Virgin Voyages is turning a cruise into a comedy club — and this one sails straight out of New York.
The adults-only cruise line is bringing back its U.S. Comedy Fest for a third year, with a 5-night sailing aboard Valiant Lady from New York City to Bermuda, departing April 11–16, 2026. The voyage blends stand-up headliners, surprise pop-up sets and interactive comedy experiences with two days in Bermuda and Virgin’s signature entertainment and dining lineup.
This year, Virgin Voyages is partnering with Don’t Tell Comedy, the grassroots live stand-up platform that began as backyard shows in Los Angeles and has grown into one of North America’s most influential comedy brands. Known for surprise locations and tightly curated lineups, Don’t Tell is now bringing its format offshore.
Here’s what travelers can expect.
A Festival-Style Comedy Lineup at Sea
Don’t Tell Comedy is serving as the official curator, programming a mix of rising and established talent across multiple onboard venues. Instead of one big show per night, performances will unfold festival-style across the ship, with scheduled sets, surprise appearances and casual meet-and-greets woven into the sailing.
The headliners include:
Shapel Lacey, a Los Angeles-based comic known for his high-energy physicality and unpredictable stage presence. A former competitive cheerleader turned punk frontman, Lacey is now a regular at The Comedy Store and known for turning chaotic personal stories into sharp, unfiltered stand-up.
Tacarra Williams, known as “The Beautiful Beast,” brings bold, commanding stage energy. A former schoolteacher who now headlines major venues including the Apollo Theater and the Hollywood Improv, Williams draws from her experiences as one of seven siblings and a mother, delivering fearless, crowd-moving material. She has toured with Katt Williams and appeared on NBC’s Bring the Funny, where she finished as runner-up.
Breakout Comics Across Five Nights
Beyond the headliners, the sailing features a deep bench of talent curated by Don’t Tell Comedy:
Emma Willmann, a Comedy Cellar regular seen on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Netflix’s The Lineup.
Eva Evans, a Brooklyn and Jamaica–raised comic currently appearing in Kevin Hart’s Funny AF for Netflix.
Usama Siddiquee, a Bengali-American comedian known for rapid-fire delivery, featured in Don’t Tell specials and on The Late Show.
Ian Levy, a New York–based comic and San Francisco Comedy Competition finalist.
Amy Miller, named Comedy Central’s breakout comedian on Last Comic Standing.
Shaunak Godkhindi, a New York performer featured on Netflix Is a Joke Radio.
Laura Peek, a Nashville native who made her Tonight Show debut in 2025.
Julio Diaz, the Brooklyn-born “Breakroom King” known for working-class storytelling.
Mark Smalls, whose East Coast perspective meets West Coast pacing.
Cole Garrett, a Los Angeles-based performer known for energetic act-outs and national touring sets.
Across five nights, comics will appear in rotating venues, from more intimate lounges to larger theater-style spaces. Virgin says there will also be surprise pop-ups and spontaneous sets, keeping the lineup fluid rather than rigid.
What Makes This Different From a Regular Cruise Show
Virgin Voyages has been steadily investing in live comedy across its fleet, including its LOLz Supper Club and rotating Festival Stage residencies. The Comedy Fest takes that programming and concentrates it into a single sailing.
Instead of one headliner anchoring the entertainment schedule, the ship becomes the festival grounds.
Comedians participate in meet-and-greet moments, interactive sessions and informal appearances beyond their main sets. The idea is to bring passengers — or “Sailors,” in Virgin’s language — closer to the performers.
Don’t Tell Comedy’s founder, Kyle Kazanjian-Amory, described the collaboration as a natural extension of the brand’s format: curated, high-quality lineups delivered in unexpected venues.
The Cruise Itself: Adults-Only, Bermuda, and 20+ Eateries
The five-night voyage sails roundtrip from New York City and includes two full days in Bermuda, giving travelers time to explore pink-sand beaches, historic St. George’s and Hamilton’s waterfront.
Onboard, Virgin Voyages maintains its adults-only model — no kids, no buffets, and no traditional cruise main dining room. Instead, the ship features 20+ eateries, all included in the fare. That includes upscale steakhouse options, Korean barbecue, Mediterranean cuisine, test-kitchen-style tasting menus and casual late-night spots.
Entertainment beyond comedy remains part of the experience, with design-forward theaters, live music, DJs and immersive performance spaces integrated throughout the ship.
Valiant Lady itself is built with a contemporary aesthetic — open decks, modern interiors, and nightlife-oriented spaces that lean closer to boutique hotel energy than traditional cruise design.
Why This Sailing Works From New York
Departing from New York City adds another layer to the theme.
New York has long been the center of American stand-up culture, with clubs like the Comedy Cellar, Gotham Comedy Club and The Stand shaping the careers of many performers on the lineup. Sailing directly from Manhattan ties that city identity to the voyage itself.
Passengers board in New York and step immediately into a cruise designed around that comedy culture — then wake up at sea, en route to Bermuda.
Who This Cruise Is For
This sailing is best suited for travelers who prioritize live entertainment as part of their vacation, particularly those who already follow stand-up or frequent comedy clubs.
It’s also a strong option for couples or groups of friends looking for a short spring getaway with structured nighttime programming and beach time built in.
Because Virgin Voyages is adults-only, the atmosphere skews social and nightlife-friendly. That makes a comedy-focused sailing an especially natural fit.
Booking Details
The U.S. Comedy Fest sails April 11–16, 2026, roundtrip from New York City aboard Valiant Lady.
Cabins can be booked directly through Virgin Voyages’ website or through travel advisors.
With a five-night itinerary, a festival-style lineup and two days in Bermuda, the sailing positions itself as both a comedy event and a short Caribbean escape.
For travelers who like their vacations with a headline act — and a late-night set — this one brings the stage offshore.
Caribbean Journal Staff
2026-02-20 18:03:00