St. Kitts marked a major milestone in its cruise sector today with the inaugural call of Virgin Voyages’ newest ship, Brilliant Lady, at Port Zante.

The visit signals a deepening relationship between the destination and one of the cruise industry’s most talked-about brands, underscoring St. Kitts’ growing draw as a premier Caribbean port of call.

The Adult-by-Design ship arrived as part of its first season of Caribbean sailings, bringing Virgin Voyages’ signature mix of contemporary design, elevated service and adults-only onboard experiences to the heart of Basseterre. Its call also adds meaningful momentum to what is shaping up to be a strong 2025 to 2026 cruise season for the destination.

Minister of Tourism Marsha T. Henderson welcomed the ship’s debut, calling it a sign of continued confidence in St. Kitts’ tourism product. “The Brilliant Lady’s inaugural call is a beacon of confidence in the St. Kitts tourism product and a wonderful way to enhance our 2025 to 2026 cruise season,” she said. “We are thrilled to partner with Virgin Voyages, a brand synonymous with innovation and unique experiences. Their commitment to Adult-by-Design luxury aligns perfectly with our strategic efforts to diversify and elevate our visitor offerings. We extend a warm Kittitian welcome to her crew and passengers who will now have the opportunity to discover the destination’s dynamic offerings.”

The call further reflects the island’s strategy to broaden its cruise portfolio through partnerships that prioritize both economic impact and high-quality guest experiences. Port Zante’s modern berthing facilities and seamless operations have positioned St. Kitts as a standout call for cruise lines seeking strong destination performance and authentic on-island engagement.