Port Saint John Welcomes Valiant Lady for Early Start to 2026 Cruise Season
The arrival of Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady on April 8 marks an early start to the 2026 cruise season at Port Saint John.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saint John, NB | April 6, 2026 — Over two months ahead of schedule, Port Saint John is gearing up to kick off the 2026 cruise season with the arrival of Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady on Wednesday, April 8, at the Diamond Jubilee Cruise Terminal.
Valiant Lady, the dazzling sister ship of familiar caller, Brilliant Lady, will make her inaugural visit to Saint John with approximately 2,000 Sailors aboard as part of their weather-diverted itinerary this week, which was originally bound for Bermuda. The vessel will arrive in the Port City at 6:30 AM local time after sailing north from New York City on Monday.
The Port community and broader tourism ecosystem have come together to roll out the welcome mat for Valiant Lady and her Sailors, ensuring their time in Saint John is memorable and positive.
“Our ability to embrace opportunities like this on short notice speaks to the strength of our port and tourism ecosystems, as we come together collectively to ensure every call is a success,” said Natalie Allaby, Director of Cruise Excellence at Port Saint John. “We’re proud to welcome Valiant Lady and her Sailors, and show them the very best of what Saint John has to offer.”
The Valiant Lady will complete her Bay of Fundy debut when she departs in the early hours of Thursday, April 9, and is scheduled to return to Port Saint John in September.
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PORT SAINT JOHN MEDIA CONTACT
Becky Knox
Manager, Public Affairs and Executive Communications
bknox@sjport.com
ABOUT PORT SAINT JOHN
Port Saint John is a rapidly advancing Port striving to be a catalyst for growth, recognized for community leadership. A critical piece of Canada’s national supply chain, the Port boasts a diverse cargo base, unparalleled optionality, and a thriving cruise tourism sector. By championing innovation, promoting meaningful engagement, and investing in infrastructure, Port Saint John aims to be a safe, efficient port of choice while delivering economic prosperity in New Brunswick and beyond.