Passengers onboard a Delta Air Lines flight were treated to a free cruise with Virgin Voyages, the cruise line created by Virgin Group.
Flight DL 673 was enroute to Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) on February 29, 2024.
Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, boarded the flight and, much to the delight of passengers on board, announced via the PA system that everyone on the flight, including the crew, would be treated to a Virgin Voyages cruise holiday for two.
“I am pleased to say that we have a wonderful cruise company that’s going to be operating out of Puerto Rico, and everybody on this plane…we are offering you a free cruise,” Branson said.
Passengers began to cheer after Branson made the special announcement.
“And all the staff too can get a free cruise,” Branson added amid excited shouts from the cabin crew.
The flight was chosen in partnership with Delta Air Lines to celebrate the unveiling of Resilient Lady’s new homeport in San Juan later this year. Resilient Lady is Virgin Voyages’ latest ship.
“The Caribbean has been my home for many years, and I’m very excited to welcome Resilient Lady as she sails 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,” Branson said in a press statement.
“When two award-winning brands come together, they create magic for their customers. Delta is thrilled to have partnered with Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Voyages for this special surprise-and-delight for our SkyMiles Members on the flight,”Tim Mapes, Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer for Delta said.
“This is one more way in which we’re adding value to the program and unlocking exclusive experiences for our members,” Mapes added.