by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Gaining access aboard four of the five ships within the NFL Super Cruise Ship Fleet may be more attainable than many know. Several packages are currently on sale, which will allow locals the chance to to experience the highly hyped floating hotels during Super Bowl week.
“It really is an excellent opportunity for the community to experience Jacksonville in an entirely new way,” said Pat Duncan, the Super Bowl Host Committee’s Director of Lodging and Accommodations. “A few years ago, when we were planning for all of this, we promised we would make it possible for locals to have this opportunity and we’re really excited to be able to make good on that promise.”
The Host Committee and NFL event planning agency PGI worked together to design and market the cruise ship packages.
Duncan said several options are available which, based on their price tags, feature increasingly cushier accommodations.
Among the higher-end specials, Duncan said a Feb. 2 Super Cruise Ship Welcome Party has been planned. While docked at the Dames Point terminal off Heskcher Drive, the party will be the first opportunity for locals to dine, dance and be entertained aboard the Carnival Miracle, the largest and newest ship in the Fleet.
Individual passes are priced at $249 and Duncan said, “That grants you the entire cruise ship experience from 5:30 in the afternoon until the 1:30 last call. You’ll be invited to the Captain’s reception, have access to the open bar and also be able to have an outstanding five-course meal.”
Live music and dancing will follow, he said.
The same package, plus overnight accommodations in a room with a balcony, is $599.
Two thousand packages are available.
Following the Wednesday Welcome Party, other opportunities to board the ships will be available from Feb. 3-5.
Currently reserved for groups of 20 or more, packages offering breakfast, lunch or upscale dinner and entertainment are also on sale. Breakfast packages cost $21 per person, lunch is available from $25-$35 and dinner packages are priced comparable to the Welcome Party. No other overnight opportunities are being offered.
There are no age requirements for lunch and breakfast, but guests must be at least 21 to be able to purchase any of the dinner and entertainment packages.
Patrons can choose between ships including the Miracle and Holland America’s Volendam, Zuiderdam and Zanndam.
For information, log onto the Host Committee’s website at www.jacksonvillesuperbowl.com.