Cruise passengers traveling across the Caribbean woke up to widespread disruption on Jan. 3, 2026, after a US military attack in Venezuela led the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to restrict airspace over Puerto Rico, prompting widespread flight cancellations by US airlines.

Cruise passengers returning from Caribbean holiday cruises, expecting to disembark and return to the US, as well as others looking forward to arriving in the islands to embark on the first vacation of the new year, received flight cancellation notices.

Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, in particular, confirmed the disruption in an official announcement, citing a security order issued by the FAA, temporarily restricting airspace for 24 hours.

The airport is expected to remain closed until at least 1 a.m. on January 4, 2026.

Virgin Voyages Issues Advisory

Virgin Voyages issued an advisory to its guests disembarking in San Juan, confirming that US airline flights were impacted and outlining required procedures.

“Local port authorities have advised that the airspace over Puerto Rico is temporarily closed for all US airlines due to military activity in Venezuela,” the cruise line said in a statement. “This is impacting flights operated by US airlines flying into and out of San Juan.”

Despite the flight disruptions, the cruise line said disembarkation procedures could not be delayed.

“US Customs and Border Protection requires the ship to be cleared. Disembarkation times remain unchanged. All Sailors must disembark by 10:30 a.m. as originally schedule,” the notice continued.

Passengers were instructed to proceed to the airport as planned and to work directly with their airline for flight-specific updates, as airlines are responsible for accounting for all travelers and sharing rebooking options.

Other Caribbean Airports Impacted

Other airports across the Caribbean made similar announcements, including Princess Juliana International Airport in St. Maarten (St. Martin).

“While airport operations continue, flight activity is currently impacted, and some flights may be delayed or cancelled, particularly those involving US-registered aircraft, due to an active NOTAM affecting Caribbean airspace,” the airport said in a statement.

Other airports affected include those in the US Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Antigua, Grenada, and St. Lucia.

Cruise Passengers Left Scrambling

The disruption created challenges not only for passengers ending cruises in San Juan and beyond, but also for those scheduled to arrive for new sailings.

Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas, carrying up to 2,191 passengers, and Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady, with up to 2,770 guests, both arrived in San Juan on January 3 to complete a voyage and relaunch on a subsequent cruise. 

Virgin Voyages acknowledged that some passengers would be unable to reach ships in time for the next embarkation due to cancelled or suspended flights. It said those not able to reach Valiant Lady before her 8 p.m. departure would receive compensation.

“Any Sailor unable to embark due to this situation will receive a full voyage credit to use on a future Virgin Voyages sailing,” the cruise line said.

Although San Juan’s airport is shut down until 1 a.m. on January 4, the reopening time is subject to further evaluation and could impact others attempting to arrive in Puerto Rico for January 4 departures.

Read Also: San Juan Cruise Port – Amenities and What’s Nearby

Princess Cruises’ Grand Princess, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic, and Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas are each set to return to San Juan on January 4 with guests both eager to get home and to embark on the next voyage.

“On our way to airport this morning in Indiana and flight was cancelled. Southwest Airlines is saying Puerto Rico is on lockdown. Can’t get a hold of Princess Cruises,” said one distraught passenger.

Guests sailing with Virgin Voyages also received notification of excursion cancellations in Aruba and Curaçao, which are located within 220 nautical miles from Venezuela’s border. The calls were scheduled for January 5 and 6, respectively, and the cruise line has not revealed if ships will be repositioned to new ports as an alternative.

Brilliance of the Seas also has Aruba and Curaçao on its itinerary, with a January 8 and 9 arrivals, respectively.

Undoubtedly, cruise lines will be paying very close attention to further military action that may affect the safety of crew and passengers.

Cruise guests are advised to check directly with airlines and cruise lines, although cruise lines are reporting higher-than-normal call volumes and to remain patient during this disruption.

Caribbean Cruises Impacted After Flight Cancellations Due to US Attack on Venezuela