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Richard Branson gives away Virgin cruises to Delta passengers

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Some passengers getting ready to board a Delta Air Lines flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico, from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Thursday got an unusual surprise: A free cruise and an encounter with the flamboyant British entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson.

The billionaire Branson is the founder of the Virgin Group, and his Virgin Atlantic airline has been a British partner carrier of Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines for more than a decade . He greeted passengers in a bright red top coat with tails and black top hat.

Delta bought a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic in 2013 and with it gained more access to London Heathrow Airport. In 2020, Delta linked together its joint ventures with Air France, KLM and Virgin Atlantic into one large trans-Atlantic joint venture between the carriers with antitrust immunity for flights in the U.S.-Europe market.

Branson’s Virgin Voyages launched in 2021 as an adults-only cruise line . Delta also sells Virgin Voyages cruises on its website .

Delta said all members of its SkyMiles frequent flier program who were on board its Flight 1946 from Atlanta to San Juan on Thursday got a free Virgin Voyages cruise for later this year, as part of the cruise line’s promotion of its expansion in San Juan.

Passengers will be able to take a free cruise on the Virgin ship Resilient Lady, which will have San Juan as her homeport starting later this year.

Earlier this week, Virgin Voyages announced it was moving Resilient Lady after her Mediterranean sailing season Oct. 20 to San Juan, instead of repositioning the ship and planning sailings between Europe and Australia.

That followed other route changes, with Virgin Voyages explaining in a post on its website that “we remain very concerned about potential escalations in the Red Sea over the next 12 months” amid attacks in the region.

“This significant and ongoing conflict puts unacceptable risks for safe passage through the region for our Sailors, crew and vessel (Resilient Lady),” Virgin Voyages said. “Resilient Lady will now complete her Mediterranean sailing season on October 20th, 2024, and divert course sailing to San Juan, Puerto Rico, for a new Caribbean season,” it said.

On Tuesday night, a rocket exploded off a cargo ship traveling through the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen, as Houthis continue a series of assaults over Israel’s war on Hamas in the Gaza strip, the Associated Press reported.

On Thursday, Virgin Voyages had entertainment, drinks and music, and gave away prizes to people who spun a wheel at a gate at the Atlanta airport’s Concourse A, according to Delta.

About the Author

Business reporter Kelly Yamanouchi covers airlines and the airport including Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines, one of the world's largest carriers, and Hartsfield-Jackson, the world's busiest airport. She has covered airlines for about 20 years, graduated from Harvard and has a master's degree from Northwestern.

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Richard Branson Gives Everyone on a Delta Flight a Free Cruise

To celebrate having a ship based in Puerto Rico, Sir Richard Branson surprised everyone on a Delta flight from Atlanta to San Juan with a free cruise on Virgin. He personally boarded the flight and gave a free cruise to all SkyMiles members (Delta’s frequent flyer program) who were 18 years and older. After all, Virgin Voyages is an adults only cruise line.

The free cruise is good for the ship’s inaugural season in San Juan that will begin 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 cruise ship’s on-board experience to passengers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

“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.”

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Sir Richard Branson Surprises Passengers on Delta Flight with Free Cruise

• February 29, 2024

Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson surprised passengers when he walked onto a Delta flight heading from Atlanta to San Juan, according to a press release.

Virgin Voyages and Delta Airlines teamed up to surprise 160+ passengers with a free cruise aboard the Resilient Lady to celebrate the ship’s launch in Puerto Rico later this year. Branson boarded the flight to personally gift all SkyMiles Members on the flight (18 and older) a free cruise during the ship’s inaugural season in San Juan later this year.

“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,” said Branson. “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!”

Before boarding, Virgin Voyages hosted a full departure gate takeover, bringing to life elements of the ship’s onboard experience at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Fliers were treated to original choreography from Virgin Voyages’ entertainment team, vignettes at the gate, specialty drinks and music. 

Branson was joined by Delta’s SVP and Chief Communications Officer, Tim Mapes, for a 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, a Delta Vacation package, gift cards and more.

  “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 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.”

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Billionaire Sir Richard Branson Surprises Entire Delta Flight with a Free Cruise on Virgin Voyages’ Newest Ship

The Virgin Group founder, 73, boarded a flight headed from Atlanta to San Juan to surprise some lucky passengers with a cruise on his 'Resilient Lady'

Charlotte Phillipp is a Weekend Writer-Reporter at PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE since 2024, and was previously an entertainment reporter at The Messenger.

Chris Rank/ Rank Studios

A few lucky travelers were in for a sunny surprise when they boarded a Delta flight on Thursday.

As a group of people got on a flight heading directly from Atlanta to San Juan, one rather surprising guest joined them — billionaire Sir Richard Branson , who was there to announce that every single Delta SkyMiles member passenger on the plane (over age 18) would be gifted a free cruise on his newest ship, the Resilient Lady.  

“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,” Branson said in a press release. “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.”

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According to the release, the flight from Atlanta to San Juan was chosen specifically because of the Resilient Lady’ s homeport in the Puerto Rican city.

“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,” Branson, the founder of the Virgin Group, finished. “We look forward to showing everyone what it’s like to ‘Set Sail the Virgin Way!’”

The giveaways began even before the flight took off for Puerto Rico. Before boarding, Branson took over the Delta departure gate, bringing passengers waiting at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport pre-flight entertainment from dancers, drinks, music and prize wheels — where guests had the chance to win Delta and Virgin Atlantic flights, Virgin Hotel stays, a Virgin cruise, a Delta Vacation package, gift cards and other branded swag — which all travelers had a chance to spin before getting on the plane.

Delta executive Tim Mapes also joined the billionaire for the festivities, adding that “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,” Mapes said in the release. “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.”

After its summer season abroad, the Resilient Lady is set to head to its new homeport in San Juan in fall 2024. 

Virgin Voyages has also added brand new travel itineraries in the Caribbean and Latin America, featuring stays ranging from one week to 11 days with stops in St. Maarten, St. Vincent, Colombia and Dominica.

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Virgin Voyages and Delta SkyMiles Surprise Travelers with Free Voyage

Virgin Voyages surprises Delta SkyMiles Members with a free cruise, celebrating Resilient Lady's new homeport in San Juan.

Posted on 4 March 2024 by Rob Sammons

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Virgin Voyages teamed up with Delta Air Lines to bring a touch of magic to the skies. Over 160 travelers aboard a Delta flight were in for a surprise as Sir Richard Branson himself treated them to an unexpected gift: a free voyage on board this year.

Celebrating Resilient Lady’s New Homeport

The surprise gesture marked the forthcoming launch of Resilient Lady’s new homeport in San Juan later this year following the cancellation of the Australia Season . This move signifies Virgin Voyages’ commitment to expanding its presence and offerings in the Caribbean.

Resilient Lady , the most recent addition to Virgin Voyages’ fleet, promises brand new entertainment for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation.

A Personal Invitation from Sir Richard Branson

SkyMiles Members aged 18 and older on the Delta flight received a personal invitation from Sir Richard Branson himself. Richard personally gifted each of them a free voyage during Resilient Lady’s inaugural season in San Juan.

Before boarding, Virgin Voyages transformed the departure gate at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport into a vibrant prelude to the cruise experience. Passengers were treated to live entertainment featuring the Happenings Cast  and even a game of roulette with Branson and Delta’s SVP and Chief Communications Officer, Tim Mapes.

Delta’s Delight in Collaboration

Delta’s Tim Mapes expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing the value it brings to SkyMiles Members. This partnership underscores Delta’s commitment to providing exclusive experiences and added benefits to its loyal customers.

New Destinations in San Juan

With Resilient Lady’s debut, Virgin Voyages unveils new ports across the Caribbean and Latin America, thrilling travelers. Travelers can anticipate exciting itineraries, including visits to St. Maarten, St. Vincent, Colombia, and Dominica.

For those eager to explore the Caribbean in style, Virgin Voyages’ new routes from San Juan offer an enticing opportunity. Visit VirginVoyages.com or reach out to your First Mate (Travel Agent) to discover the latest offerings and secure the best deals. To become a SkyMiles Member and unlock exclusive experiences, visit delta.com/joinskymiles .

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Sir Richard Branson surprises Delta passengers with free Virgin Voyages cruise

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.

On a recent Delta flight, Sir Richard Branson surprised more than 190 travelers with a free cruise vacation aboard his newest ship, Resilient Lady, to celebrate the all-new itineraries and the Virgin Voyages brand’s growing presence in San Juan. #flight #aircraft #travel #paxex pic.twitter.com/r8fXpWaHci — FL360aero (@fl360aero) March 1, 2024

“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.

Richard Branson made around $1.4 billion by selling Virgin Galactic shares

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Sir richard branson gives out free cruise tickets to delta air lines passengers.

Were you onboard?

• In a clever marketing move, Sir Richard Branson surprised Delta SkyMiles Members onboard with free cruise tickets.
• Passengers preparing to sail from San Juan were treated to a preview of the Virgin Voyages experience at the gate.
• Delta Air Lines and Virgin Voyages partnership resulted in winning surprises and added value for SkyMiles Members.

Travelers between Atlanta and San Juan were surprised when Sir Richard Branson walked onboard, ready to give out free tickets for his luxury cruise company, Virgin Voyages. The British business magnate, who found his fortune through his brand Virgin, has started and invested in many areas of travel, from hotels and cruises to airlines (Virgin Australia, America, and Atlantic ).

Virgin Voyages and Delta Air Lines were both in on the giveaway, timely poised to advertise the cruise business launch of sailing from Puerto Rico later this year, so Branson decided to board the flight and give away free cruises to all those who were Delta SkyMiles Members, and over 18+ free tickets to board.

Richard Branson Celebrates 38 Years Of Virgin Atlantic

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Well received

As expected, the free cruise tickets were well received, with the below statement from Richard Branson, as reported by Cruise Industry News :

“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!”

Have you heard the Simple Flying podcast recently?

Virgin Voyages gate takeover

Passengers may have already seen things look a little different before boarding, with Virgin taking over the gate in a ploy to bring to life various elements of an onboard experience. Those holding a ticket for Puerto Rico were treated to original choreography from the Cruiseliners entertainment team, specialty drinks and music, and vignettes at the gate.

Games of roulette were on offer, where passengers could spin the wheel to try their luck at a range of prizes, including free tickets on Delta Air Lines or Virgin Atlantic flights, Virgin Voyages cruises, Delta Vacation Packages, gift cards, and much more.

Delta's Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, Tim Mapes, was also on the scene and released this 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. 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.”

No doubt, these passengers will be back onboard soon, winging their way to Puerto Rico once more, to board their free cruise later this year.

Sir Richard Branson Gives Away Cruises On Virgin Australia Flight

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Virgin is facing a brand nightmare after its cruise giveaway went horribly wrong

• Virgin Voyages faces backlash after a free cruise winner said she has to pay $8,000 in flight costs.
• The cruise line's Australia voyages were canceled due to tensions in the Red Sea.
• Brand experts say Virgin should cover flight costs or offer different prizes to maintain trust.

Virgin Voyages is dealing with a PR nightmare after a woman who won a free cruise said she'd have to pay $8,000 in flights to claim her prize.

The adults-only cruise line , owned by Richard Branson's Virgin Group, is known for giving away free prizes to promote its various international sailings across Australia, Europe, and the Caribbean.

An Australian woman, who used the pseudonym Morgan, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that she and other passengers were gifted free twin-share cruise vouchers while on a Virgin flight from Melbourne to her home in Tasmania in November.

Morgan said she used the voucher to book a cruise out of Brisbane for herself and her partner. However, in February, the company announced that all of its Australia voyages were canceled due to tensions in the Red Sea.

A spokesperson for Virgin previously told Business Insider that it had offered all prize winners new complimentary vouchers for cruises on its other international sailings.

But Morgan said traveling to Europe or the Caribbean is unfeasible, as it could cost her and her partner up to $8,000 — more than the $7,000 value of the voucher.

Experts say Virgin should cover the cost of the flights or offer a different prize

Tenile Clarke , a managing director and principal publicist at Chambers Media Solutions, told BI that Virgin should "definitely offer" to pay the cost of the flights.

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"Ultimately, this decision boils down to sound reputation management, and the negative publicity that can come from this for Virgin is a significant lesson in the brand's understanding that every customer is a potential ambassador for the product and experience that you offer to any community," Clarke said.

She said this incident is the "antithesis" of Virgin's brand values, which comprise "generosity and lasting social impact."

"While I don't think it will hurt on a macro scale, I do believe that they have to look at their reputation as one of the largest airlines operating in Australia — it's one of their largest source markets," Tenille said.

Balkrushna Potdar, a marketing lecturer at the University of Tasmania, told ABC that this incident may cause customers to lose trust in Virgin's brand.

"The winner's negative experience may become a cautionary tale dissuading potential customers from engaging with the brand," he said, adding that the company should cover the cost of the flights.

Speaking to ABC, Morgan said Virgin's PR team "stopped responding" to her messages after she pointed out how expensive the flights would be.

"We were genuinely shocked, we thought Virgin would provide us with an alternative prize like a flight credit… or they would allow us to rebook on a later season," Morgan said.

"They sort of gave up on us … like 'you're a bit of a problem now,'" she said.

Emma Cruises , a British travel blogger and cruise expert with around 330,000 YouTube subscribers, told BI that it could be unreasonable to expect Virgin to pay for the flights for every person affected by the Australia cancelations.

"The winners shouldn't be expected to pay for flights to claim their cruise, but I also wouldn't expect Virgin to pay for flights for every guest as it wasn't part of the original prize," Emma said.

"I'm sure that the winners would be happy with an alternative like Virgin gift cards to the value of the cruise, which could be used for Virgin Holidays, flights or experience days," she added.

Virgin Voyages declined to comment when contacted by BI for this story.

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Bring the bikini, leave the kids: 4 things to know about sailing with Virgin Voyages

A s soon as you check in on a Virgin Voyages cruise, you’re given an electronic bracelet. And once you step on board, you’re greeted by big smiles, neon lights and Top 40 pop music. 

It feels like an upscale PlayPlace for adults. In the best way possible. 

The line went all-in on the fun aspect, going as far as reimagining the cruise director role. On Virgin, an entire team is dedicated to making the passenger – or sailor, as the line calls them – experience the best it can possibly be for their unique needs. 

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"The Happenings cast is our reimagination of the cruise director you will find on other cruise lines,” said Richard Kilman, Virgin Voyages VP of entertainment. “Everyone is cast individually based on different, authentic passion points (i.e. wellness, food/drink, performing, art, games/competitions, etc.) and their ability to help us create the unique vibe you can only experience on board Virgin Voyages. They all lead a vast array of events (many aligned with their personal passion points) that take place throughout every voyage."

With a plethora of Instagram-ready spots, photo booth setups, sparkling wine happy hours, more than 20 eateries, gratuities, Wi-Fi, essential drinks and unlimited group fitness classes all included, Virgin is aiming for the modern traveler looking for easy, personalized experiences.

USA TODAY recently participated in a Virgin Voyages press trip aboard its Resilient Lady vessel on its Adriatic Sea & Greek Gems itinerary. Here are four things that make a Virgin Voyages cruise different. 

It’s an over-18 cruise

The adults-only cruise sounds more salacious than it is. Mainly, you’re reminded it’s an 18-plus sailing during the entertainment portions. It caters to an adult audience while keeping it tongue-in-cheek and tasteful – for the most part.

Shows like "Persephone" and "Another Rose" definitely lean into sensuality, while "Miss Behave" and "Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle" lean into absurdist humor. These are not the typical cruise shows. Many of the sailors on the line’s Resilient Lady ship commented on the Broadway quality of the performances. 

Scarlet Night, Virgin’s response to a formal night, might just be the epitome of what the line aims to do. Described as “an immersive celebration” where sailors are encouraged to dress in red, it’s a night when the entire ship is buzzing with excitement. 

“Through pop-up circus performances, interactive games, karaoke, myth-telling, and live music, come pay tribute to a love that washed the world scarlet − culminating in a drenched-in-red pool and dance party unlike anything you've ever seen,” the line says on its website.

There’s no buffet

Just because there’s no buffet doesn’t mean you’ll go hungry. With more than 20 eateries on board, the most difficult part of meal times will be deciding whether you want to try something new or stick with that yummy dish you found the first night. 

Don’t worry, at The Galley − Virgin’s alternative to a buffet − sailors can find several “shops” akin to a food court where they can order at leisure or wait for a server to come to their table. But do keep in mind that not all those spots are open 24/7, nor do they offer a full menu throughout the day. 

For the main event, or dinner, it’s also sailor’s choice. Rather than an assigned dining time, sailors can book reservations at any of the five restaurants on board just as they would on land.

Here’s a snapshot of the restaurants:

• The Wake: Steakhouse presented as “a modern twist to the classic chophouses of the mid-20th century.”
• Razzle Dazzle: Comfort food with a twist. Also, boozy brunch. No need to say more.
• Pink Agave: Elevated Mexican cuisine with “the largest selection of tequila and mezcal at sea,” and a DJ. 
• Extra Virgin: Italian restaurant with “regionally inspired food punctuated by our handmade pasta.”
• Gunbae: Korean BBQ cooked at your table. Prime spot for solo cruisers to meet others at the communal tables or for large groups to get the night started.
• Test Kitchen: A pre-fixed tasting menu (with accommodations for allergies and preferences) that only presents you with a list of ingredients. You can do a wine or cocktail pairing with each course. (Do this one on the first night.)

The vast majority of items on the menus are included, but each of the restaurants offers one or two indulgent options at an extra cost.

There’s no drink package

Just because it’s an adults-only cruise doesn’t mean the drinks are unlimited – unless you want them to be. 

Alcoholic drinks and specialty coffees cost extra on board. Soft drinks, juices and drip coffee are included in the voyage fare. Virgin Voyages has a pre-boarding Bar Tab offer where sailors can deposit $300 into their “Wallet” to get an additional $50. Much like other lines, the offer is available only before boarding, but sailors can add money to the Bar Tab as they see fit. 

Don’t be alarmed. Drinks are moderately priced, from $6 to $15, with higher-end beverages around $29. On a seven-day cruise, $300 could equal about five drinks a day. 

All restaurants on the ship have unique drink menus, so make sure to leave room for those. You can view your Wallet balance on the Virgin Voyages app and add more to it during the trip – more on that below.

Free, stable Wi-Fi

Everything from dinner and performance reservations to shore excursions, to keeping track of your tab and purchases is on the app.

With that, however, comes one of the best perks for those of us who need to be connected with the outside world at all times: free Wi-Fi. Good, stable Wi-Fi. A faster, premium Wi-Fi package is available for those who need to work and hold video calls, but if you just need to check email and social media, the basic free plan works great.

The app can be a little frustrating when it freezes, but no one in our group found it limiting. Simply closing the app and reopening seemed to solve the problem.

Overall, sailing aboard the Resilient Lady felt like one of those experiences you can’t really describe. How do you write down “it had good, fun vibes”? Maybe just like that. But, different from other lines, Virgin’s vibe was engaging, and knowing that passengers were all there without kids, all looking to have a good time, changed the atmosphere. 

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bring the bikini, leave the kids: 4 things to know about sailing with Virgin Voyages

More than 60 Virgin Voyages passengers get sick with salmonella, E. coli

More than 70 people on a Virgin Voyages cruise got sick during a recent sailing.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 66 of the 2,198 guests on the line’s Scarlet Lady ship reported being ill during the cruise that ended Friday, along with seven crew members. Their predominant symptoms were abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhea.

The health agency listed salmonella and E. coli as the cause. The ship was on a round-trip Riviera Maya cruise that departed from Miami on Oct. 8, according to CruiseMapper .

“Our medical team isolated these travelers, and we immediately enacted enhanced sanitization procedures including additional cleaning of cabins and high-contact areas around the ship,” Virgin Voyages' COO Michelle Bentubo said in an email. “We are working closely with the CDC and their medical professionals. There is currently no impact to the upcoming voyage’s departure time or ports of call.”

Gastrointestinal illness cases on cruises plummeted during the COVID-19 pandemic, but cases have ticked upward as operations bounced back.

The CDC has logged 14 outbreaks on cruise ships that met its threshold for public notification this year, more than any year between 2017 and 2019. Norovirus was listed as the causative agent in all other 2023 outbreaks.

Norovirus cases are up: Should travelers worry?

While norovirus is frequently associated with cruises, Ben Lopman, a professor of epidemiology at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health, told USA TODAY in February that cruises make up a "tiny minority of norovirus outbreaks.” He said the majority occur in health care settings like nursing homes.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].