Virgin Voyages has partnered with Don’t Tell Comedy to bring New York’s comedy edge offshore for its third annual US Comedy Fest, sailing roundtrip from New York City to Bermuda, April 11–16, 2026.
Don’t Tell Comedy is the grassroots live stand-up platform that began as a backyard show in Los Angeles in 2017 and has grown into one of the most influential comedy brands in North America.
It’s known for its intimate, surprise-style performances in unexpected locations, and has become a proving ground for the next generation of stand-up talent, with alumni who now headline theaters and arenas, appear regularly on late-night television and have gone on to join the cast of Saturday Night Live.
Now, Don’t Tell Comedy’s signature live stand-up experience is being reimagined at sea.
Serving as the official comedy curator, Don’t Tell Comedy has programmed a laugh-out-loud lineup featuring rising and established comedians delivering can’t-miss shows aboard Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady.
Headliners will include Shapel Lacey and Tacarra Williams
Over five nights, comedians will participate in meet-and-greet moments, surprise pop-up appearances and interactive experiences designed to bring Sailors closer to the talent. Performances will unfold across multiple onboard venues, creating a festival-style format that feels distinctly New York, just offshore.
Kyle Kazanjian-Amory, President and Founder of Don’t Tell Comedy, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Virgin Voyages to deliver a standout, premium comedy festival at sea featuring a thoughtfully curated lineup of top-tier comedians from across North America. Creating unforgettable experiences in unexpected venues is core to what we do, and bringing live comedy aboard one of the most innovative brands in travel and entertainment felt like a natural fit.”
The US Comedy Fest builds on Virgin Voyages’ growing investment in live comedy across its fleet, including the introduction of LOLz Supper Club and the rotating Festival Stage, which spotlight emerging talent and surprise residencies throughout the year.
Richard Kilman, Vice President of Entertainment at Virgin Voyages, observed that: “Comedy is good for the soul,” “There’s something powerful about laughing in a room full of strangers and realizing you’re all in on the same joke. Our Sailors love Comedy Fest, not just for the headliners, but for the intimacy and spontaneity of it. We’ve been incorporating more stand-up and rotating comedy acts across our ships because it brings people together. And when you’re at sea, fully present and unplugged from everyday noise, that shared laughter just hits differently.”
Now in its third annual edition, Comedy Fest continues Virgin Voyages’ investment in culturally relevant, specialty sailings that centre music, food and live performance. Following the April U.S. voyage, Virgin Voyages will also host its UK Comedy Fest in August 2026, with headliners to be announced in the coming months.
Sail on over to www.virginvoyages.com .
