Cruise Line to Bring Interactive Fan Experiences, Cruise Giveaways and Its Heroes Sail Free Program to the Military Appreciation Event
MARGARITAVILLE AT SEA JOINS FORD’S INAUGURAL PROUD TO HONOR VETERANS DAY CLASSIC AT DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Oct. 29, 2026) – Margaritaville at Sea is joining Ford’s inaugural Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic at Daytona International Speedway on Nov. 11, bringing its signature island-inspired hospitality and commitment to military heroes to a first-of-its-kind celebration of service, motorsports and music headlined by Zac Brown Band.
As an event partner, Margaritaville at Sea will join the day’s military and veteran appreciation activities with an interactive activation celebrating service members, veterans and military families. Attendees can learn more about the cruise line’s growing fleet, its popular Heroes Sail Free program and the all-new Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber, debuting in January 2027, while enjoying special prizes and the chance to win a cruise getaway.
The partnership builds on Margaritaville at Sea’s longstanding commitment to honoring military heroes and its growing collaboration with Zac Brown, who will serve as Godfather of Beachcomber. Brown, whose support for service members, veterans and military families spans more than a decade, will headline the evening’s concert with Zac Brown Band. Through performances for troops, support for veteran-focused organizations and the work of Camp Southern Ground, Brown has made military appreciation an enduring part of his personal and professional mission.
“Honoring those who serve has always been an important part of who we are at Margaritaville at Sea, and our Heroes Sail Free program is one way we put that commitment into action every day,” said Christopher Ivy, CEO of Margaritaville at Sea. “Partnering with Ford for this special event, alongside our friend Zac Brown, gives us another opportunity to celebrate our military heroes and their families, thank them for their service and share the spirit of Margaritaville at Sea with a community that means so much to us.”
Ford’s Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic will bring together motorsports, music and military appreciation for an afternoon and evening of activities at Daytona International Speedway. Festivities begin at 3 p.m. with the Proud to Honor Tailgate, featuring race simulators, military and veteran organization activations, driver meet-and-greets, a car show and live entertainment. At 6 p.m., the spotlight shifts to a first-of-its-kind military tribute race featuring six teams honoring the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard. Twelve Ford Racing drivers will compete in Mustang Dark Horse R race cars, followed by a headlining performance from Zac Brown Band. Fans unable to attend in person can tune-in to the broadcast live on USA Network. The event will also support the Proud to Honor Fund and military-focused nonprofit organizations, including Blue Star Families, which will receive a portion of ticket proceeds.
For more information about Margaritaville at Sea, the Heroes Sail Free program and upcoming sailings, visit MargaritavilleAtSea.com. For details and tickets to the Ford Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic, visit FordVeteransDayClassic.com.