Home Travel News

Sir Richard Branson dishes out $1m worth of Virgin cruises onboard VA flight

Over 150 unsuspecting passengers on a Virgin Australia flight from Melbourne to Hobart got more than just in-flight snacks this morning, getting showered with a once-in-a-lifetime gift from Sir Richard Branson himself - a free sailing worth $7,000 on Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady.

Over 150 unsuspecting passengers on a Virgin Australia flight from Melbourne to Hobart got more than just in-flight snacks this morning, getting showered with a once-in-a-lifetime gift from Sir Richard Branson himself – a free sailing worth $7,000 on Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady.

Imagine the scene: It’s early and quiet, and much like your fellow passengers, you’re half asleep, cruising at 35,000 feet on a flight from Melbourne to Hobart, when suddenly, Sir Richard Branson pops up on a Facetime call over the PA system.

That’s exactly what happened this morning on flight VA1316, leaving around 150 passengers gobsmacked as they were each handed a free Virgin cruise worth up to $7,000.

Sir Richard Branson couldn’t contain his excitement, saying, “We’re counting down to Virgin Voyages’ arrival Downunder – setting sail the Virgin way with adults-only itineraries across Australia and New Zealand. Sorry kids, you’ll have to sit this one out…,” he cheekily announced over the plane’s PA system.

Virgin Voyages Richard Branson
Sir Richard Branson pops up

He continued, “To celebrate this milestone, I’m pleased to gift each adult onboard a FREE Virgin Voyages cruise.”

The flight itself was symbolic, mirroring the route of the Resilient Lady, Virgin Voyages’ Aussie ship, set to embark on her Mermaiden Voyage from Melbourne’s Station Pier on 11 December 2023.

In a heartwarming twist, Sir Richard didn’t just stop at pampering the passengers. He extended his generosity to the cabin crew, ground crew, baggage handlers, and even the pilots, rewarding their hard work with a free cruise.

“The foundations of Virgin Australia were about keeping the air fair, and we’re proud to be taking that same mantra to the sea with Virgin Voyages.”

“We want to give Aussies the opportunity to have an affordable, stress-free holiday where they can take a well-earned break, have fun and get a dose of vitamin sea,” said Branson.

Virgin Voyages Richard Branson
Hot tub Resilient Lady time machine, anyone?

The lucky cruise winners should have guessed something was up even before takeoff, with the Melbourne Airport departure gate transformed into a slice of the RockStar Quarters from the ship, complete with a hot tub and hammock.

Virgin Voyages is spreading the joy even further, giving everyone in Australia a reason to celebrate with new rates for the inaugural Resilient Lady sailing season.

Starting today, cabins are up for grabs from just $149 per person per night, including a bonus of $1000 worth of inclusions.

Virgin Australia’s Chief Marketing Officer, Libby Minogue, echoed the sentiment: “We are laser-focused on creating wonderful experiences for our guests, and today is a great example of the Virgin brands joining forces to deliver Australians new experiences in the air or at sea.”

Sir Richard Branson Virgin Austarlia
Virgin Voyages Richard Branson Reslient Lady
Virgin Voyages Richard Branson Resilient Lady

“The feeling in the gate lounge and onboard the flight was electric, and we look forward to welcoming Virgin Voyages down under,” she said.

Virgin Voyages CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu added to the anticipation, saying, “This is a new way of cruising Down Under, and we can’t wait for Aussies to sail with us.”

Resilient Lady will dock in Australia for the first time on 4 December in Sydney before heading to Melbourne for the Mermaiden Voyage on 11 December 2023.

And guess who’s coming to town? Sir Richard Branson himself, ready to celebrate this historic voyage.

For more, head to: www.virginvoyages.com