by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
The guests sleeping on the “floating hotels” during the Super Bowl won’t be the only ones with access to the cruise ships. According to the Super Bowl Host Committee, the general public will also have the opportunity to come aboard — for a price.
Pat Duncan, Host Committee director of lodging and accommodations, said ticket packages costing as much as $300 — a six-course meal, entertainment and an open bar are included in the charge — may go on sale by mid-November.
Targeted markets include NFL staff not currently booked on the ships, local companies who want to purchase group blocks and the public.
“We’re still working on a few of the details, but we’re really excited about the idea of letting the community experience the cruise ships along with the guests,” said Duncan. “This is the first time anyone has used them like this, really to this extent, and it’s going to be a very unique experience for everyone.”
Duncan said the ticket packages were “comparably priced” to other Super Bowl events such as the Taste of the NFL.
“It’s a fair price and when you consider all of the activities that will be going on, it will be like taking a cruise without ever leaving the dock,” he said.
Aside from the 1,000 tickets set aside for the Super Bowl Sunday “Sail Gate” party, the number of packages available from Feb. 2-4 remains unclear.
Duncan said the five ships combined 7,400 capacity is a major factor.
“Yes, we do have those kinds of issues to think about,” said Duncan, “so because of that, ticket packages will be limited. We are going to be very, very careful that we don’t have too many people on board.”
Security, he said, is another major concern.
“We’re making sure the ships will be highly secure,” he said. “Security checkpoints and metal detectors will be in place and it will be very much like going to the airport. Obviously, no weapons will be allowed.”
Details such as the when and where to purchase tickets should be posted on the Host Committee’s website (www.jacksonvillesuperbowl.net) within a few weeks.
“We are very confident the public who will be able to share in this experience will be very pleased,” said Duncan. “They’re going to be very well taken care of.”