Move over Oprah! Sir Richard Branson surprises plane load of Virgin Airlines passengers with $1 million worth of free cruises
More than 150 passengers onboard a Virgin Australia flight from Melbourne to Hobart received the surprise of a lifetime this morning 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.
Virgin Australia Cruises announcement at Melbourne Airport. Picture: Alex Coppel
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.
- Sir Richard Branson has delighted guests onboard a Virgin Australia flight from Melbourne to Hobart (VA1316) surprising passengers with a FREE cruise to celebrate Virgin Voyages’ arrival in Australia next month.
- Each lucky winner will enjoy a FREE cruise on Sir Richard Branson’s award-winning, exclusively-adults cruise ship Resilient Lady during her summer sailings in Australia – the first new Virgin travel product to arrive down under since the launch of Virgin Australia in the Year 2000.
- A boarding gate at Melbourne Airport was transformed into a Virgin Voyages’ RockStar Quarters, inspired by the ship’s superyacht level of luxury, complete with hot tub, balcony and trademark hammock, before sailors and cabin crew entered the gate dancing.
- Virgin Voyages has also announced new pricing for the inaugural sailing season in Australia with cabins starting from $149 per person, per night and up to $1000 in inclusions.
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.
Commentary:
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.”
“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,” he said.
Virgin Australia Chief Marketing Officer, Libby Minogue said the airline was delighted to create a wonderful experience for guests to celebrate Virgin Voyages’ arrival.
“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,” said Ms Minogue.
“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 said excitement was building for the arrival of Resilient Lady, who’s currently sailing from Athens to Australia.
“There will never, ever be better prices to experience our award-winning dining, entertainment and wellness onboard the luxurious Resilient Lady. This is a new way of cruising Down Under and we can’t wait for Aussies to sail with us,” said Mr Saverimuttu
“If you haven’t booked your Summer holiday, these new prices will give you a good excuse to book a trip of a lifetime,” he said.
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. Sir Richard Branson will be coming to Australia to celebrate the historic voyage.
Latest News
Red Cat Adventures all in on fight to save the Great Barrier Reef
Looks like a satisfying gig, too bad we didn't take the marine biology class in year 12.
Qatar Airways returns to Malta with four weekly flights this summer
And you could watch the scary big yellow bear at Hamad Airport, as you pass through.
Raffles Sentosa Singapore opens for booking enquiries
We had a quick look around Raffles Singapore when there recently, and look forward to the next gen venue.
New TransNusa Bali to Perth flights from $169
...and you get to take on up to 30kg of carry-on. Hopefully that includes a board and a fishing rod.
Severe weather leads to flight cancellations at Sydney Airport
Warm and dry is the best option for today, stay safe readers.
PONANT releases new Luxury Voyages Collection brochure
We hear some use the broken ice to add to the evening cocktails.
A plane every three weeks as Qantas readies for major expansion in 2025 and beyond
The Flying Roo just lost out to its rival across the ditch, but it's not all bad news... New planes are on the way!
UPDATED: Japan FF deals drop after Qantas rejects claims about availability
Things come to those who wait, or search diligently every day for deals. Over to you.
Carnival Cruise Line sets sail for Asia in a first for Australian-based ships
Having just experienced our first Asian cruise, we feel that this might just be the tonic for a short OS getaway.
Bhutan one step closer to establishing ‘mindfulness city’
We too practice mindfulness, but fear it does not hold a flame to the approach in Bhutan.
Travel rated second worst offender for ‘misleading pricing’, but change is coming
To put us in the same category as credit card companies is just plain offensive!
Chimu Adventures’ Chile incentive offers ultimate famil to South America
These famils are legendary, we've seen the pictures, mostly blurry ones, but there is evidence.
Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita shuts down ahead of extensive renovation
This comes on the back of a 'Retire to Mauritius' campaign. Maybe your client wants to try before they buy?
Revealed: Full list of 2025 CLIA awards nominees ahead of sold-out event
Are scalpers circling, given it's a sold-out awards night?
Luxury Atlantis Resort heads to the Pacific after Hawaii land parcel purchase
It's a long way off, so you may want to start saving your Pacific pesos now, or set aside some super.
Rydges Armidale opens Ottoman and The Cellar in New England
Given the AUD, maybe it's time to spend a bit of still valued coin on regional tourism.
Fiji Airports’ 10-year plan to position nation as premier regional hub
Aviation in the South Pacific is heating up, as is the water temperature. Related? Depends who you ask...
Qantas Frequent Flyers alerted to email scam
Given the talk around using your points, no doubt this one will catch a few unwary FFs. Beware!
Silversea sets sail on its 2025 World Cruise
Experiential luxury and expedition travel brand, Silversea, has set sail on its 2025 World Cruise, Controtempo, taking guests to 59 destinations over 136 days. The cruise set sail from Tokyo on 13 January and arrives in New York on 29 May 2025. Guests will experience many of the most iconic cities and off-the-beaten-path gems in […]
Dusit International announces two new hotels in the Philippines
Thailand hotel and property development company Dusit International has strengthened its presence in the Philippines with two new hotels in Mindanao, set to open in late 2029. The company, represented in the Philippines by Dusit Thani Philippines Inc., has signed hotel management agreements with IDC Prime. IDC Prime is a wholly owned subsidiary of Italpinas […]
Crystal Serenity World Cruise to cover 29 countries over four continents
I'm just stepping out and may be some time, six months or so but I'll bring back a souvenir from all 83 destinations.
Melbourne Airport international terminal update but questions remain over transport links
Relief to the Melburnians who have gone as far as slamming the city's dining when posting their thoughts on socials.
Registration opens for Viking’s popular regional Australia information sessions
We expect someone will need a strong G&T and a good lie down after this extensive roadshow.
Where travellers are going to avoid sting of weak Aussie dollar
We heard Americans describe our currency as monopoly money recently. Naively we thought they just meant the colours...
Intrepid offers epic freebie for agents who sell 15 trips before December
Explore the world by helping other people to explore the world. Nice!
Marriott International opens The Park Lane Hong Kong, Autograph Collection in Causeway Bay
After a recent stay in an Autograph Collection Hotel in Singapore, we look forward to a quirky Hongkers offering.
How Elon Musk’s Space junk is delaying Qantas flights from South Africa
Does this have anything to do with Qantas not using Musk's Starlink? Or Albo having a dig?
Las Vegas adds US$1b to Marina Bay Sands Singapore expansion project
If it's not already the dominant feature of the landscape, then this development going to confirm it.
Air New Zealand offers a behind the scenes look at 2024
The year saw 3.8 million cookies be served on board. Something to look forward to next time you skip across the ditch.
Why experience gifts were all the rage this Christmas
To clarify, only good experiences count as a gift.
Danielle Galloway: Envoyage is ‘just getting started with’ shopfront openings
Great news for window cleaners as Envoyage hints at more shopfront openings.
What’s new on the Gold Coast – from farm stays to Wizard of Oz
Follow the yellow brick road, well it is the Gold Coast after all!
Elite Havens adds luxury new villa to its portfolio
Elite Havens, a premier luxury villa rental and management provider, has added a new villa to its existing portfolio of over 250 villas now available for rent in Phuket, Thailand. The Surin Seaview Villa is a three-storey hillside retreat nestled on the hills of Phuket’s beautiful west coast and offers breathtaking views of the Andaman […]
Lunar New Year celebrations across Asia
As the Lunar New Year approaches, various destinations around Asia have announced the different celebrations they have lined up. Fire show, live band, instrumentalists, and bartenders flair show The Anam Group’s two beachfront resorts in Cam Ranh and Mui Ne will celebrate the most significant time in the Vietnamese calendar, Tet, with a broad spectrum […]
The Australian Tourism Exchange heads to Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from 27 April
The Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) will be held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from 27 April to 1 May 2025. Tourism Australia requires all sellers attending the event to submit a front panel graphic with one image representing their business for marketing purposes at ATE25, while Destination NSW requires sellers to submit a […]
New acting CEO of Destination NSW appointed
Karen Jones has commenced her role as Acting CEO of Destination NSW, taking the reins for an interim period of approximately six months. During this time, the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport will recruit for a permanent CEO. Jones brings over 27 years of leadership experience in state and local government. Most […]