United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Virgin fliers gifted with a free cruise
A plane load of Aussies just got a big surprise from Virgin chief Sir Richard Branson.
Branson dropped nearly A$1 million to treat 150 passengers to a $7000 cruise voucher.
Branson, via FaceTime through the plane’s PA system told the Melbourne to Hobart passengers they have a free cruise to look forward to.
Virgin Voyages’ ship Resilient Lady homeports at Melbourne from next month.
The flight was chosen as the route follows Virgin Voyages’ first ‘Mermaiden’ voyage in Australia on December 11.
“Today, you happen to be travelling on the same route as our Aussie Mermaiden Voyage,” Branson said.
“To celebrate this milestone, I’m pleased to gift each adult on board a free Virgin Voyages cruise.”
The Resilient Lady’s itineraries from Melbourne include calls in Hobart, Burnie, Sydney and across the Tasman to New Zealand.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
BA suspending all Heathrow to Abu Dhabi flights
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel