Updated: September 27, 2026
Ahoy Sailors,
We wanted to share a full update on the nor'easter that's been tracking the Northeast coast, what it means for Valiant Lady's arrival into New York City tomorrow, September 27th, and how it affects both Sailors finishing this voyage and Sailors joining us for the next one.
The short version:
- Valiant Lady is expected to dock in New York around 4 pm tomorrow.
- Sailors disembarking: earliest disembarkation is around 5 pm tomorrow.
- Sailors embarking: boarding runs 8 pm to midnight tomorrow, plus 7 am to 10 am Monday, September 28th, with sailaway around noon that day.
- The upcoming voyage will spend one day in Bermuda instead of overnight.
- Sailors on the upcoming voyage will receive $200 in non-refundable Sailor Loot per person and a $200 Future Voyage Credit per person.
Here's the full picture.
What's happening, and why
The storm forced the Port of New York to close today. It's expected to reopen tomorrow morning, but ships already ahead of Valiant Lady in the queue need to depart before she can come alongside, which is what's pushing our arrival later than planned. Our teams have been working closely with the port to get Valiant Lady in, cleared, and ready as quickly as conditions allow, and we've adjusted our course to steer clear of the roughest weather, which means a smoother sail in, if nothing else.
As Captain Justin told Sailors and Crew from the Bridge: "We apologize for the disruption this storm has caused. Our Crew will do everything possible to make the rest of the voyage as smooth as we can."
Valiant Lady has now been approved to dock around 4 pm tomorrow. From there, the day unfolds in two parts: helping our current Sailors disembark, then turning the ship around to welcome the next voyage onboard. Here's what each looks like.
If you're wrapping up this voyage
Once we're alongside, customs and immigration clearance typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. We're doing everything we can to expedite this, but the earliest you'll be able to disembark is around 5 pm tomorrow.
A few things to know:
- If you need help with your luggage, place it outside your cabin by 10 am tomorrow, not tonight.
- Check the Virgin Voyages App tonight to select your disembarkation time slot by 8 pm tonight.
- Crew will deliver a letter to your cabin tomorrow morning with your assigned meeting location.
- If you have onward travel booked, contact your airline or travel operator directly to review your options. An evening flight after 8 pm is a good bet if one's available.
- The Galley and The Pizza Place will stay open throughout the day tomorrow. The Wake and Ariya will be open for brunch from 8 am - 1 pm.
- Airport transfers booked through the App will go ahead as planned, with times adjusting automatically. Any other Shore Things booked in the city will be canceled and refunded to your Sailor folio.
As this delay is weather-related and outside anyone's control, we're not able to offer compensation for the impact to your travel plans. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this unexpected weather incident, and know that our Crew is doing everything possible to make the rest of your time onboard as smooth and enjoyable as it can be.
If you're joining us for the next voyage
We know how much you've been looking forward to this voyage, and we're sorry the weather is getting in the way of it starting on time. We wanted you to hear this from us directly, and as soon as we knew, so you have time to plan your next best steps ahead of your voyage.
Because we'll need to clear the ship and help our current Sailors disembark before Crew can prepare Valiant Lady for you, embarkation will now begin later in the evening: 8 pm tomorrow through midnight. If that evening doesn't work for you, we'll also welcome Sailors onboard from 7 am to 10 am the following morning, Monday, September 28th, with sailaway planned for around noon that day. One thing to keep in mind: once you're onboard, you won't be able to disembark again before we set sail.
Your new arrival slot is six hours and thirty minutes later than your original one. Find your original time below to see your new one:
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If you're able to make your assigned time, please stick to it rather than arriving early. It gives our Crew the time they need to get Valiant Lady ready after her later arrival, and helps keep things moving once boarding begins. If your original slot isn't listed here or you're unsure of your new time, check the Virgin Voyages App to confirm.
A few more things to know:
- A selection of restaurants and The Galley will be open with limited service on your first night, first come, first served. The Galley will have expanded offerings and stay open from 8 pm through 1 am. Existing dinner reservations for tomorrow have been canceled, so please disregard any you still see in the App. It gives everyone the flexibility to get settled and grab something to eat whenever they arrive, rather than working around a reservation made before the weather changed our plans.
- We'll now spend one day in Bermuda instead of overnight, arriving at 9 am and departing at 4 pm. We know Bermuda is a big part of why many of you chose this voyage, so this isn't a change we made lightly. It's the adjustment that lets us keep Bermuda in the itinerary at all while keeping the rest of the voyage on track. Any Shore Things booked for your original first day in Bermuda will be automatically canceled and issued as refundable Sailor Loot after embarkation tomorrow. Tours booked for your second day are unaffected and will go ahead as planned.
- Every person on this voyage will receive $200 in non-refundable Sailor Loot, plus a $200 Future Voyage Credit toward a future sailing. We know these changes affect the vacation you planned, and we'd love to welcome you back for another one down the line.
Impacted by the challenging travel to NYC? Our Sailor Services team can help you change your sailing and receive a Future Voyage Credit for the value of your voyage. Reach them at 954-488-2955.
We can't wait to welcome you onboard
While none of us can control the weather, our teams have been working hard behind the scenes to minimize its impact, give you as much flexibility as possible to reach us, and protect as much of your voyage as we can. Keep an eye on your email and the App for anything else we need to share. Whichever side of this you're on, our Crew is ready to give you the incredible Valiant Lady experience you've been looking forward to.
The Virgin Voyages Crew