Margaritaville at Sea is celebrating Veterans Day early with a new pass offering unlimited cruises for military personnel, first responders and teachers for less than $300.
The new “Heroes Pass” allows members of the U.S. military – both active duty and veterans – police, firefighters, EMS personnel and teachers to sail on unlimited, non-consecutive cruises to the Bahamas aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise through the end of 2024, the company told Travel + Leisure. Pass holders will then be able to bring one guest.
The new pass comes on the heels of the company’s Ultimate Paradise Pass, which offers unlimited cruises starting at $999.
“The Heroes Pass is another way to show our gratitude to the hardest working people out there who tirelessly support our communities,” said Christopher Ivy, CEO of Margaritaville at Sea, in a statement provided to T+L. “In our first two years, we’ve launched the unprecedented Heroes Sail Free program and the cruise industry’s first season pass. We’re excited to add the Heroes Pass as a way for our Heroes to relax with a quick getaway to the Bahamas, as often as they want.”
Travellers booking a cruise with the new Heroes Pass will be assigned the best available inside or ocean view stateroom when they check in at the terminal. The pass does not include taxes, fees, port charges, gratuities, fuel surcharges or on-board expenses.
Pass holders must pay booking fees of $19.99 per stateroom, per sailing in 2023; $29.99 per stateroom for Sunday through Wednesday departures in 2024; and $49.99 per stateroom for Thursday through Saturday departures in 2024.
There’s a catch: sailings reserved with the Pass can only be booked 24 to 72 hours in advance. There are also several blackout dates, including 23 November, 31 December, 25 May 2024, 30 August 2024 and 31 December 2024.
The late Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville at Sea cruise line will launch in May 2022 and will feature nautical-themed passenger cabins and several restaurants and bars, including the JWB Prime Steakhouse and the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar.