Why Virgin Voyages Alaska Isn't Holland America (KWYWTG 35)

About this episode

Cameron DeJong discusses the differences between Virgin Voyages' Alaska debut and traditional cruise lines like Holland America.

Alaska cruising has looked the same for nearly 40 years — Holland America, Princess, Norwegian, big ships, multi-gen families, buffets, formal nights. In May 2026, that changes. Virgin Voyages' newest ship, Brilliant Lady, sails her first-ever Alaska season from Seattle, and almost everything about it is different. In this episode, Cameron DeJong breaks down what Virgin Voyages' Alaska debut actually looks like, who it's perfect for, and — just as importantly — who should absolutely pick a different cruise line. This isn't a sales pitch. It's the honest conversation every potential sailor needs before spending thousands of dollars on a cruise they might not love. What's covered: - Brilliant Lady's 2026 Alaska itineraries from Seattle (Ketchikan, Sitka, Endicott Arm, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Prince Rupert) - How Virgin Voyages dining, shore excursions, and onboard vibe differ from Holland America and Princess - Why the Virgin Voyages proposition trips up first-time sailors who expect a traditional Alaska cruise - Who Virgin Voyages Alaska is NOT for (and why Cameron tells potential sailors to book elsewhere when it's not a fit) - The specific types of travelers who will LOVE…

People in this episode

Host: Cameron DeJong

Topics covered

• Alaska cruising
• Virgin Voyages
• Holland America
• cruise itineraries
• travel advice

Keywords

• Brilliant Lady
• 2026 Alaska itineraries
• dining
• shore excursions
• onboard vibe

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Brilliant Lady, Princess, Virgin Voyages

Books & works: Brilliant Lady

Places: Alaska, Seattle, Ketchikan, Sitka, Endicott Arm, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Prince Rupert, North America

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