Margaritaville at Sea still lets first responders cruise for free

In an era where bigger is often promoted as better in the world of cruise ships, Margaritaville at Sea is positioned to be a purposeful outlier. The company’s ships are smaller, which allows guests to feel catered today in ways that megaships miss.

Margaritaville at Sea’s ships, Paradise and Islander, don’t have roller coasters and don’t dock at private islands. Instead, they adhere to the Margaritaville lifestyle popularized by late singer Jimmy Buffet. Buffet was renowned for his beach-loving, carefree, and adventurous attitude toward life, docking at familiar ports of call that aren’t well-manicured private spaces.

Onboard guests will find live performances, themed parties and high-energy production shows. Wine tastings, bingo, and karaoke are available to guests.

Islander, which holds just over 1,300 guests, has a three-story poolside bar, an adult outdoor lounge and pool, and a 14-story tropical atrium.

Paradise just had its Euphoria Lounge and 12 Volt bar and pool refreshed, and cabanas added. Guests can also now dine in a market-like experience with the addition of the High Tide Market, a refreshing change from the traditional cruise ship buffet for the ship’s 2,200 passengers.

Margaritaville at Sea doesn’t just have smaller boats. The cruise line has a smaller price tag as well, with prices below MSC and Carnival. In addition, Margaritaville at Sea runs discounts and promotions throughout the year.

One promotion has become its hallmark, Heroes Sail Free. The first and still only program of its kind in the cruise industry, Heroes Sail Free offers complimentary cruise fares (taxes and fees apply) year-round to active-duty military, veterans, first responders and educators.

“The industry-first Heroes Sail Free program launched in 2022 through a partnership with GovX.com,” Christopher Ivy, chief executive officer of Margaritaville at Sea, told Newsweek. “This unprecedented program allows us to show our support to those who support our communities every day and we’re proud to have welcomed thousands of these heroes and their friends and families to enjoy our amazing slice of paradise.”