Virgin Voyages weighs rerouting Brilliant Lady as Hurricane Trudy strengthens
The October 17 sailing from Los Angeles remained scheduled, but the cruise line prepared an alternative itinerary and advised passengers to pack warmer clothing.
Virgin Voyages said Brilliant Lady’s seven-night Mexican Riviera cruise could be rerouted because of Hurricane Trudy. The voyage was scheduled to leave Los Angeles on October 17 and return October 24 after planned calls at Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta.
The cruise line had prepared an alternative route but had not confirmed any itinerary change or cancellation. It also had not publicly identified possible replacement ports. Virgin Voyages advised passengers to bring warmer clothing while it monitored conditions and considered whether to implement the backup plan.
The National Hurricane Center reported that Trudy reached Category 3 strength at 3 a.m. Mexico Central Standard Time on October 16, with sustained winds of 120 mph and stronger gusts.
Weather has affected three recent Brilliant Lady departures. Hurricane Polo led Virgin Voyages to replace all three scheduled Mexican Riviera ports on the September 26 sailing. On October 3, dangerous residual swells generated by Hurricane Rachel made the approach to Cabo San Lucas unsafe, and Ensenada was substituted.
For the October 10 voyage, Virgin Voyages replaced the original Mexican Riviera itinerary because of weather associated with Hurricane Rachel and Tropical Storm Simon. Brilliant Lady instead called at Santa Barbara, San Diego and Ensenada.
