Virgin Voyages’ ‘Brilliant Lady’ Welcomed to New York by 2,400-Voice Choir

New York City’s harbor was filled with song yesterday as Virgin Voyages’ newest ship, Brilliant Lady, made its inaugural homeport arrival accompanied by a 2,400-person choir performing Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now.”

The event, which took place on September 2nd, 2025, was orchestrated by Virgin Voyages in collaboration with Pub Choir, a global phenomenon founded in 2017 by Astrid Jorgensen in Brisbane, Australia. Pub Choir is known for bringing together large groups of people to sing in harmony without auditions or sheet music, fostering a sense of community through music. The arrival marks a significant expansion for Virgin Voyages, adding New York City as a key departure point for its adult-only cruises.

The choice of “Don’t Stop Me Now” was deliberate, reflecting the ship’s and the brand’s ethos of optimism and forward momentum. Sailing past landmarks like Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, the choir – comprised of both crew and passengers – created a powerful visual and auditory spectacle. This event underscores a growing trend in experiential travel, where unique and memorable onboard and port experiences are increasingly valued by consumers, according to recent reports from the Cruise Lines International Association.

Virgin Voyages emphasized the event’s message of inclusivity and diversity, highlighting the varied backgrounds of the choir members. “That’s exactly what Virgin Voyages is about: coming together, celebrating life, and creating moments that matter,” the company stated. For more information on Virgin Voyages and its fleet, visit their official website.

Virgin Voyages officials stated they hope this arrival sets the tone for future voyages and reinforces their commitment to creating unique and joyful travel experiences.