{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/63d15f946213b300111275f5/6a704a690cbc3e73ce12b0b2?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Virgin Voyages Alaska Cruise Review: Brilliant Lady, Ports and Best Excursions","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/63d15f946213b300111275f5/1785944543231-33d34701-482a-4e37-a9d0-021b0d6e12c4.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>In this episode of Magically Cruising, Kieran and Sarah cover Virgin Voyages' first-ever Alaska season aboard Brilliant Lady, sailing from Seattle and Vancouver. Kieran shares a full first hand review after being among the first passengers to sail Alaska with Virgin, comparing the experience to his previous Alaska cruise with Holland America Line.</p><p><br></p><p>See Kieran's Video Tour and Reviews here  https://youtu.be/USl1FhWKfl0</p><p>https://magical-traveller.com/virgin-voyages-alaska-review</p><p>See us over on Mini Travellers for more cruise tips  https://minitravellers.co.uk/?s=cruise </p><p>Book a Cruise with a UK Agent https://magical-traveller.com</p><p>Get Sarah's downloadable Cruise Magnet Stamps  https://shop.extraordinarychaos.com/product/cruise-door-magnet-stamps-18-printable-port-magnets-mediterranean-cruise-decor-digital-download-cricut-printable/</p><p><br></p><p>See Magical Traveller on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@UCBOqXqrrrYnUGk6H2AVk9Zg </p><p>And Mini Travellers on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@MiniTravellers</p><p><br></p><p>Topics covered in this Alaska cruise guide:</p><p><strong>Ship changes for Alaska season</strong></p><p>How Brilliant Lady was adapted for cold weather sailing, including reworked lifeboat positioning for Panama Canal transits, less tinted glass around the Athletic Club and roundabout areas, more standing viewing platforms, and fluffy blankets provided throughout the ship. No solarium, indoor pool or crow's nest, and why that mattered less than expected.</p><p><strong>Best ports and excursions</strong></p><p>A breakdown of the four headline Alaska ports, Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka and Skagway, plus Icy Strait Point, described as feeling like the Disneyland of Alaska thanks to its cable cars, zipline and wildlife trails. Includes details on the viral zipline video, whale watching, glacier viewing at Hubbard Glacier, and the White Pass train.</p><p><strong>Excursion costs and booking tips</strong></p><p>Real figures on what excursions cost through the cruise line versus booking independently, plus the exclusive perks Virgin passengers get in port, including a dedicated lumberjack show section in Ketchikan.</p><p><strong>Onboard culture and entertainment</strong></p><p>How Virgin's happenings cast includes a naturalist and an indigenous culture host for the Alaska season, covering Tlingit wood carving classes, native art and storytelling, plus honest thoughts on shopping for authentic local crafts versus mass-produced souvenirs.</p><p>Whether you are deciding between Virgin Voyages and Holland America Line for Alaska, planning your first Alaska cruise, or just curious what a brand new cruise line brings to this region, this episode has the full breakdown.</p><p><br></p><p>Subscribe to Magically Cruising for more honest cruise reviews, Disney cruise tips and travel advice.</p><p>Follow Kieran: [independent travel agent, cruise and Disney North America specialist]</p><p>Follow Sarah: Mini Travellers, Craft and Cruise Magnets</p><p>#VirginVoyages #AlaskaCruise #BrilliantLady #CruiseReview #MagicallyCruising</p>","author_name":"Magically Cruising"}