Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady Makes Beautiful Music as it Cruises Into New York Harbour

As Brilliant Lady, described as “the crown jewel of Virgin Voyages’ now-complete fleet,” entered the U.S. for the first time, some 2,400 voices united in song.

Crew members and Sailors (guests) who had crossed the Atlantic together lifted their voices in harmony, transforming the iconic harbour into what Virgin Voyages called “a cathedral of connection.”

Against the backdrop of Lady Liberty,  that eternal symbol of hope and new beginnings, they performed Queen’s anthemic “Don’t Stop Me Now,” led by the joyfully irreverent Astrid Jorgensen, creator of Pub Choir.

“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 memorization. 

Known for her ability to turn a room full of strangers into a harmony-filled, joy-fueled community in a matter of minutes, Jorgensen orchestrated a performance of 2,400 voices on the top deck of Brilliant Lady during the ship’s historic sail-in to NYC. 

For Virgin Voyages – ranked as the No. 1 mega-ship cruise line in Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Awards – the moment held special significance. Four years ago, Branson helped welcome the line’s very first ship, Scarlet Lady, from these same New York water,s with a dream of revolutionizing what it means to cruise.

“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. What happened today was proof of the profound connections that form when you give people permission to be their authentic selves. We built this brand alongside our incredible Crew, and they are the beating heart of why our Sailors fall in love with Virgin Voyages time and time again. This moment perfectly captured the magic that happens when you create space for people to shine exactly as they are, free from judgment and full of possibility.”

On September 5, Brilliant Lady will set off on her ‘MerMaiden’ voyage, with Bermuda as the first destination. Then throughout October, Brilliant Lady will offer Sailors front-row seats to the fall foliage of the Northeast and Eastern Canada, where autumn paints the coastline in brilliant gold, crimson and amber.

“Today’s performance perfectly captured what happens when you step aboard Virgin Voyages,” said First Mate Jana. “You leave the world as it is and enter the world as it should be: a place where strangers become family and every voice matters.”