Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson pleasantly surprised passengers on a Delta flight bound for San Juan, Puerto Rico, by personally distributing complimentary Virgin Voyages cruises. Disguised as a game master, Sir Richard engaged with travelers at the departure gate of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, awarding prizes such as flights and stays at Virgin Hotels to select passengers among the group of 160.
Just prior to departure, Sir Richard boarded the aircraft and made an announcement over the intercom, revealing that all Delta SkyMiles Members onboard would receive a complimentary cruise aboard Virgin Voyages' ship, Resilient Lady. The new vessel is scheduled to be based in San Juan (Puerto Rico) starting this autumn, following the cancellation of Virgin Voyages' planned second season in Australia due to safety concerns regarding the ship's transit through the Red Sea region during her repositioning voyage.
This gesture marks the second instance of Sir Richard granting free cruises to airline passengers. Previously, in November, every adult traveler on a Virgin Australia flight from Melbourne to Hobart was gifted a ticket for the 'MerMaiden Voyage' of Resilient Lady departing from Melbourne on December 11, 2023.
Sir Richard said the Caribbean had been his home for many years, and he was very excited to welcome Resilient Lady as she sailed from San Juan to visit the region’s most beautiful destinations.
“My excitement clearly couldn’t be contained, so we came up with a way to celebrate with a personal invitation and surprise for some unsuspecting guests on a Delta flight to San Juan.
“We look forward to showing everyone what it’s like to Set Sail the Virgin Way.”