Brilliant Lady Debuts Spanish Communal Dining as Virgin Voyages Expands

Virgin Voyages is unveiling an exciting new culinary venture aboard its fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, scheduled to debut in September 2025. The centerpiece of this launch is Rojo by Razzle Dazzle, a Spanish-inspired dining concept crafted by Pittsburgh-based Chefs Justin Severino and Nate Hobart, recognized for their innovative charcuterie work at Morcilla. Designed to merge classic Spanish gastronomy with modern creativity, Rojo by Razzle Dazzle will offer daytime brunch and lively evening dining, accentuating communal traditions and shared plates.

Rojo by Razzle Dazzle: Spanish-Inspired Communal Dining

The menu at Rojo by Razzle Dazzle centers on pintxos, tapas, paellas, and slow-roasted meats. Dishes such as Oxtail Montadito, jamón croquettes, and regionally influenced seafood paellas bring together Spain’s culinary heritage in a contemporary format. Chefs Severino and Hobart have curated a lineup that reflects their expertise in Spanish charcuterie, while adding unique touches spanning multiple gastronomic regions.

During brunch hours, guests can expect fusion fare such as acai bowls, frittatas, and Spanish-American takes on comfort foods. By night, the venue transforms into a sophisticated space delivering rich, bold flavors, enhanced by cooking styles found across Spain’s famous culinary hubs. Wooden accents and deep reddish-orange tones frame the interior, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that encourages diners to gather and share dishes.

Official Perspective from Virgin Voyages

Levi Mezick, Virgin Voyages’ director of culinary program development, explains the cruise line’s direction: “Virgin Voyages set out to be a disruptor from day one, and our culinary program, with Michelin-chef designed menus and boundary-pushing creativity, was always central to that mission. Spanish cuisine and communal dining traditions complement our commitment to authentic yet innovative experiences for our Sailors.”

This philosophy underpins the brand’s approach to food and drink, which relies on collaborative efforts with industry experts. In creating Rojo by Razzle Dazzle’s beverage list, Virgin Voyages partnered with Barcelona-based Onada Consulting, resulting in offerings of artisanal vermouths, sangrias, and Spanish wines, including Riojas and Albariños, that pair with tapas-style plates.

Brilliant Lady’s Launch and Itineraries

Brilliant Lady will begin sailing in September 2025 from New York, before moving on to other homeports such as Miami, Los Angeles, and Seattle. Itineraries will range from five-night escapes to longer voyages of up to 14 nights, taking travelers to destinations including Bermuda, Charleston in South Carolina, Canada, New England, and the Caribbean. By 2026, Virgin Voyages plans to introduce routes in the Pacific Northwest, featuring Alaskan itineraries for the first time.

The ship expands Virgin Voyages’ adult-focused cruising experience with multiple dining venues, onboard activities, and a commitment to eco-friendly designs. Rojo by Razzle Dazzle stands out as the culinary highlight, reflecting the company’s broader aim to bring global flavors to sea. Other regionally inspired concepts in the fleet include Lucky Lotus on Scarlet Lady, underscoring Virgin Voyages’ tradition of diverse epicurean offerings.

Eat and Drink Festival: A Taste of Brilliant

Coinciding with Brilliant Lady’s launch, Virgin Voyages is unveiling its 2025 Eat and Drink Festival, themed “A Taste of Brilliant.” The festival promises curated dining and beverage experiences inspired by the new ship’s homeport cities, from NYC-style burgers to Seattle’s famed seafood. Passengers can explore LA-inspired sushi creations, Miami-centric cuisine, and more.

A recipe guide called “Passport to Flavors” will be available, featuring exclusive dishes and cocktail formulas from Virgin Voyages’ onboard eateries. Additionally, Spirit Master Series classes will give guests hands-on training to craft their own martinis, bourbon mixes, and scotch-based drinks under the supervision of master mixologists. The festival aligns with Virgin Voyages’ emphasis on immersive experiences that connect travelers with diverse culinary traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When will Brilliant Lady set sail?

Brilliant Lady is slated to debut in September 2025, beginning its inaugural voyages from New York and transitioning to other U.S. homeports in subsequent seasons.

What makes Rojo by Razzle Dazzle unique?

Rojo by Razzle Dazzle emphasizes communal dining through shared plates, featuring Spanish-inspired pintxos, tapas, and slow-roasted meats. Its atmosphere shifts from a casual brunch in the morning to an elevated, lively dining experience in the evening.

Who are the chefs behind Rojo’s menu design?

Chefs Justin Severino and Nate Hobart, operators of the award-winning Pittsburgh restaurant Morcilla, are leading the menu concept. Their specialized expertise in Spanish-inspired charcuterie and modern techniques informs the restaurant’s offerings.

What is Virgin Voyages’ Eat and Drink Festival?

The Eat and Drink Festival is an annual event celebrating culinary innovation across Virgin Voyages’ fleet. In 2025, it will feature “A Taste of Brilliant,” showcasing foods, cocktails, and cultural flavors tied to the new ship’s homeport cities, complemented by mixology classes and a special recipe guide.

Where will Brilliant Lady sail?

Brilliant Lady will operate itineraries ranging from five to fourteen nights, visiting Bermuda, Charleston, Canada, New England, and various Caribbean ports. In 2026, the ship is set to explore the Pacific Northwest and Alaska for the first time in Virgin Voyages’ history.

With its Spanish-inspired culinary debut, expanded itineraries, and immersive festival programming, Virgin Voyages aims to broaden the horizons of modern cruising while maintaining a focus on boundary-pushing dining and culturally rich travel experiences.