“Not all heroes wear capes, but they all deserve a cruise.” That’s the tagline of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s latest offer, which finds the cruise line offering a free cruise for essential workers.
It’s Hometown Heroes initiative is giving essential workers a free trip departing between July 22, 2021 and September 30, 2021.
“Essential workers have always been heroes, putting their lives at risk daily to help others, but the COVID-19 pandemic has put even more strain on those on the front lines and we are so appreciative of their sacrifices,” said Oneil Khosa, CEO of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line in a press release. “With our updated health and safety measures in place, we are able to offer essential workers and their families a stress-free, micro-cation option that will allow them to return to work refreshed and recharged.”
If you haven’t heard of Bahamas Paradise, it’s a niche cruise line offering short two-night cruises from the Port of Palm Beach to Grand Bahama Island. The quick getaways are already affordably priced — usually costing just about $200 per person. With this offer, however, the deal gets even better.
Book any of the qualifying dates, and the essential worker sails free while the second guest in the cabin pays just $129.
So who qualifies as an essential worker? The list appears broad. The cruise line’s terms and conditions state that the “Hometown Heroes Offer applies to all essential workers based on the guidelines described on the State of Florida website flgov.com.”
A search of that site found an executive order that lays out the guidelines for who is considered “essential” based on federal guidelines. That list includes things you’d expect like nurses and pharmacists, police, EMS, grocery store employees, teachers, and farmers. But the list also includes a number of positions you might not realize, including census workers, financial sector employees, and those working in animal shelters.
The full list of workers according to federal guidelines can be found here.
If you want to take advantage of this deal, then you’ll need to call the cruise line directly at 800-995-3201 to book. You can also read more about the offer on the Bahamas Paradise website.
As for health protocols on the ship, since the cruise line is sailing from Florida, that means it can’t require proof of vaccination. However, the shot is “strongly recommended” by the line.
All guests over two years old — no matter their vaccine status — are required to take a COVID test at the terminal before boarding. In addition, if unvaccinated, then a prior test (at least 72 hours before sailing) is also required. Masks are not required on open decks but are required in indoor areas. In addition, the cruise line will sail with fewer guests on the ship to allow for more distance.
