Sir Richard Branson shocks 150 Virgin passengers with free $7000 cruises
Sir Richard Branson has shocked passengers onboard a domestic flight by gifting all travellers a free cruise.
There were 150 passengers onboard a flight from Melbourne to Hobart when the Virgin Group founder dialled in via FaceTime to share the exciting news.
Speaking over the PA system, Branson told travellers of the arrival of Virgin Voyages' in Australia, with those onboard making the same trip as the upcoming maiden voyage from Melbourne to Hobart on December 11th.
“We’re counting down to Virgin Voyages’ arrival Down Under – setting sail the Virgin way with adults-only itineraries across Australia and New Zealand. Sorry kids, you’ll have to sit this one out,” Branson told passengers.
“Well, today, you happen to be travelling on the same route as our Aussie Mermaiden Voyage."
Branson then shared the exciting news that those onboard the flight would be receiving an incredible gift.
“To celebrate this milestone, I’m pleased to gift each adult on board a free Virgin Voyages cruise,” he said.
Each person was gifted a $7,000 cruise voucher to claim on a Virgin Voyages trip anywhere around Australia.
Branson continued speaking to those onboard the flight, saying, “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.”
He said he wanted to give Aussies the opportunity to have an “affordable, stress-free holiday” where they could take a well-earned break, have fun and get a dose of vitamin sea.
A Virgin Australia spokesperson told news.com.au the feeling on-board was “electric” with passengers left stunned.
“We are committed to creating wonderful moments on-board so it was a real pleasure to see so many surprised faces when Sir Richard finally made the announcement all guests had won a free cruise,” the spokesperson said.
“The operating crew were in on the secret and stayed tight-lipped until Sir Richard’s call came through.”
Image credits: Courtesy of Virgin Australia