Bahamas cruise line Margaritaville at Sea is offering free vacations to first responders and veterans as part of their “Heroes Sail Free” program.
The cruise line announced that starting October 12, both active and veteran law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, members of the United States military and even nurses and teachers are eligible for one free annual trip on the high seas aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise ship.
The voyage sails for three days and two nights from Palm Beach, Florida, to Grand Bahama Island.
The policy states that qualifying candidates must travel with at least one paying companion. To qualify, guests must be verified through program partner GovX ID, an online marketplace for members.
According to Margaritaville at Sea’s CEO and president Kevin Sheehan Jr., the program initially was going to run through 2023 but is now yearly.
“Within weeks of the launch, we were pleasantly surprised to see more than 30,000 Heroes and their guests rush to book their free cruise, but that filled nearly all available staterooms in the program through 2023,” Sheehan said in a statement. “Now we’re able to continue supporting our heroes, which is more deserved than ever, by welcoming them to always sail for free when traveling with a paying guest.”
The cruise line also announced that they plan to offer sea vacations specifically for first responders at a later date.
Guests may upgrade from the standard interior cabin, but fees, tips and taxes are not included.
The ship Paradise offers a JWB Prime Steakhouse and 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill, as well as pools, a spa, fitness center, casino and theater.
First responders can book single- or double-occupancy rooms if they register by October 11.