Virgin Voyages swaps Cabo San Lucas for Ensenada on Brilliant Lady after Hurricane Rachel

Virgin Voyages has changed the route of Brilliant Lady's current Mexican Riviera cruise. Swell left behind by Hurricane Rachel made tendering at Cabo San Lucas unsafe.

Virgin Voyages has revised the itinerary of Brilliant Lady's current voyage because of Hurricane Rachel. Cabo San Lucas has been replaced by Ensenada.

Brilliant Lady left Los Angeles on 3 October 2026 on a Mexican Riviera cruise, part of her autumn season on the US West Coast. Last week Virgin warned booked guests that the itinerary might change because of the storm. It has now confirmed that the ship is sailing a revised schedule.

In an online update, the line said the hurricane "has safely moved away" from the ship's route and is no longer a risk to the voyage. It said the storm left a residual swell strong enough that tendering guests ashore at Cabo San Lucas "wouldn't be safe or comfortable". Virgin made the call to swap that stop for Ensenada.

What changes for guests

Ensenada: Brilliant Lady called at the new port on Sunday 4 October, before heading on to Mazatlán.
Mazatlán: Arrival and departure have moved back by about two hours. The ship is now due in at 11am and leaves for Puerto Vallarta at 8pm.
Cabo San Lucas excursions: Any shore excursions booked through Virgin for Cabo San Lucas will be cancelled automatically. Guests will get a full refund to their original form of payment.

Virgin told guests: "We know Cabo was part of the plan, but we're confident that we can deliver a safe and incredible Mexican Riviera getaway you've been looking forward to."

Brilliant Lady's season

Brilliant Lady carries 2,770 passengers. She has just finished Virgin's first Alaska season and began her West Coast deployment in September. She will keep sailing the region until late October, when she repositions to the Caribbean.

Details are from Virgin Voyages' statement to guests. Passengers should check their booking and the Virgin app for the latest itinerary.