What a lucky day for the passengers of Delta flight 1425 from Atlanta to Miami! They were in for a huge surprise when none other than billionaire Sir Richard Branson boarded their plane and announced that they were all getting a free cruise on Virgin Voyages’ newest ship, the Scarlet Lady!

The generous gesture was part of a partnership between Delta and Virgin Voyages to celebrate the launch of the Scarlet Lady, which will sail from Miami to the Caribbean starting in April. Branson, who is the founder of Virgin Group, said he wanted to share his passion for cruising with the unsuspecting travelers and give them a taste of the “Virgin way” of vacationing.

The passengers were ecstatic when they heard the news and cheered loudly as Branson handed out boarding passes for the cruise. Some even hugged and kissed him, while others took selfies and videos with him. The flight attendants also joined in the fun and wore Virgin Voyages hats and scarves.

The lucky winners will enjoy a four-night sailing on the Scarlet Lady, which features a sleek design, innovative amenities, and a variety of entertainment options. The ship has 17 decks, 1,330 cabins, and can accommodate 2,770 guests and 1,160 crew members. Some of the highlights include a tattoo studio, a champagne lounge, a rooftop garden, and a nightclub.

The Scarlet Lady is also the first cruise ship to be carbon-neutral from its first day of operation, thanks to its use of alternative fuels and energy-efficient technologies. It also has a “sailor code” that encourages guests to respect the environment and each other.

Branson said he hopes that the free cruise will inspire more people to try cruising and discover the joys of traveling with Virgin Voyages. He also thanked Delta for their collaboration and praised their service and hospitality.

“This is a dream come true for me and I can’t wait to welcome these amazing people on board our beautiful ship,” he said. “They are in for the time of their lives!”