PHOTO: VIRGIN VOYAGES
Richard Branson waves from the top deck of the vehicle, decorated with Scarlet Lady’s emblem, as it passes Big Ben, London.
Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson handed out 200 cruises to unsuspecting Londoners today to mark Virgin Voyages’ Mediterranean cruise season.
He ‘sailed’ through the streets of the UK capital at the helm of a vehicle adorned with theScarlet Ladyemblem,down Oxford Street, past Embankment and around Piccadilly and Trafalgar Square, before heading over Westminster Bridge towards The London Eye.
He was joined by the Happenings Cast,the dozen crew members who replace the traditional cruise director role on board Virgin’s vessels.
New itineraries
Virgin Voyages is gearing up for its Mediterranean season whenit will operate 45 different routes.
There are fresh itineraries from Portsmouth (UK), Barcelona and Piraeus.
Starting in May, Scarlet Lady will sail from Barcelona and Resilient Ladyfrom Piraeus.
In August, the line will cruiseout of Portsmouth when Resilient Lady embarks on a series of three- to six-night sailings from the UK, calling Amsterdam and Zeebrugge.
Virgin Red points awarded
Branson remarked, ‘It’s been wonderful to go aboard “Scarlet Lady” this morning, sailing around and surprising lucky Londoners with free voyages! I’m a big believer in it not just being about where you go, but how you get there. Summer is a time for exploration, relaxation, and creating unforgettable memories, and sailing the Med in style is the vitamin-sea everybody needs.’
Nirmal Saverimuttu, Virgin Voyages’ CEO, added, ‘…We’re thrilled to kick-start our summer Med season with this fun surprise in London and to give unsuspecting travellers a chance to come aboard and experience the standout destinations all over the Mediterranean.’
In addition to the free Virgin Voyages sailings gifted this morning, members of the public received rewards in the form of Virgin Points from Virgin’s group-wide rewards club, Virgin Red.
Branson was in London to launch his first audiobook, ‘Losing and Finding My Virginity.’
. . (UK) Limited.
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