chat about a vacation where someone else does the cooking, cleaning, and planning. ❤️
