Virgin Voyages Offers Options to Sailors Affected by US Flight Ground Stop
Virgin Voyages offers alternative boarding arrangements and Future Voyage Credit for sailors affected by the November 13 US flight ground stop.
Virgin Voyages has announced support for sailors affected by widespread US flight disruptions ahead of two cruises departing on Saturday, November 14, 2026. The cruise line is offering alternative boarding arrangements and Future Voyage Credit for eligible sailors unable to reach their ships.
The disruption follows a nationwide ground stop issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Friday, November 13. Although flights have since resumed, widespread cancellations and delays could continue to affect travel throughout the weekend.
Two Virgin Voyages Sailings Affected
Virgin Voyages has identified two sailings departing on November 14 that could be affected by the flight disruption:
- Grand Turk & Bimini Beach Club aboard Scarlet Lady, departing Miami on November 14 for five nights.
- Southern Caribbean Cruise aboard Valiant Lady, departing San Juan on November 14 for six nights.
Both sailings are currently scheduled to depart as planned. However, sailors experiencing flight cancellations or delays may be unable to reach their departure ports in time.
Sailors Can Join Their Cruise at the First Port
Virgin Voyages has confirmed that sailors who cannot reach their departure port in time may be able to join their ship at its first port of call.
The following alternative boarding arrangements are available:
- Valiant Lady: Sailors departing San Juan can join the ship in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, on Sunday, November 15.
- Scarlet Lady: Sailors departing Miami can join the ship in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, on Monday, November 16.
Sailors must have a passport to use this option and should contact Virgin Voyages Sailor Services to arrange their boarding.
Virgin Voyages has advised affected sailors to contact their airline first to explore alternative flight arrangements.
Future Voyage Credit Available if Sailors Cannot Travel
Virgin Voyages is also offering Future Voyage Credit (FVC) to sailors who cannot reach their ship because of the flight disruption.
The cruise line has confirmed that sailors scheduled to fly on November 14 who cannot make their sailing due to the disruption can contact Sailor Services to discuss receiving credit toward a future cruise.
Future Voyage Credit can be used toward another Virgin Voyages sailing rather than losing the eligible value of the affected booking.
Sailors should contact Virgin Voyages directly to confirm their eligibility and the arrangements applicable to their booking.
For more information about how this credit works, see our guide to Virgin Voyages Future Voyage Credit.
FAA Ground Stop Lifted After More Than Four Hours
The FAA issued a nationwide ground stop on Friday, November 13, following a communications failure affecting air traffic control centers across the United States.
The stoppage lasted more than four hours before restrictions were lifted at approximately 8:15 p.m. Eastern Time.
Thousands of flights were canceled or delayed, affecting travelers across the United States and international passengers connecting through US airports.
US officials have said there is no indication that the communications failure was caused by a cyberattack.
Although the ground stop has ended, airlines are continuing to recover their schedules. Further delays and cancellations are possible over the coming days.
What Should Affected Sailors Do?
Virgin Voyages recommends that sailors affected by the disruption take the following steps:
- Contact their airline to check flight status and available rebooking options.
- Contact Virgin Voyages Sailor Services if they cannot reach their departure port in time.
- Ask about joining the ship at its first port of call if alternative flights are available.
- Discuss Future Voyage Credit if they are unable to travel to the ship.
- Contact their travel insurance provider to check whether additional costs may be covered.
Sailors can contact Virgin Voyages through its Sailor Services contact page.
Virgin Voyages has warned that contact center wait times may be longer than usual while its team assists affected sailors.
The cruise line’s latest information is available on its official flight disruption advisory.
