Virgin Voyages and Delta Air Lines Delight Passengers with a Cruise Surprise

In an extraordinary gesture of celebration, Virgin Voyages, in collaboration with Delta Air Lines, gifted over 190 travelers a complimentary cruise, marking a significant expansion in their itinerary offerings and solidifying their presence in San Juan. This surprise comes on the heels of Virgin Voyages being named the top travel brand in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards.

The remarkable event unfolded on a Delta flight from Atlanta to San Juan, handpicked to commemorate the introduction of Resilient Lady's new homeport in San Juan later this year. The Resilient Lady, crowned “Best New Cruise Ship" by Cruise Critic’s 2023 Editors' Picks Awards, is set to embark on various Caribbean adventures this December.

Virgin Group’s founder, Sir Richard Branson, personally boarded the flight to offer every SkyMiles Member on board (aged 18 and above) a free voyage on the Resilient Lady during its inaugural season in San Juan. Branson expressed his excitement, stating, “The Caribbean has been my home for many years, and I’m thrilled to welcome Resilient Lady as she sets sail from San Juan, visiting the region’s most picturesque destinations."

Before the flight, the departure gate at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was transformed into a Virgin Voyages spectacle, featuring performances by the travel brand’s entertainment team and various engaging activities for passengers. The pre-flight festivities also saw a unique game of roulette, hosted by Branson and Delta’s Tim Mapes, offering a range of prizes from flights to cruise vacations.

Tim Mapes, Delta’s S.V.P. and Chief Communications Officer, highlighted the synergy between the two award-winning brands, emphasizing the unforgettable experiences created for their customers. He teased future collaborations, hinting at more exclusive opportunities for SkyMiles Members with Virgin Voyages.

Virgin Voyages, praised for its dining and entertainment offerings by Cruise Critic’s readers, is set to introduce new Caribbean and Latin American destinations with its fleet. After completing its inaugural season, Resilient Lady will journey to San Juan, unveiling new voyages to places like St. Maarten and Colombia.

Delta’s longstanding service to Puerto Rico, spanning over 70 years, has played a crucial role in the island’s tourism growth and connectivity. With an 11% increase in seats to Puerto Rico in the past year and services from five Delta hubs, the partnership with Virgin Voyages offers seamless access to the newly announced Puerto Rican itineraries, promising an unparalleled travel experience for adventurers and leisure seekers alike.