Welcome to the 2026 Buffalo Football Legends Cruise. We are sailing on May 10 - 17, 2026 on the Celebrity Beyond out of Miami, Florida. The cruise itinerary includes private events throughout the week with your fellow Bills Mafia members, Sal Capaccio from WGR550 and this year's Buffalo Football Legends, along with an amazing itinerary through the Eastern Caribbean on the Celebrity Beyond, one of the newest Edge Series ships in the Celebrity fleet.Enjoy a mix of meet and greets, autographs and photo sessions, panel interviews, parties, dining events, and a variety of player/fan activities and competitions onboard.
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Participate in a once in a lifetime opportunity to help Thurman Thomas and his family celebrate his 60th birthday!​
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Brought to you by Sojourn Travel Advisors
YOUR HOST
Sal Capaccio - Event Host
We are honored to have Sal Capaccio as our Event Host. Sal will be moderating many of the events onboard the ship, including our player panel interviews, player introductions, and our special 60th birthday event for Thurman Thomas.
As he always says, "I'm just a kid from Cheektowaga living a dream.” A proud Western New Yorker, Sal Capaccio has turned a lifelong passion for Buffalo sports into a successful broadcasting career. He graduated from Cleveland Hill High School in 1991 and is a member of the school’s Hall of Fame. He went on to attend Syracuse University, where he was deeply involved in sports and music broadcasting at WJPZ (Z89), known as “The Greatest Media Classroom” in the country.
His first professional role came at WENG, a small radio station in Englewood, Florida, where he hosted a sports talk show and covered high school football. He later transitioned into education and coaching, teaching social studies and coaching football and track & field at Lemon Bay High School.
In 2011, he returned to Western New York to follow his true dream — covering Buffalo sports on the radio. Since 2014, he has served as the sideline reporter for the Buffalo Bills Radio Network and works as the team’s lead beat reporter and a talk show host for WGR. He also appears as a Buffalo Bills analyst on WIVB-TV (CBS Buffalo) and has done play-by-play for high school and college sports on ESPN+ and Spectrum News.
Outside of work, he’s a devoted husband to his wife, Jana, and a proud father to their son, Max — an avid sports fan in his own right. Together, they love traveling and exploring the world, always with Buffalo sports close to their hearts.
2026 BUFFALO FOOTBALL LEGENDS LINE-UP
Thurman Thomas
Thurman Thomas played college football at Oklahoma State, earning All-American honors. Drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 1988, Thomas played nine seasons with the Bills and one with the Miami Dolphins, becoming a key part of Buffalo’s four consecutive Super Bowl appearances (1990–1993). Known for his versatility, he rushed for 12,074 yards, recorded 4,458 receiving yards, and scored 88 touchdowns. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007. He is also actively involved in commercial construction through his company, 34 Group (co-owned with his wife, Patti), which is contracted to help build the Bills' new Highmark Stadium set to open in 2026. Additionally, Thomas engages in entrepreneurial ventures, including brand endorsements, investments, and community outreach in Buffalo, where he frequently appears in team hype videos and shares insights on the current roster..
Steve Tasker
Steve Tasker is widely regarded as one of the greatest special teams players in history. A high school star in multiple sports, he played college football at Northwestern, earning All-Big Ten honors. Drafted by the Houston Oilers in 1985, he spent most of his 13-year NFL career with the Buffalo Bills, appearing in four consecutive Super Bowls (1990–1993). Known for his relentless special teams play, Tasker earned seven Pro Bowl selections. After retiring, he became a broadcaster for CBS Sports and resides in Orchard Park, New York.
Fred Jackson
Fred Jackson is best known for his nine seasons with the Buffalo Bills from 2006 to 2014. He joined the Buffalo Bills in 2006, spending nine seasons (2006–2014) as a versatile back and fan favorite. Jackson ranks third on the Bills' all-time rushing list with 5,646 yards (fifth-most among undrafted running backs in NFL history), amassing career totals of 1,305 carries for 5,746 yards, 354 receptions for 2,897 yards, and 39 touchdowns. Highlights include his 2009 season (1,062 rushing yards, becoming the first player with 1,000 rushing and 1,000 kickoff return yards) and a career-high 212 rushing yards in one game. Post-retirement, Jackson has worked as a Bills analyst for MSG Western New York, hosted his own show, and remained active in Buffalo community events.
Doug Flutie
Doug Flutie is renowned for his remarkable 21-year career across the NFL, CFL, and USFL and played for the Bills from 1998-2000. Flutie overcame doubts about his size to win the Heisman Trophy in 1984 while at Boston College, where his iconic 48-yard "Hail Mary" pass defeated Miami and cemented his legacy in college football history. After a brief USFL stint, he dominated the CFL for eight seasons, earning six Most Outstanding Player awards, three Grey Cup championships, and being voted the league's greatest player ever. Returning to the NFL, he enjoyed success with the Buffalo Bills (Pro Bowl in 1998). Flutie has since focused on philanthropy through the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, supporting families affected by the disorder in honor of his son.
SPECIAL GUESTS
Del Reid
Del Reid is a passionate community advocate, entrepreneur, and life-long Buffalo Bills fan. Born and raised in Western New York, he is the co-founder of the Bills Mafia movement, and the visionary behind 26 Shirts.  In 2011, along with Breyon Harris and Leslie Wille, he initiated the #BillsMafia movement on Twitter, which has since evolved from a passionate online community of fans into the team’s officially recognized name for the entire fanbase. Bills Mafia has become known not only for its unwavering support of the Buffalo Bills but also for its philanthropic efforts, exemplifying the positive influence of sports fans coming together for a greater purpose. ​ In 2013, Del took his passion for football and his desire to give back to the community to the next level by founding 26 Shirts. This innovative platform combines sports, fashion, and charity by designing limited edition, Buffalo-themed apparel. Each shirt sold donates a portion to a specific beneficiary in need. Del's commitment to making a difference through 26 Shirts has resulted in substantial donations to various charities, helping countless individuals and families facing adversity. To date, 26 Shirts has raised over two million dollars in donations to the community. ​ While he is proud of everything Bills Mafia has accomplished to date, he'll tell you the most important thing in his life is his marriage to his wife, Chrissy, and their two beautiful daughters.
Kenny "Pinto Ron" Johnson
Ken Johnson, better known as "Pinto Ron" is a Buffalo Bills superfan known for attending every single Bills home and away game and hosting a tailgate party from 1994 to 2020, even attending the 2015 Bills–Jaguars game in London. A software engineer by day, Johnson is known for his red Ford Pinto and antics cooking food on his car hood in a variety of objects such as a shovel and army helmet; furthermore, he holds a tradition of being doused in ketchup and mustard. Most notably he served shots out of a bowling ball until he was forced to shut down by the National Football League. Johnson moved his tailgate party to private property next to the stadium where the NFL has no jurisdiction and was able to resume serving bowling ball shots. He has been featured in multiple NFL Films, as well as the made-for-TV movie Second String. His streak of 501 games attended over 26 years ended in September 2020, as the games were played without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021 with fans being allowed to return to games he resumed his Pinto tailgate. On September 19, 2022, Pinto Ron was featured on Monday Night Football.
Therese Forton-Barnes
Fan of the Year 2025 Therese Forton-Barnes grew up in Buffalo, NY, and started going to football games as a little girl with her Dad and brother. She was honored in October as the Fan of the Year 2025 and exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated supporter, bringing enthusiasm and unwavering loyalty to the game, along with her over 40 years of community service and coordination of over 700 events in the Western NY region. Â In addition to her remarkable achievements as a fan, Therese is also the Grand Poobah of the Water Buffalo Club, a community she founded just four years ago. Under her leadership, the club has grown into a vibrant hub for sports aficionados, connecting people through their shared love of the game and creating memorable experiences.
EVENT EXPERIENCE
We will announce our official event agenda shortly before sailing. Your Buffalo Football Legends experience will include a variety of opportunities to engage the players in person, enjoy large organized events like interview panels, meet and greets, autograph and photo sessions, along with smaller player/fan activities and large group "tailgate" style parties for all of our Bills Mafia guests!!!
Mother's Day
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We know it's Mother's Day on our first day of sailing. What better way for Bills Mafia to celebrate all of our mothers! We promise to do something extra special for our moms onboard!!
"Sail Away" Fan Tailgate Party
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Enjoy your first day sailing away with an exclusive Buffalo football themed fan party including music, drinks and dancing. Bring your Bills gear and "tailgate" with your fellow fans - keep an eye out for our Football Legends and Special Guests! Unfortunately no table jumping, but we will get the party started with tailgate style sail away party!!
Meet the Buffalo Football Legends
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Join us for an exclusive Buffalo Football Legends "Meet and Greet" session hosted by Sal Capaccio. This event includes player introductions and an opportunity to meet the players, get pictures and autographs.
Player Panel Interview Sessions
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Enjoy a fun and engaging panel interview with all of the Legends led by Sal Capaccio. Hear first hand about their careers and lives after football. Fans will also have the opportunity for a Q&A's directly with the players.
Bills Mafia Dance Party
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Enjoy a full-on fan party, complete with Buffalo fan themed music, dancing, Bills gear and refreshments. Enjoy some time at sea partying with your fellow fans! We can already hear "Mr. Brightside" echoing across the Caribbean!!
Charity Spotlight Event
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Join an exclusive charity dinner spotlighting player charities and VIP opportunities to share tables with players and special guests. This is a limited capacity event to be announced and offered prior to sailing.
Player/Fan Games and Activities
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You will enjoy opportunities to participate in and watch a variety of player/fan games and activities throughout the week. We will have our ship version of table jumping in the main pool area!
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Special Event - Celebrate Thurman Thomas 60th Birthday
Join us for a special event hosted by Sal Capaccio, celebrating Thurman's 60th birthday, including Patti Thomas and their children.
CELEBRITY BEYOND
Where would you rather be than right here, right now!
Not only will you spend a week with the Buffalo Football Legends Line-up, but you will also experience an amazing Caribbean vacation on one of the newest Celebrity Edge Series ships, the Beyond!
Cruise Itinerary
Enjoy the Eastern Caribbean with three days at sea and three amazing shore stops on one the newest and most amazing Edge Series ships in the Celebrity fleet.
Port Stops
May 10: Miami, Florida - Departs at 4:00 pm
May 11: Day at Sea
May 12: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
May 13: Tortola, BVI
May 14: Philipsburg, St. Maarten
May 15: Day at Sea
May 16: Day at Sea
May 17: Miami, Florida - Arrives at 7:00 am
PRICING
Starting at $2,249 per person (ave $321/night)!
** $2,249 per person includes cruise fare with meals, alcohol, prepaid gratuities, taxes, port fees and Event Registration Fees for Inside Stateroom with double occupancy.
Cruise Fare
We have guaranteed group rates for your cruise that include port fees and taxes, pre-paid gratuities, WiFi, and the Classic Drink Package that includes alcoholic beverages. Cruise fare pricing starts at $1,533 per person for double occupancy. We have a variety of options for you to pick from based on your budget and preferences.
Event Fees
In order to attend all of the Buffalo Football Legends private and exclusive events on the ship, you are required to pay an Event Registration Fee. We are currently extending our special pre-season event fee rate of $716.00 per person due to the miracle win on opening season night in Buffalo.
Payment Plan
We have made it easy for you to pay. We will happily spread your cruise fare total on payments of your choice between now and February 4, 2026. Just make note you're requesting a Payment Plan when you register and we'll set it up for you.
CHARITIES
Giving
We have designated a portion of your Event Registration Fees to go to one of our Players and Special Guests selected charities. Sojourn Travel Advisors will also match donations for each charity by 100%. When you register on the Cruise Booking Website you will select which charity you wish to have this donation given to.
Player Charities
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PUNT Pediatric Cancer Collaborative (Del Reid)
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The American Heart Association (Sal Capaccio)
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Thurman Thomas Family Foundation (Thurman Thomas)
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The Rural Outreach Center (Steve Tasker)
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PUNT Pediatric Cancer Collaborative (Ken Johnson)
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Stitch Buffalo for the Buffalo Zoo (Therese Forton-Barnes)
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Pat Kaleta's HITS Foundation (Fred Jackson)
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Doug Flutie Jr Foundation for Autism (Doug Flutie)
