Virgin passengers are offered a free cruise by Sir Richard Branson
- Passengers on board VA 1316 received a free cruise
- Sir Richard Branson gave away $1 million in gifts
More than 150 Virgin passengers have been given a free cruise by company founder Sir Richard Branson.
Those on board Flight VA 1316 from Melbourne to Hobart on Thursday morning were left speechless when they were told they had all been offered a cruise worth up to $7,000.
Mr Branson had called via FaceTime from his private island of Necker, in the British Virgin Islands, to warn passengers they were going on a Virgin Voyages cruise.
The cruise line, which launches in Australia next month, will offer voyages around Australia and New Zealand.
Sir Richard Branson had called via FaceTime from his private island of Necker, in the British Virgin Islands, to warn passengers that they were going on a Virgin Voyages cruise
Thursday morning’s flight was chosen because it is the same route as Virgin’s Resilient Lady cruise ship during its Mermaiden Voyage.
“Well, today you happen to be traveling on the same route as our Aussie MerMaiden Voyage,” Mr Branson was heard saying over the flight’s PA system.
“To celebrate this milestone, I’m happy to give every adult on board a free Virgin Voyages cruise.”
Passengers immediately erupted in cheers and applause before cabin crew presented each person on board with their free cruise voucher
Passengers immediately erupted in cheers and applause before cabin crew presented each person on board with their free cruise voucher.
Cabin crew, baggage handlers and pilots from Flight VA 1316 also took part in the massive giveaway, with a total of more than $1 million donated by Mr Branson.
Resilient Lady will depart from its home port of Melbourne for Tasmania on December 11.
The cruise line’s voyages are strictly for adults only.
More to come