Military and Public Safety Cruise Fares
Most major cruise lines are now offering special rates to two very special groups of people – members of the U.S. military and domestic public safety workers. These are the folks who risk life and limb on behalf of a grateful nation. Discounts range from modest to substantial and each cruise line that elects to offer such programs sets the rules of eligibility.
Military discount cruise rates, for the most part, apply to active duty serving in one of the 5 branches of service (We didn’t forget you folks in the Coast Guard!). And several lines extend the military cruise deals to “retired” military generally defined as enlisted personnel or officers with a minimum of 20 years of service or medically retired or 100% disabled. Many allow spouses and guests (traveling in the same stateroom) to cruise at the same rate.
And not forgetting our Canadian friends, a few cruise lines pass along the same military discounts with similar eligibility rules to this group.
Public safety fares cover a wide range of job classifications but usually include police, fire-rescue, emergency medical and similar professions. In the past, these fares have been offered on an occasional basis and promoted by the cruise lines via communication to their travel agent partners. Always be sure to ask your cruise specialist “What’s New?” if you are a member of any of these groups.
| Military & Public Safety Rates | ||
| Cruise Line | Offered? | Additional Requirements? |
| Carnival | Yes | N/A |
| Royal Caribbean | Yes | 2 years honorable service with proof showing they are cruising and retirement papers |
| Princess | Yes | N/A |
