This week, over 150 guests onboard Virgin Australia flight VA1316 from Melbourne to Hobart were surprised and delighted when Sir Richard Branson gifted over $1.0 million in free cruises to celebrate Virgin Voyages’ arrival in Australia next month.
On Thursday (November 16, 2023), Virgin Australia announced that lucky guests onboard flight VA1316 from Melbourne to Hobart this week received the surprise of their lifetime. Customers were thrilled when Sir Richard Branson gifted $1.0 million in free cruises to celebrate the arrival of Virgin Voyages in Australia next month. Each of the over 150 airline guests will enjoy a free cruise on the award winning exclusively-adults cruise ship Resilient Lady during her summer sailings in Australia.
Announcing the exciting news onboard Virgin Australia flight VA1316 over the PA system, 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. 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.
“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.”
Virgin Australia Guests Score Big With Free Cruises Onboard Virgin Voyages' Resilient Lady - Courtesy Virgin Australia
For the special event, the boarding gate at Melbourne Airport was transformed into Virgin Voyages’ RockStar Quarters, inspired by the ship’ superyacht standard of luxury, complete with a hot tub, balcony and hammock, before sailors and cabin crew danced into the gate. Virgin Voyages has also announced new pricing for the inaugural sailing season in Australia with cabins starting from $149 per person, per night, and a bonus of up to $1,000 in inclusions, such as entertainment, fitness classes, Wi-Fi, tips and essential drinks.
Virgin Australia Guests Traveling on Flight VA1316 From Melbourne (Tullamarine) to Hobart Are Surprised and Delighted by Virgin Voyages' Arrival in Australia - Courtesy Virgin Australia
Once onboard customers were surprised by a Facetime call from Virgin’s Founder, Sir Richard Branson, over the airplane’s PA system, which left passengers stunned and delighted with the free holiday worth up to $7,000 each. The lucky flight was selected to represent the same route Resilient Lady will sail on her ‘Mermaiden Voyage’, departing her home port at Melbourne’s Station Pier on December 11, 2023.
Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady will dock in Australia for the first time on December 4, 2023, in Sydney, before sailing on the Melbourne for her MerMaiden voyage on December 11, 2023. Sir Richard Branson will be traveling to Australia to celebrate the historic occasion.
Founded in 2000 by Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Australia operates an extensive domestic network as well as international short-haul, charter and cargo services, along with their award-winning loyalty program, Velocity Frequent Flyer. The Group employs over 6,000 team members and has been a competitor in the Australian aviation landscape for the last 22 years. Virgin Australia offers three seating choices including Business Class, Economy X (extra legroom) and Economy. Since November 2020, the carrier has been incrementally increasing their Boeing 737 fleet by nearly 60 percent, from 58 to 92 airplanes, including the addition of fuel-efficient 737-8 MAX aircraft. The company will also add an additional 10 aircraft in 2023.
Source: Virgin Australia