Sir Richard Branson sends message to South Dakotans, asking them to cruise with him

South Dakotans, are you listening?

On Thursday, Sir Richard Branson took out an entire page in the New York Times to send a message to the residents of the midwestern state. According to the billionaire, residents of 49 US states have already signed up for his latest venture, Virgin Voyages -- but all the cruise is missing is representatives from South Dakota.

"Oh, a huge thank you to the other 49 states that have -- we can't wait to make waves with you. It's sure to be a cruise experience unlike any holiday you've ever taken," the 68-year-old magnate pens. "But South Dakota, for a state with a place called Rapid City, you're really taking your time. I was beginning to take your absence personally, and then I read an interesting statistic."

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Branson continues to explain that the average South Dakotan travels less than most other Americans, using just 26 percent, or only 4 days, of their dedicated time off.

As an incentive, Branson and his team are offering the first lucky South Dakotan passenger who books $605 in "Sailor Loot" to use on-board, 2 first class tickets from the 605 to the 305, a one-night hotel stay in Miami and a limo transfer to the ship. The Virgin Group Founder also put up a series of catchy on-brand billboards across the state to encourage bookings. "Sioux, ya gonna book or what?" reads one of the signs.

Virgin Voyages, which launches in 2020 by Virgin, offers a new kind of onboard experience for its passengers with "no kids, no buffets and no limits." Destinations include Havana, Bimini, Puerto Plata and Costa Maya. Happy sailing!

Related: Follow these tips for a smooth cruise