Virgin Voyages Launches Rojo, Adding More Razzle Dazzle To High Seas

Forbes

01-05-2025

Cruise lines have been hitting it out of the park with their food and beverage efforts of late, as high-concept restaurants from celebrity chefs is increasingly on the menu.
The latest example of this can be seen via Brilliant Lady, Virgin Voyages' newest ship, which is already about to get a restaurant upgrade as the line has unveiled Rojo by Razzle Dazzle, a new Spanish-inspired restaurant.
Maine Lobster Paella at Rojo by Razzle Dazzle, a new Spanish-inspired restaurant on Virgin Voyages. ... More
The new restaurant, helmed by chefs Justin Severino and Nate Hobart, who are famously co-chefs of Morcilla, a Pittsburgh-based Spanish-style charcuteria, will feature signature dishes such as Oxtail Montadito with braised oxtail, caramelized onion, mahón cheese and a crostini.
"Rojo came to fruition after many discussions of how we wanted to evolve our award-winning culinary program," said Chef Levi Mezick, Director of Culinary Program Development at Virgin Voyages, in an interview. "We wanted to showcase one of our incredible homeports and chose Barcelona because we thought the convivial nature of small, tapas-style dining felt very Virgin and lends itself to the sense of community we try to build on each voyage. Also, Spanish cuisine has amazing depth and flavor that the team fell in love with," said Mezick.
This is in a long line of exciting new restaurant concepts Virgin has been unveiling. "Rojo is the latest pop-up taking over the Razzle Dazzle restaurant," said Mezick. There's been other pop-ups like this across the fleet, such as Lucky Lotus by Razzle Dazzle, which is a Chinese-inspired culinary concept, and Razzle Dazzle by Night which is a modern twist on American classics.
"Lucky Lotus (which launched in the fall aboard Scarlet Lady), was so well received and now the highest rated restaurant across the fleet. Coming off that success, we also wanted to give Brilliant Lady a handful of fresh experiences (and experiences Sailors could only get on that ship), so we decided to totally change the look and feel of Razzle Dazzle," said Mezick.
For this restaurant, rather than black and white "Razzle Dazzle" pattern (inspired by WWI ships), this spot will have what is meant to be more of a Spanish flair, such as deeper red tones and warm wood accents.
A standout item on the menu is Oxtail Montadito with caramelized onion, mahon cheese and crostini. "The oxtail is slowly braised and then mixed with garlic and fresh herbs. We coat the crostini with a caramelized onion jam and then top with the oxtail and mahon cheese. The dish is a savory explosion of flavor. It has a deep rich flavor that only comes from long slow cooking," said Mezick.
Char ártico asado a la plancha with arctic char, Artichokes, and salsa verde.
Another signature dish will be char ártico asado a la plancha with arctic char, Artichokes, and salsa verde. "I have alway loved cooking fish and Arctic Char has always been one of my favorites. The fish has a mild flavor that is slightly buttery and sweet. The flavor of the char is enhanced by adding crispy artichokes and a fresh tanginess that comes from the salsa verde," said Mezick.
As ship restaurants need to rise to the occasion day and night to fully be appreciated, during the day, there'll also be a Spanish-American brunch with dishes that include jamon croquettes paired with options such as acai bowls, pastries and frittatas. At night, the menu features pintxos, tapas, and platos grandes and a wine menu that will include well-known Spanish bold reds like Rioja and Ribera del Duero as well as whites like Albariños from Rias Baixas as well as artisanal vermouths, sangrias, sherries and sparkling Provocativo cava spritzes.
Rojo by Razzle Dazzle will open on September 5, 2025 during Brilliant Lady's maiden voyage from New York City to Bermuda.