TAMPA, Fla. — Calling all our "heroes" who love going on cruises — one cruise line is offering up island time vibes for free all year for U.S. military members, first responders and teachers. Plus, some of these cruises will disembark from Port Tampa Bay.
Margaritaville at Sea explains it has relaunched its "Heroes Sail Free" as "Heroes Sail Free, Heroes Sail First," saying the revamped program offers "major enhancements."
The program allows all eligible GovX members, including active military, veterans, first responders, law enforcement, educators and healthcare workers, to sail for free for as many cruises as they want throughout the year. The only catch — there needs to be one paying guest staying in the same stateroom as you.
For those who book under the "Heroes Sail Free, Heroes Sail First" program, the benefits apply for the all-new Islander or on Paradise. Qualifying heroes get unlimited sailings each year, free fare or better for their cruise, 1 free express pass per cabin (includes priority boarding, priority debarking at destination ports and priority luggage delivery) and more.
For more information about the "Heroes Sail Free, Heroes Sail First" program, click here.
Starting in June 2024, the Islander will set sail from Port Tampa Bay. The Paradise is already in service and disembarks from Port of Palm Beach.
The newly reintroduced program is different from the 2024 Heroes Paradise Pass, which currently offers its year-long, free cruise heroes package for $299 per pass, not including fees and taxes. Additionally, this pass allows each pass holder to bring a friend along on the cruise for free.
The Heroes Paradise Pass reportedly has the same benefits as the Ultimate Paradise Pass but at a much lower price.
Those eligible for the 2024 Heroes Paradise Pass include the following:
- Active military members
- Military veterans
- Law enforcement
- First responders (firefighters, EMS, paramedics)
- Educators
- Government healthcare workers
For more information about the Heroes Paradise Pass, click here.
