Virgin Voyages' first-ever Alaska season is sailing right now. Brilliant Lady — the newest ship in the fleet — runs 17 adults-only voyages from Seattle and Vancouver between May and September 2026, bringing the no-kids, tip-free, 20-restaurant VV experience to glaciers, rainforest, and the Inside Passage. The season opened with the May 21 MerMaiden and sails through September, so dates are open now and selling for the back half of summer.
I've tracked this season since it was announced and sailed Virgin myself. Below: itineraries, ports, shore things, what's included, current pricing, and how to book — with no fees — through our team.
Why Virgin Voyages Alaska is different
Alaska has always been big-ship, family territory. Brilliant Lady flips that: an adults-only (18+) ship of about 2,770 sailors, with included Wi-Fi and gratuities, 20+ restaurants and no main dining room, and a calmer, boutique-hotel feel. Most itineraries are one-way between Seattle and Vancouver, so the ship goes deeper into Alaska — reaching ports like Sitka, Haines, and Prince Rupert that larger ships skip — instead of backtracking. The first-season excursion lineup is huge: 250+ Shore Things, 75 of them exclusive to Virgin Voyages.
Brilliant Lady Alaska 2026 itineraries & sailing dates
Three itinerary types, 7 to 12 nights, all departing Seattle or Vancouver:
| Itinerary | Length | Key ports & glaciers | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaskan Glacier Blues & Coastal Views (roundtrip Seattle) | 7 nights | Ketchikan, Sitka, Tracy Arm Fjord (Sawyer Glaciers), Prince Rupert BC | First-timers, the core week |
| Seattle, Juneau & Canadian Coasts | 7 nights | Juneau (Mendenhall, whale watching), Ketchikan, Prince Rupert, Tracy Arm scenic cruising | Juneau + whales |
| Grand Alaska Voyages | 9–12 nights | Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Haines + Tracy Arm and Hubbard Glacier | Bucket-list, sees it all |
Brilliant Lady's 2026 Alaska season includes 17 voyages from 7 to 12 nights, departing Seattle and Vancouver May–September, with ports including Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, Skagway, Icy Strait Point and scenic cruising at Tracy Arm Fjord and Hubbard Glacier. Dates fill from both ends of the season first — check live availability here or request a quote and we'll send the open dates that fit you.
Alaska ports of call
Ketchikan — Tongass rainforest, totem poles, salmon, and the launch point for Misty Fjords seaplane tours. Juneau — Alaska's capital and gateway to Mendenhall Glacier, helicopter-glacier dog sledding, and humpback/orca whale watching. Sitka — Russian heritage, rainforest, world-class salmon fishing and kayaking. Skagway — Gold Rush town and the White Pass & Yukon Route railway (running since 1898). Icy Strait Point — bears, whales, bald eagles, and one of the world's longest ziplines. Haines — off-the-beaten-path bald-eagle country. Prince Rupert, BC — First Nations culture, fresh seafood, coastal rainforest.
Glacier cruising: Tracy Arm & Hubbard
Tracy Arm Fjord is a 30-mile, granite-walled fjord leading to the twin Sawyer Glaciers — Brilliant Lady threads the passage so you can watch ice calve from your balcony. Hubbard Glacier, on the 9–12 night sailings, is the largest tidewater glacier in North America at more than six miles wide.
250+ Shore Things: top Alaska excursions
Virgin's excursions ("Shore Things") go big for Alaska — 250+ options, 75 VV-exclusive. Booking opens 120 days before sailing (135 days for RockStar Quarters). Standouts: helicopter + glacier dog sled (Juneau, a VV exclusive), Misty Fjords seaplane (Ketchikan), whale watching (Juneau / Icy Strait Point, peak June–Aug), wild-salmon fishing (Sitka/Ketchikan), and guided glacier trekking (Juneau). Full breakdown in our Virgin Voyages Shore Things guide.
What's included on a Virgin Voyages Alaska cruise
All 20+ restaurants (no upcharge, no assigned seating), basic drinks (water, soda, teas, drip coffee, juice), Wi-Fi, group fitness, all entertainment — and no gratuities. The Essential fare adds a bar-tab credit; Premium adds a bigger bar tab, Shore Thing credits and faster Wi-Fi. New to the line? See why VV is adults-only and our Alaska packing checklist (layers are everything up here).
Alaska 2026 pricing — what to expect
Fares move with demand, so treat these as a guide and ask us for today's price: Insider (interior) cabins on shoulder-season dates have started around $800–$1,000 per sailor for 7 nights; Sea Terrace balconies run higher; the longer 9–12 night Grand Alaska voyages start roughly $1,400+ per sailor. For glacier days, a Sea Terrace balcony is worth it. Want the full cost breakdown? See how much a Virgin Voyages cruise really costs.
Current Alaska deals
Virgin runs frequent, rotating promotions, and they stack differently by sailing — so rather than list a deal that expires next week, here's how to always get the best one: we apply every eligible promotion automatically (current offers have included reduced second-sailor fares, free balcony upgrades, and onboard credit), and we monitor for price drops after you book. See what's live today on our Virgin Voyages Deals Tracker and which offers combine in our Promo Stacking Guide.
The Brilliant Lady ship
Brilliant Lady is the fourth and newest VV ship — same design as her sisters, with standout outdoor spaces (The Perch sundeck, balcony cabins) that earn their keep on a glacier itinerary, plus the Redemption Spa to warm up after a day in port. Deck-by-deck details and the best cabins for scenery are in our Brilliant Lady deck plan and complete ship guide.
How to book a Virgin Voyages Alaska cruise
Book through us at Pixie Vacations — same price as booking VV direct, zero fees. We're a Virgin Voyages Top 100 First Mate agency, we've sailed the line, and we stack every eligible perk and watch for price drops after you book. Search & book Brilliant Lady Alaska sailings, get a free Alaska quote, or call 678-815-1584.
Virgin Voyages Alaska FAQ
Is Virgin Voyages Alaska adults only?
Yes — every Virgin Voyages sailing, Alaska included, is adults only (18+). No kids, no exceptions.
Which ship sails to Alaska?
Brilliant Lady, the newest ship in the fleet, is the only VV ship in Alaska in 2026, departing Seattle and Vancouver.
When does the 2026 Alaska season run?
May through September 2026. The inaugural (MerMaiden) voyage sailed May 21, and dates are open now through the end of the season.
Do I need a passport?
Yes. Most itineraries call in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, so a valid passport is required.
How much does a Virgin Voyages Alaska cruise cost?
Insider cabins have started around $800–$1,000 per sailor for 7 nights on shoulder dates; longer 9–12 night sailings from roughly $1,400. Fares change with demand — request a live quote.
When should I book Shore Things?
Excursions open 120 days before sailing (135 days for RockStar Quarters). The helicopter/dog-sled and other top picks sell out fast — book the day your window opens.
Ready to Book Your Virgin Voyages Cruise?
Let Pixie Vacations plan your perfect voyage — expert advice, no booking fees, and personalized service from a Virgin Voyages Top 100 First Mate.
Or call us: 678-815-1584