After a week of heavy weather disruption for Virgin Voyages, there is a lighter update for sailors joining Brilliant Lady this weekend.

Virgin Voyages has confirmed a revised itinerary for Brilliant Lady’s October 3, 2026 Mexican Riviera Cruise from Los Angeles. The voyage will still head south to Mexico, but Cabo San Lucas has been replaced by Ensenada.

The change follows residual swell from Hurricane Rachel. Although the hurricane has moved away from the route, Virgin Voyages says conditions would make tender operations in Cabo San Lucas unsafe and uncomfortable.

This is a much smaller change than sailors experienced last week. Brilliant Lady’s September 26 sailing was significantly rerouted because of Hurricane Polo, with Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta all removed from the itinerary.

Virgin Voyages also faced disruption on the East Coast, with Valiant Lady’s New York disembarkation and embarkation delayed on September 27 because of weather conditions.

Brilliant Lady Will Still Visit Mexico

Unlike last week’s major itinerary change, most of the October 3 sailing remains as planned. Brilliant Lady will still visit three destinations in Mexico during the seven-night voyage.

Instead of Cabo San Lucas, the ship will visit Ensenada on Sunday, October 4. Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta remain on the itinerary.

“Hurricane Rachel has safely moved away from our route, but it’s left behind residual swell strong enough that tendering into Cabo San Lucas wouldn’t be safe or comfortable.” – COO, Michelle Bentubo

The cruise line confirmed that the rest of the Mexican Riviera voyage remains largely unchanged.

Brilliant Lady’s Updated October 3 Itinerary

• Saturday, October 3: Depart Los Angeles at 5 PM
• Sunday, October 4: Ensenada, Mexico, 7:30 AM to 2 PM
• Monday, October 5: At sea
• Tuesday, October 6: Mazatlán, Mexico, 11 AM to 8 PM
• Wednesday, October 7: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, 8:30 AM to 5 PM
• Thursday, October 8: At sea
• Friday, October 9: At sea
• Saturday, October 10: Arrive in Los Angeles at 6:30 AM

There is also a timing change for Mazatlán. Brilliant Lady will now arrive at 11 AM and depart at 8 PM.

Why Is Brilliant Lady Skipping Cabo San Lucas?

Cabo San Lucas is a tender port, so sailors need to use smaller boats to travel between Brilliant Lady and the shore.

Although Hurricane Rachel has moved away, Virgin Voyages says residual swell remains too strong for safe and comfortable tender operations.

As a result, Ensenada has been added as the replacement port. Brilliant Lady is scheduled to spend around six and a half hours there on October 4.

The good news for sailors is that they will still have three port days in Mexico. Only one destination has changed.

What Happens to Cabo Shore Things?

Sailors who booked Virgin Voyages Shore Things in Cabo San Lucas will automatically receive a full refund to their original form of payment.

Anyone who booked an excursion independently should contact their tour operator directly to discuss refunds or alternative arrangements.

Virgin Voyages says Shore Things for Ensenada will be available to book in the Virgin Voyages App soon.

A Lighter Update After Last Week’s Disruption

The announcement follows a difficult week for Virgin Voyages operations on both sides of the United States.

Brilliant Lady’s September 26 Mexican Riviera sailing was rerouted because of Hurricane Polo. The planned calls at Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta were replaced by San Francisco, San Diego, Catalina Island and Ensenada.

Meanwhile, weather conditions also caused delays to Virgin Voyages operations in New York on September 27.

For sailors joining Brilliant Lady on October 3, the impact is much smaller. The ship will still operate a Mexican Riviera voyage from Los Angeles, with Ensenada replacing Cabo San Lucas and a revised arrival time in Mazatlán.