Passengers aboard a Virgin Australia flight from Melbourne to Hobart this morning were left stunned after walking away with tickets for a free cruise, courtesy of Sir Richard Branson.
More than 170 passengers on VA1316, headed for Tasmania, experienced the ‘surprise of a lifetime’ as they were gifted a free Virgin Voyages experience to celebrate the cruise line’s arrival in Australia next month.
During the in-flight safety video, Sir Richard Branson made a surprise appearance via FaceTime to announce the news over the plane’s PA system.
“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,” he said.
The founder of Virgin then revealed that all passengers on the aircraft would receive a free holiday worth up to $7,000 each.
The flight was chosen to represent the same route that Resilient Lady, Virgin Voyages Australian ship, will embark on during her Maiden Voyage from Melbourne in December.
Virgin is one of several operators that are booked to bring a total of 160 cruises to Tasmania this season, alongside Disney and P&O.
Around 287,000 passengers and 124,000 crew are expected to land on our shores, which tourism bosses say will be a ‘significant boost’ to the Tasmanian economy.
Hobart will receive 85 visits this season, while the Port of Burnie will welcome 41 cruise ships, according to TasPorts.
