Virgin Australia passengers flying from Melbourne to Hobart awarded free cruise

The moment a lucky group of passengers flying into Hobart were told by Sir Richard Branson himself that they’d been gifted a free cruise has been captured on video. Watch their amazing reactions.

As 176 passengers boarded Virgin Australia flight VA1316 from Melbourne to Hobart around 8.30am on November 16, none of them were prepared for the surprise that awaited on board.

During the in-flight safety video, Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson called in via FaceTime to tell all the passengers on board they had won a cruise.

Passenger Steve Ajzenman said it was pandemonium when the announcement was made.

“All of a sudden, people were running around the plane and throwing confetti around the cabin,” Mr Ajzenman said.

Cambridge, Tasmania Thursday 16th November. Passengers Sue and Graeme Moore, celebrating their 50th Wedding anniversary were on Flight Virgin airlines VA1316 arriving at Hobart Airport and were surprised by a gift of a free cruise. Picture: Linda Higginson

All the passengers on-board the flight will get a free Virgin Voyages cruise across Australia and New Zealand.

The flight was chosen to represent the same route that Resilient Lady, the Virgin Voyages’ Australian ship, will sail on her maiden voyage – from Melbourne’s Station Pier.

The value of the free cruises is up to $7000 per passenger, with Virgin giving more than $1 million worth of holidays away for everyone on the Melbourne to Hobart flight.

Hayley Moore was on the flight and said it felt surreal to get the free cruise.

“I think everyone felt how I was feeling how I felt,” she said.

“It was like ‘what is going on’ and it was unbelievable.

“We were clapping on the plane once it was announced, and everyone started waving at Richard [Branson] on the phone when he popped up on our screen.

Cambridge, Tasmania Thursday 16th November. Hayley Moore was on Flight Virgin airlines VA1316 arriving at Hobart Airport and was surprised by a gift of a free cruise from Sir Richard Branson. Picture: Linda Higginson

“I’m super grateful, excited and just overwhelmed.”

Mr Ajzenman said it was the “best flight ever”.

“Before the announcement, the crew asked us what we thought of cruise ships, and we told them we thought it was for older people.”

However, he said he and his wife Lee were still excited about the trip around Australia and New Zealand.

“I looked online, and it looked amazing and really modern. We won’t have to think about anything, and it’s adults only.

“We’ve got three kids, and we are here in Tasmania for our anniversary this weekend, and we’ll be celebrating again on the cruise ship.”