Valiant Lady · Voyage 03 / 09 · Planning guide
A shorter week, a full adventure.
Nov 14 to 20 · 2026 · From San Juan
Six nights means choosing well. One main outing per port, something good to eat, and enough time to come home for the show.
Illustrated inspiration, not a photograph of these ports.
Port names follow my published voyage record. They are not a day-by-day timetable. Confirm port order, berth, local time and all-aboard deadlines in the Sailor App. The November 14 voyage’s port order remains provisional.
These are ideas I’m considering, not claims that I’ve personally tried every outing. No date-specific availability, prices or events are promised.
Your ports, with a plan
Explore this voyage.
Tap a port on the map or choose one below. See my ideas, jump into the port guide and check the forecast for your planned day ashore.
Loading the route. The port guide links below work without the map.
Choose a port
Where shall we go?
The map connects directly to my plans in this guide.
Read the port guide →Weather for your visit
Forecasts appear when the planned visit is within range. Port dates must be confirmed before relying on a forecast.
Data from MET Norway · CC BY 4.0. Temperatures converted to °F; forecast sample selected by local time.Approximate port locations. Dashed lines connect the guide’s listed stops, not the ship’s navigation track. Port order and dates remain subject to confirmation in the Sailor App.
PORT IDEA 01 / 04
Tortola: a beach day with a return plan
Make the day work
Agree the total taxi fare, exact meeting point and return pickup before you leave. A trip to another island adds ferry or boat connections, so compare a coordinated Shore Thing if that is your priority.
Bring back a story: one wide view, one little detail and one photo with you actually in it. Put the phone away for part of the day, too.
Beach afternoon or a town wander?
Which would you choose? Tag @vv.sailor.mark in your port-day Story so I can see your version.
Tell me on Instagram ↗PORT IDEA 02 / 04
Antigua: history with a harbor view
Make the day work
The dockyard is an outing across the island. Confirm round-trip transport, admission and a return deadline. Check walking surfaces and shade if mobility or heat is a concern.
Bring back a story: one wide view, one little detail and one photo with you actually in it. Put the phone away for part of the day, too.
Harbor history or beach-chair therapy?
Which would you choose? Tag @vv.sailor.mark in your port-day Story so I can see your version.
Tell me on Instagram ↗PORT IDEA 03 / 04
St. Lucia: pick a coast, enjoy the day
Make the day work
Confirm that pickup is from your actual cruise berth. Long transfers, road conditions and boat schedules matter here. Ask about steps and walking requirements before paying.
Bring back a story: one wide view, one little detail and one photo with you actually in it. Put the phone away for part of the day, too.
Pitons scenery or a northern beach day?
Which would you choose? Tag @vv.sailor.mark in your port-day Story so I can see your version.
Tell me on Instagram ↗PORT IDEA 04 / 04
St. Kitts: good views, no pier sprint
Make the day work
Check your actual all-aboard time before booking. A Nevis outing introduces another crossing. For a short call, choose an excursion with a clear return plan or stay on St. Kitts.
Bring back a story: one wide view, one little detail and one photo with you actually in it. Put the phone away for part of the day, too.
Fortress views or feet in the sand?
Which would you choose? Tag @vv.sailor.mark in your port-day Story so I can see your version.
Tell me on Instagram ↗Before you head down the gangway.
Screenshot the ship’s local contact details and confirm ship time. Bring the identification the ship requests, your key band, water and sun protection. Agree a return pickup and build in time for traffic and the walk back aboard.
Compare the whole cost: transport, admission, food, equipment and cancellation terms if the ship changes its call. For complicated transfers, compare a coordinated Shore Thing. Ask about accessibility and swimming requirements directly.
For documents and destination entry instructions, check Virgin’s current travel requirements for your nationality and sailing.
If you’d like a personal recommendation for planning help
My friends Samantha Robichaud and Kelly Roma at Fabulous Adventures Travel are people I’m happy to recommend if you’d like help arranging your own trip.
Same ship. More stories.
The ports are only part of it. I’m coming back for the people, the shows, the long dinners and the next story at Squid Ink. Follow along as these plans become memories.
Join The Logbook ↗ Follow @vv.sailor.mark ↗