The streets of London frequently make the headlines, and often, it’s not for the most positive reasons. Today, London’s streets had a particularly upbeat vibe, with one of the UK’s best-known faces, Sir Richard Branson, thrilling onlookers by personally handing out Virgin Voyages cruises to members of the public from the company’s Scarlet Lady.
Sir Richard Branson has been stunning Londoners today by “sailing” the streets of London at the helm of Virgin Voyages’ iconic first vessel, Scarlet Lady, making frequent stops to say hello and personally gift 200 invitations for an incredible voyage to fortunate and no doubt shocked members of the public.
The Scarlet Lady is, in its own right, something that will cause members of the public to stop and stare. Imagine what people’s reactions would’ve been when they saw Sir Richard Branson’s smiling face at its helm.
Accompanying the world-renowned businessman were two hundred invitations to embark on a voyage of a lifetime, which would be gifted to unsuspecting members of the public. With direction from “Captain Richard”, the Scarlet Lady journeyed around some of the capital’s best-known streets, including Piccadilly and Trafalgar Square, down Oxford Street, past Embankment, before heading over Westminster Bridge towards the London Eye.
Even though this version of Scarlet Lady was tiny in comparison with Virgin Voyages’ Lady Ship, it still contained the same energy found on its larger sibling thanks to the brand’s ‘Happenings’ Cast joining the road-based cruise. Replacing the traditional role of the cruise director, this fabulous crew are experts in bringing good vibes to every Virgin Voyage itinerary.
Right Place, Right Time
Unless one is blessed with a secret superpower, being in the right place at the right time is something that cannot be learned. However, two people, Yutta and her husband, Allen Merilanen, did find themselves in the right place and, most importantly, at the right time. The couple were out celebrating their 32nd wedding anniversary, and what will make it one of their most memorable was being gifted a voucher for a free cruise trip by Sir Richard Branson.
Also receiving invitations were Aamir Malik and marathon runner Olivia Kelly, who must have felt like she had already won before the big race this weekend.
The surprise celebrates the start of Virgin Voyages’ summer season in the Med. With more than 45 different routes—from ‘Starry Nights in Greece & Croatia’ to ‘French Daze & Ibiza Nights’—there should be something for everyone to enjoy!
Losing and Finding My Virginity
The Scarlet Lady’s road trip coincided with the launch of Sir Richard’s first-ever audiobook, ‘Losing and Finding My Virginity’. In it, he describes his journey from living on a houseboat to a paradise island home, growing a UK business into a global brand, and turning a childhood dream of flying to space in his own spaceship into a reality.
The audiobook recounts almost six decades of entrepreneurship, overcoming the odds and reaching for the stars while changing business for good. With lessons in life and business, Losing and Finding My Virginity is a must-listen memoir and an inspiring guide from the ultimate entrepreneur.
Available exclusively in audio, Losing and Finding My Virginity is Sir Richard Branson’s multi-million copy bestselling memoirs in one combined edition, fully revised and updated, providing listeners with a fresh perspective on Richard Branson’s remarkable journey.
With delicious food to elevate any mood, Wi-Fi included, tipping taken care of, unlimited group workouts, all essential drinks already covered, a festival-like lineup on deck, and clever cabin technology with sophisticated styling providing the ultimate space to hide away and relax, setting sail the Virgin Way is the perfect way to adventure the Mediterranean Sea this summer.
Speaking of the surprise, Sir Richard, who is the Founder of the Virgin Group, said, “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.”
In addition to the free Virgin Voyages sailings gifted this morning, members of the public also received a range of rewards in the form of Virgin Points from Virgin’s Group-wide rewards club, Virgin Red. Virgin Points can be redeemed against flights, train travel, Virgin Experience Days, a case of wine or even a cheeky sausage roll and can be earned easily, too.
Nirmal Saverimuttu, Virgin Voyages’ CEO, said, “In a world where people are constantly on the go, it’s important to stop and celebrate life’s moments while making memories with friends and loved ones that will last a lifetime. 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.”
Starting in May, Virgin Voyages will have two vessels based in Europe: Scarlet Lady, sailing from Barcelona, Spain and Resilient Lady, sailing from Athens, Greece. Then, in August, Richard Branson’s newest travel brand will also offer cruises out of Portsmouth, returning to where it all began in the summer of 2021. Resilient Lady will embark on a series of three- to six-night sailings from the UK, visiting the historic towns of Amsterdam and Zeebrugge.
Unfortunately, not everyone can be in the right place at the right time, but all is not lost as you can still book a cabin on Virgin Voyages with prices from just £1,456 and from May, can be booked with Virgin Points via Virgin Red. And what’s more… this spring, Sailors can get their ticket to an unforgettable summer with up to 80% off the second Sailor. www.virginvoyages.co.uk.