More than 150 passengers onboard a Virgin Australia flight from Melbourne to Hobart received the surprise of a lifetime when Sir Richard Branson gifted them a free Virgin Voyages’ sailing to celebrate the cruise line’s arrival in Australia next month.
It was the surprise Facetime call from the Founder of Virgin over the plane’s PA system that left passengers stunned with the free holiday worth up to $7,000 each.
The flight was chosen to represent the same route Resilient Lady (Virgin Voyages’ Australian ship) will sail on her Mermaiden Voyage, leaving her homeport, Melbourne’s Station Pier, on 11 December 2023.
Prior to the flight boarding, the departure gate at Melbourne Airport was transformed into Sir Richard Branson’s RockStar Quarters – a luxury cabin onboard the ship, featuring a hot tub, hammock and a sea view vista, unseen before at Tullamarine.
In an unexpected twist, just before the door was closed on the plane, Sir Richard Branson also surprised the cabin crew, ground crew, baggage handlers and pilots on the flight by gifting them a free cruise for their efforts in bringing joy to the loyal Virgin Australia passengers.
For those who were not lucky enough to score a free holiday, Virgin Voyages has given the entire country a reason to celebrate by announcing exclusive new rates to mark the inaugural sailing season.
Cabins will go on sale from today starting from $149 per person / per night and a bonus $1000 of inclusions including entertainment, fitness classes, wifi, tips and essential drinks – making it cheaper than ever to hit the high seas on Resilient Lady.
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Virgin Group Founder, Sir Richard Branson said ‘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…,’
Sir Richard Branson announced over the plane’s PA system.
‘Well, today, you happen to be travelling on the same route as our Aussie MerMaiden Voyage! To celebrate this milestone, I’m pleased to gift each adult onboard a FREE Virgin Voyages cruise,’ he said to the excited passengers.
‘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.’
