Virgin Voyages prepares backup route as Hurricane Trudy threatens Brilliant Lady sailing
The October 17 Mexican Riviera cruise remains scheduled, but guests have been advised to bring clothing suitable for cooler destinations.
Virgin Voyages notified guests on October 14 that Hurricane Trudy’s projected path could affect Brilliant Lady’s October 17, 2026 departure from Los Angeles. The company had not announced any itinerary changes but said it was preparing an alternative route as a precaution.
The seven-night cruise is scheduled to visit Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta before returning to Los Angeles on October 24. Because a replacement itinerary could include cooler destinations, Virgin Voyages advised passengers to pack extra layers and a light jacket.
The National Hurricane Center reported that Trudy had sustained winds of 90 mph, with stronger gusts, and was forecast to become a major hurricane by Friday. Its forecast called for sustained winds as high as 130 mph, gusts reaching 160 mph and large swells along parts of Mexico’s Pacific coast.
Storms in the region were also blamed for major changes to Brilliant Lady cruises departing Los Angeles on September 26, October 3 and October 10. All three planned ports on the September 26 voyage were replaced amid Hurricane Polo’s development. On the October 3 sailing, swells attributed to Hurricane Rachel created hazardous conditions near Cabo San Lucas, prompting the cruise line to substitute Ensenada.