Sir Richard Branson Joins Local and Cruise Executives as Prince Rupert Cruise Port Welcomes Virgin Voyages During Its First Alaska Season
On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, Prince Rupert Cruise Port welcomed Virgin Voyages for the first time as the cruise line’s newest ship, Brilliant Lady, made her inaugural call to the destination during Virgin Voyages’ first Alaska season.
Virgin Voyages is bringing Brilliant Lady to Alaska this summer with 17 new voyages spanning 12 destinations across Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. The season kicks off this month and runs through September 2026.
Prince Rupert served as the final stop on the itinerary, adding a memorable close to one of the cruise line’s first Alaska voyages. The arrival of Brilliant Lady created excitement throughout the community, particularly with Virgin Group founder, Sir Richard Branson, in attendance for the milestone visit.
During the call, Branson met briefly with local and cruise industry executives, including Steve Finnigan, General Manager, Prince Rupert Cruise Port, and Erika Tache, Vice President, Business Development – Shorex & Landside, Global Ports Holding, along with representatives from the City of Prince Rupert and the Prince Rupert Port Authority. The welcome meeting marked the beginning of a new relationship between Virgin Voyages and Prince Rupert, while recognizing the destination’s growing role in Alaska and Pacific Northwest cruise itineraries.
Following the welcome, Prince Rupert Cruise Port team member Zosia Stevenson hosted Branson, Virgin Voyages executives, and guests for a curated day showcasing the best of Prince Rupert, including local excursions, food, beverages, and the region’s distinctive coastal scenery.
The group experienced a flightseeing excursion with Inland Air Charters, offering an aerial view of the dramatic landscapes that make Prince Rupert and the surrounding region one of British Columbia’s most striking destinations. The day continued with a meal at Fukasaku Restaurant, known for Japanese seafood and its commitment to locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. Branson described the meal as the best food he has eaten anywhere.
“Welcoming Virgin Voyages to Prince Rupert for the first time is an exciting milestone for our port, our partners, and our community,” said Mr. Finnigan. “The arrival of Brilliant Lady as part of Virgin Voyages’ first Alaska season reflects the growing recognition of Prince Rupert as an authentic, experience-rich cruise destination. We were proud to share our people, landscapes, local operators, and culinary talent with Virgin Voyages and Sir Richard Branson.”
“Excursions are essential to how guests connect with a destination, and Prince Rupert offers the kind of authentic, locally rooted experiences that today’s cruisers are seeking,” Mrs. Tache explained. “From flightseeing and scenic outdoor experiences to sustainable seafood, local flavours, and warm community hospitality, Prince Rupert gives guests a true sense of place. This inaugural call was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the depth and quality of the destination’s shore experience.”
The inaugural call highlighted Prince Rupert’s strengths as a cruise destination, from its natural beauty and Indigenous culture to its locally led excursions, sustainable seafood, and welcoming community. As cruise lines continue to seek distinctive ports that offer meaningful guest experiences, Prince Rupert is well positioned to play an expanding role in Alaska and Pacific Northwest itineraries.
The visit also underscores the continued collaboration between Prince Rupert Cruise Port, the City of Prince Rupert, the Prince Rupert Port Authority, local tourism operators, and community partners in strengthening the destination’s cruise offering.
