We’ve written about travel-related “unlimited” passes in the past.
Seasonal or annual passes to theme parks, beaches and the like, are pretty ordinary…you pay one price and gain entrance to whatever it is for the season, year, etc. But there are others that have been better.
- Disney considered an “ultimate” park pass, where guests could enter all Disney parks, all around the world, for 25 years
- A U.S.-based airline offered a lifetime airline pass years ago, while other airlines (jetBlue, Alaska, etc.) have offered their own “limited edition” passes, good for shorter periods of time.
I’ve never heard of a cruise line offering an unlimited pass. But that’s precisely what Margaritaville At Sea cruise line is doing with their new $899 Ultimate Paradise Pass.
They’re calling it “the best cruise deal of 2023,” and maybe it is – it gives you unlimited non-consecutive 2-night sailings through December 31, 2023. AND it’s good for double occupancy, so your cabin mate gets to cruise for free (heads up – if you can’t find a bunk buddy for one of your cruises, you’ll be responsible for a $159 single supplement per cruise as a solo sailor).
Each 2-night cruise sails from Palm Beach, FL to Grand Bahama Island.
Of course, there are a few caveats to the deal:
- Must book 24-72 hours before departure
- Best available Ocean View or Inside Stateroom—assigned at terminal check-in
- It does not include taxes, fees, port expenses, gratuities, fuel surcharges, or onboard expenses (figure you’ll spend a couple hundred dollars, per cruise, to cover that)
- Pass Blackout dates: July 2, July 28, Sept 2, Nov 23, Dec 31
To help with comparison pricing, a Margaritaville at Sea cruise for two people in late April, would cost a little over $316 before fees and taxes. So you’d have to cruise 4 times between now and late December, before you made up your money.
The Ultimate Paradise Passes are limited to 500 and are only available while supplies last.
“This is completely new to the cruise industry. Now, passengers can buy a season pass to paradise and enjoy long walks on the beach throughout the year,” Kevin Sheehan Jr., president and CEO of Margaritaville at Sea, said in a news release. “It’s perfect for a quick escape after a stressful work week or for a whole new adventure at sea.”
Of course, with your only being able to book 24-72 hours before departure, this is a way for Margaritaville At Sea to fill any empty cabins. And since the 658-cabin Margaritaville at Sea Paradise ship sails from Palm Beach, it will probably mainly be Florida residents, and/or those who can get last-minute flight deals, who make out on the deal. Of course, they’ll still make money off you (drinks, Wi-Fi, excursions, whatever other upgrades), so it’s a win-win for everyone.
Want to comment on this post? Great! Read this first to help ensure it gets approved.
Want to sponsor a post, write something for Your Mileage May Vary or put ads on our site? Click here for more info.
Like this post? Please share it! We have plenty more just like it and would love it if you decided to hang around and sign up to get emailed notifications of when we post.
Whether you’ve read our articles before or this is the first time you’re stopping by, we’re really glad you’re here and hope you come back to visit again!
This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary