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Richard Branson’s Virgin Voyages has announced a partnership with Virgin Australia, launching ‘Tail to Sail’ packages – a development which came just a couple of days after Australia’s ACCC cleared the way for Virgin Australia to work closely with Virgin Atlantic.

For more on the ACCC determination, see: Final all-clear delivered on closer ties between two Virgins.

Branson, founder of the Virgin Group and Nirmal Saverimuttu, Virgin Voyages’ chief commercial officer and “Head of Sailor Experience”, were in Sydney yesterday to launch the partnership between Virgin Voyages and Virgin Australia at a big industry celebration at Cruise Bar Sydney at the Overseas Passenger Terminal.

A one-stop shop, the fly/cruise packages enable Aussies to purchase return flights with Virgin Australia and a voyage on board Virgin Voyages’ highly anticipated first ship, Scarlet Lady – which is due to set sail for the first time in April 2020.

Packages are now available through Virgin Australia Holidays. They include return flights from the East Coast (Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne) to Miami. In Miami, “Sailors” (which is what Virgin calls its guests/passengers) will set sail on a number of itineraries including destinations in the US, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic.

Branson hosted a Windows to the World competition in Sydney’s Pitt St Mall yesterday, with a variety of prizes, including ‘Tail to Sail’ packages.

“I’ve always loved coming to Australia and am delighted to launch this new partnership between two iconic brands in our Virgin family, which will bring more of our Virgin magic to Australia and allow Aussies to experience our wonderful new Virgin Voyages offering,” Branson said.

Sir Richard Branson in Sydney on Tuesday. Source: Virgin Voyages Images

“I’m immensely proud of this new brand; in building it we took the time to think through every detail and craft a unique experience that brings to life Virgin and disrupts the travel industry. I can’t wait to hear what Aussies think of our new endeavour.”

Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady has been modelled on the lines of a sleek yacht, with spaces (including more than 20 world-class intimate eateries, 1330 cabins and 78 RockStar Suites) conceived by some of the top names in contemporary architecture, interiors and construction.

With a “no nickel and diming” policy, Virgin Voyages will give its Sailors more value for their money with all dining, group fitness classes, soft drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi and many more surprises included in the voyage fare.

Saverimuttu, said: “Our team is committed to disrupting the cruise category by providing a new, irresistible over 18 experience.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with Virgin Australia to bring this experience to life as well as embed Virgin’s inimitable service from start to finish to make Australians’ holidays epic.”

Chief executive of Virgin Australia, Paul Scurrah, said, “We’re extremely excited to welcome Virgin Voyages into the family, and work with them to bring this ‘Tail to Sail’ travel experience to Australians.”

“The Virgin service and our distinctive personality is at the heart of everything our brands do and this is a great opportunity for Australians to experience the famous Virgin hospitality across multiple travel experiences.”

Prices start from AUD 3420 per person twin share, departing Sydney including four-night voyage cruise. Prices may vary depending on departure city and are subject to availability. Prince includes return economy airfares to Miami via Los Angeles and Atlanta, checked baggage, one night’s accommodation in Miami and four-night Virgin Voyages Fire And Sunset Soirées cruise in ‘The Sea Terrace’ cabin. On sale until 11:59pm AEST 31 December 2019, unless sold out prior, for travel until 13 September 2020, blackout dates apply.