BY TIM HEDGLEY, GROUP TRAVEL EDITOR
Virgin Voyages, the multi award-winning travel brand that was voted No. 1 in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards, delighted customers on a recent Delta flight.
Sir Richard Branson surprised them with a cruise vacation aboard his newest ship, Resilient Lady.
The direct flight from Atlanta to San Juan 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, named the “Best New Cruise Ship” in Cruise Critic’s 2023 Editors’ Picks Awards, has several beautiful Caribbean itineraries taking flight this December and are now on sale.
Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, boarded the flight to personally gift all SkyMiles Members on the flight (18 and older) a free voyage to sail during the ship’s inaugural season in San Juan later this year.
Sir Richard Branson said, “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. We’re grateful for our partners at Delta who joined in on the fun and have also been long-time venture partners of our airline, Virgin Atlantic. We look forward to showing everyone what it’s like to Set Sail the Virgin Way!”.
Prior to boarding, Virgin Voyages hosted a full departure gate takeover, bringing to life elements of the ship’s on-board experience to passengers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Fliers were treated to original choreography from Virgin Voyages’ award-winning entertainment team along with Instagrammable photo moments and vignettes at the gate, specialty drinks and music to bring the vibe. In addition to the pre-flight entertainment, Sir Richard was joined by Delta’s SVP and Chief Communications Officer, Tim Mapes, for a generous game of roulette. Customers and passersby alike were invited to spin the wheel of prizes, which included Delta and Virgin Atlantic flights, Virgin Hotel stays, a Virgin Voyages cruise, Delta Vacation package, gift cards and high-end swag.
“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,” said Delta’s Tim Mapes. “This is one more way in which we’re adding value to the program and unlocking exclusive experiences for our Members. Stay tuned for more with Virgin Voyages.”
Richard Branson’s newest travel brand has an unstoppable fleet that’s been recognized on both Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List and Hot Lists and was also awarded best dining and best entertainment by Cruise Critic’s readers. This fall, after Resilient Lady completes her inaugural season abroad, the award-winning vessel will embark on a trans-continental journey to her new homeport in San Juan this fall. With this news, Virgin Voyages is now thrilled to unveil stunning new ports of call across the Caribbean and Latin America. On deck are fresh seven-, eight-, 10- and 11-night voyages visiting St. Maarten, St. Vincent, Colombia and Dominica.
Delta has been serving Puerto Rico for more than 70 years, helping contribute to tourism development and enabling families to connect with their loved ones. The airline, in the past year, has grown total seats to the island by 11% and currently offers service between Puerto Rico and five Delta hubs, making it easy and convenient to access Virgin Voyages’ new Puerto Rico itineraries.
To learn more about Virgin Voyages’ new routes from San Juan and how to score the brand’s best deal of the year, including special introductory rates, visit VirginVoyages.com. To join SkyMiles, visit delta.com/joinskymiles.
Virgin Voyages
Promising to Create an Epic Sea Change for All, Virgin Voyages is the award-winning, exclusively adult cruise line founded by Sir Richard Branson.
Delivering unforgettable, relaxing vacations at sea, Virgin Voyages launched at the end of 2021.
Inspired by superyacht design, its fleet of Lady Ships exemplify an elevated, boutique hotel at sea with contemporary spaces that strike the perfect balance of nautical chic and glamour.
Currently departing from the sun-soaked cities of Miami, Barcelona, and Athens, the fleet offers more than 60 unique itineraries, sailing to 100 incredible ports of call.
On-board, 20+ eateries feature culinary experiences from Michelin-star chefs, stylish workout spaces and group fitness classes are offered daily, and a festival-like line-up of intimate and larger-than-life shows are on the agenda.
Paired with modern, tech-savvy cabins, designer suites fit for a rockstar, and a mermaid-inspired spa and thermal suite, the brand is taking the industry by storm.
In 2023, Virgin Voyages won Travel + Leisure’s highly coveted World’s Best Award for the best mega-ship ocean cruise line and swept the Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Awards – the first time a brand has won in all five categories.
