Virgin Voyages officially starts Alaska season with new onboard program | News
Virgin Voyages has launched its first Alaska season, with sailings from Seattle beginning May 22 aboard Brilliant Lady.
A total of seven routes are available, spread over 17 sailing dates ranging from seven to twelve nights. The season includes destination-inspired dining and an array of exclusive Alaska experiences onboard.
Entering Alaska the Virgin Voyages way
Highlights of the season include:
• More than half of Alaska Shore Things (shore excursions) are operated by sustainable tour operators, including those certified through Adventure Green Alaska and Travelife
• The onboard maritime team works with ORCA to provide detailed training on whale sightings
• A nature expert on board who helps train full-time sailors (guests).
• Voluntary speed reductions across the region to help protect large cetaceans and marine life
• Advanced wastewater treatment systems and shore power options
New expert guests and compelling programming
Virgin Voyages is introducing two new “Happenings Cast” members created specifically for the Alaska season. The cast consists of performers and activity leaders on the ship and will include:
• The Lumberjack, who will be aboard select voyages and bring Alaska’s timber heritage to life through stories and insight into destinations linked to Ketchikan.
• The Naturalist, a wildlife and ecology expert, who will help sailors learn more about Alaska’s glaciers, whales, wildlife and broader ecosystem through informal and small-group discussions.
Virgin Voyages will also include an Alaska Native Voices cultural heritage guide on select sailings. The guide hosts conversations and workshops focused on art, storytelling, contemporary culture, and the lived experiences of Alaska Native communities. They will be joined by indigenous makers, contemporary Alaskan artists and representatives from local communities.
New Alaska-inspired onboard experiences include:
• Primetime Ports: A visual alternative to traditional port lectures, designed to prepare sailors for the destinations they will visit
• Draw to the Wild: At The Manor, sailors can sketch on birch canvases inspired by Alaska’s landscapes and wildlife
• Northern Nightcaps: A hands-on mixology workshop with Alaskan-inspired cocktails including Glacial Toddies and Forest Negronis
• Baking Alaska: An interactive Alaskan-inspired dessert class paired with a wine flight
• Crack the Crab: An Alaska-themed trivia game where sailors battle with oversized foam crab claws to find the right answers
Alaskan-inspired dining
Virgin Voyages’ culinary team has developed eight Alaska-themed dishes, with select restaurants offering an elevated ‘Treat Yourself’ dish using regional ingredients.
Examples include:
• The Wake: Roasted Alaskan halibut with fondant potato, spinach and champagne caviar sauce
• Pink Agave: black cod with chorizo crust, red rice, mole poblano and Alaskan king crab
• Extra Virgin: Pumpkin-wrapped halibut with king crab stuffed zucchini blossom, cherry tomato and basil seeds
• Rojo: Grilled squid with king crab, marcona almond and chorizo clam sauce
• The Dock: Smoked salmon taramasalata with kalamata olives, pickled pearl onion and pita bread
The onboard drinks program has also been updated, with expanded hot drinks and local beer options in the bars and Ship Eats – the brand’s onboard food and drink delivery service.
Alaska on High Street
Alaska will also be reflected in High Street, the retail space onboard Virgin Voyages, with 10 brands featuring artisans or products from the region. Cold weather items including Ahoy hats, textured knitwear and layered outerwear will also be available on board.
SJ Walker, sales director of Virgin Voyages UK, said: “For the UK trade, Alaska represents a significant expansion of the Virgin Voyages product and a huge opportunity. The program is a direct response to demand from our guests, more than 30% of whom return to sail with us again. It gives First Mates a new option for customers looking for a premium adult cruise experience that goes beyond our established Caribbean and Mediterranean programmes.”
Alaska cruises aboard Brilliant Lady are now on sale. Prices start from £729pp, for a seven-day ‘Alaska: Inside Passage & Glacial Fjords’ sailing June 4, 2026, round trip from Seattle.
Prices include dining at over 20 eateries, group fitness classes, entertainment and Wi-Fi, for an included value of over $1,000 USD per trip.
Brilliant Lady’s Alaska sailings follow current agent commercial offerings, including a 16% commission structure and no non-commissionable fares (NCFs), meaning First Mates earn commission on the full fare.
First Mates can access resources, training and booking tools through Seacademy and sellvv.co.uk.
