margaritaville at sea travel requirements

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Margaritaville at Sea

Introducing a new way to sail.

Margaritaville at Sea is an exciting new cruise line currently featuring two ships, the Islander and the Paradise. The Paradise is currently sailing and the Islander is scheduled to make its inaugural voyage in June 2024. 

The Margaritaville at Sea Islander is the newest flagship resort-at-sea perfectly designed to transport cruisers on a fun-soaked escape to an island state of mind. Sailing June 2024 from Port of Tampa Bay, Florida to Key West and Mexico on 4- and 5-night cruise itineraries. 

The Margaritaville at Sea Paradise is your easy escape for a Bahamas getaway where there’s always a party in the makin’. Kick back in comfort with live entertainment and performances, drinks by the pool, games of chance at the casino, and delicious food – always ready when you are. Sailing from the Port of Palm Beach, Florida to Freeport, Grand Bahama Island on 2- and 3-night itineraries. 

Visit Margaritaville at Sea

The Margaritaville at Sea Islander

The Margaritaville at Sea Islander is filled with entirely new ways to play the day away, plus your favorite Margaritaville dining and entertainment experiences among 12 newly designed passenger decks. With 12 dining venues, 13 bars and lounges, St. Somewhere Spa, Fins Up! Fitness Center, an all-new Margaritaville Casino, live music enclaves, all ages lounge and arcade, four distinct outdoor pool zones, and more, exploring the Islander will become an adventure all its own.

The Margaritaville at Sea Paradise

The Margaritaville at Sea Paradise is your easy-breezy resort at sea, with visual accents that inspire adventure. The ship’s inviting atmosphere is filled with music, lights, island-inspired sculptures, artwork, and more. Lovers of non-stop entertainment can enjoy the Margaritaville Casino, Stars on the Water Theater, and various nightclubs while wellness-enthusiasts can stop by the St. Somewhere Spa & Salon or Fins Up! Fitness Center. With pools, a retail store, and so much more, there’s something for everyone.

To me, the only thing better than being on a beach by the ocean, is to be on the ocean. Now you can follow in our wake..."

-Jimmy Buffett

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Explore pricing and book your margaritaville at sea adventure, visit margaritaville at sea website.

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Honest margaritaville at sea cruise review: the 3-day cruise from florida to bahamas.

• November 22, 2022
• By Christina Jane

Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville is a well-known hospitality brand, extending its presence around and beyond the United States. In April 2022, Margaritaville launched its Margaritaville At Sea cruise line, allowing guests to sail from the Port of Palm Beach, Florida to Grand Bahama Island.

With booking rates as low as $189/person before taxes and fees, the cruise offers what is, for many, an affordable tropical getaway for a few days. 

I hopped on the Margaritaville At Sea cruise in June for a firsthand experience of what the 3-day, 2-night cruise ship offers. This blog post will tell you everything you need to know about the Margaritaville At Sea experience and what you can expect onboard. 

Table of Contents

Booking A Margaritaville At Sea Cruise 

The cruise line’s website provides an easy-to-navigate, great overview of the cruise ship and clear instructions on how to book a cruise. Depending on how many people you’ll be traveling with while booking , you will select the number of staterooms and individuals you want to register for the cruise. You can book a maximum of 4 individuals into one stateroom. You’ll enter the general details (name, birthdate, phone number, and zip code) of each individual, enter your payment card information, and you are all set to sail! 

What is the cost of the Margaritaville At Sea Cruise? 

The cost of the cruise can be a bit tricky because the advertised price will not be your final total due to a series of taxes, fees, and add-ons throughout the cruise. The starting price will vary depending on what day of the week you choose to sail. Sundays – Wednesdays are $40 cheaper than the usual $229-374 price advertised on Fridays and Saturdays. If you want to save some coins, sailing on a weekday will be your best bet. The cruise line always offers promotions on their website, so prices constantly change.

What is included in the price?

The price paid when booking covers the following:

• A room on the cruise ship 
• Round-trip ocean transportation 
• Meals at the specified dining facilities onboard 
• Onboard live entertainment 
• Supervised kid programs 

What is not included in the price?

There are additional costs per person that you will be automatically responsible for by the end of your cruise. These include:

• Valet parking at the port ($22/day for a total of $44 if sailing for two nights and three days)
• Fuel charge of $12 per day (total of $24)
• Gratuities of $14.95 per night (total of $29.90)
• Grand Bahama Island excursions 
• Dining at specialty restaurants offered onboard 
• Photographs 
• Bar beverages

Add A Package to Your Cruise Option 

Margaritaville At Sea cruise offers a variety of packages guests can add to their getaway before sailing or upon arrival at the Port if they haven’t sold out. The three specialty packages give sailors different options like express check-in, dinner at the on-ship steakhouse, wine tasting, and other add-ons that make the vacation even more special. 

The cruise line’s drink packages include the following: 

• Unlimited Soda Package | $24.78* (includes souvenir cup)
• Boat Drinks Packages (10 drinks) | $99* (Retail value $120)
• No Feathers Non-Alcoholic Package | $89.67*

*Please note, an 18% service charge will be automatically applied to all drink packages, bar purchases, specialty dining, and Spa & Salon tabs. 

Preparing to Sail: What Documents to Bring 

Required Documentation:

• U.S. Citizens : Passport books or cards are preferred by the cruise line and must be valid for at least six months from the return date of sailing. While passports are strongly encouraged, you can sail to the Bahamas with Margaritaville without one! Non-U.S. citizen passport holders must provide an original or certified U.S. birth certificate with a valid U.S. driver’s license.

• Non-U.S. Citizens : Bring a valid home-country passport and visa, if required. Those who purchase a Cruise & Stay package are required to have a passport and a completed Bahamas Travel Health Visa before sailing. 

The Margaritaville At Sea website will have all of the most updated information regarding the required documentation to sail. 

COVID Testing Requirements

Vaccinated guests: Must provide a negative test result no more than 3 days before sailing (antigen, PCR or NAAT). Antigen testing is offered at the port for $45 if vaccinated guests can’t get one before boarding the cruise ship. 

Unvaccinated guests: Must provide a negative PCR or NAAT test result, taken no less than 2 days prior to sail date, and be tested ($45 antigen) at the port before embarkation. If your embarkation day is on Saturday, you’ll want to get tested on Thursday. 

I will say that I had unvaccinated members in my party, and they were not tested upon arrival at the port. 

What to Bring on Your Cruise 

Here is a list of things to bring on your cruise with Margaritaville At Sea besides your clothes and must-haves:

• COVID Vaccination Card (if applicable)
• Passport, Driver’s License, and Birth Certificate 
• COVID Testing Results (electronic versions allowed)
• Carry-on-sized bag (to avoid taking up so much space in the room)
• Small bag to bring on your excursion 

Staterooms and Suites Available 

The Margaritaville At Sea cruise ship has 658 staterooms and three different types of rooms available. 

• The Interior Staterooms (Starting at $189)
• The Oceanview Staterooms (Starting at $219)
• The Grad Terrace Suites (Starting at $819) 

I opted for the interior stateroom, considered the most basic option of the three. At 176 square feet, the interior stateroom isn’t the largest room but still managed to impress me with the amenities and features offered in a room its size. 

A Look Inside the Interior Stateroom 

Margaritaville At Sea Cruise Sailing Itinerary 

Margaritaville At Sea’s 3-day and 2-night cruise to the Grand Bahama Island has a general itinerary it follows:  

On the first day of sailing, passengers boarded the cruise ship from the Port of Palm Beach from 1 pm – 4 pm and began sailing to the Bahamas. You are free and, of course, limited to exploring the amenities on the ship before having a good night of rest or a long night of partying on the upper decks with the DJ! 

The ship arrives at Grand Bahama Island, where passengers can offboard the ship to embark on an excursion for a few hours before returning on the ship to head back to the Port of Palm Beach.  

You will wake up in Palm Beach, Florida, around 7:00 am, pack up your belongings, and go through customs to enter the United States. 

Arriving at the Port of Palm Beach: Embarkation Process 

The cruise line will send an address to the port in the confirmation email you should have received. Once you get to the dock, an operator in a gate booth will give you a slip explaining how to navigate to where the cruise ship is in the area. 

Valet parking is offered, and the rate is $22/day to park your car for the duration of the trip. This is the only parking available, so if you want to save some coins, be sure to get dropped off if you can and picked up on the day of return! 

We waited in line with some other passengers to check in and were expedited as staff members had iPads to make the process run quickly. Once inside the port’s building, we went through a monitor/TSA-like system and dropped off our luggage and bags to be placed in front of our doors. 

Taking the escalators upstairs to the official check-in counters, where our passports, vaccination cards, and COVID test results were reviewed. You will also be given your room keys (one per person in a suite). During this step, you are asked for a card that will be charged at disembarkation once you have returned back from the Bahamas. 

Before boarding the ship, you will pass several booths. You will have the option to book an excursion, a spa service, take a picture, and set your dinner reservations for the night. The representatives at each booth are extremely helpful and will ensure that you understand the details involved in each service. 

After the booths, you are instructed to watch a quick 5-minute cruise safety video giving tips and the “dos and don’ts” of cruising. 

Is food included in Margaritaville At Sea Cruise?

The Margaritaville At Sea cruise offers a variety of dining options on the ship. The Port of Indecision Buffet and Fin’s Dining are included in the cruise fare, while other options incur additional costs and are considered specialty dining. I’ll list the options below, but I will say I feel that the cruise ship could have had more Bahamian food options. 

Port of Indecision Buffet

This casual buffet serves an unlimited variety of foods you can load up on during the specified dining hours. In the morning, the buffet serves almost every American breakfast food you can imagine, and in the afternoon until 5 pm, you can expect to find different lunch foods. 

Fin’s Dining 

Fin’s Dining is the only other dining option that is included in the cruise fare and is the cruise line’s main dining room. The vibe in Fin’s is more upscale, and you’ll want to have a nice dinner outfit to match the ambiance. The menu for both of the days can be found online. 

Frank and Lola’s Pizzeria

The authentic Italian pizzeria has made its way onto the Margaritaville At Sea cruise ship and offers guests pizza and salad. Stay and dine in at the sectioned-off restaurant or carry out to your room. 

5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill

Located on Deck 10, known as the entertainment deck of the ship, this bar is nothing but high-energy and big smiles. I passed the bar a few times on my way, and the drinks didn’t stop coming! 

JWB Prime Steakhouse 

The JWB Prime Steakhouse is an upscale restaurant serving fine steak and exquisite menu options on the ship. Passengers dining at this restaurant usually dress up in their finest dinner attire and enjoy all it has to offer. 

Margaritaville Coffee Shop

Here you can grab a chai latte or a muffin before heading to your excursion at the coffee shop. To the right of the shop is an array of tasty gelato flavors to choose from for dessert! 

Additional Charges for Drinks 

Please note that glasses of water and juice are offered for free at the Port of Indecision Buffet. At Fin’s Dining, anything besides water is an additional charge at around $2. 

Bars and Lounges 

Margaritaville At Sea has 5 bars and lounges for passengers to enjoy on their cruise! Sway to the beats of live musicians and DJs that are hosted throughout the days on board in the Oasis Room, or head to the License to Chill Bar for a signature cocktail. 

Entertainment & Recreation Onboard 

Upon embarking on the cruise ship, we were given an itinerary with a detailed list of the time and locations of entertainment activities that would take place on board. The itinerary was very helpful for informing us on where to go for activities and restaurants and was a great touch by the cruise line. 

Themed Parties 

The crew hosts different themed parties every night once everyone is aboard the ship and you’re headed to the Bahamas and back. 

Bingo that is hosted on the ship! You do pay for a bingo card, but they were giving away another cruise when we were on, so it may be worth playing. 

Tales from Margaritaville Show

A 45-minute show performed nightly. I honestly found this to be super corny and ended up leaving the show early, but you may have the time of your life! Different musicians and actors offer other musical shows throughout the ship. 

Pools and Jacuzzis 

The ship has two pools: one for all ages and one for adults. I was very disappointed with the pools, as they were barely filled with water and did not even go up to our knees. The jacuzzis looked nice but were also preoccupied as only two jacuzzis were on the entire ship. I hope to see improvement in this area, as I feel like it did kill the vibe.

Fitness Center/Gym 

Working out is possible while aboard the cruise ship at the on-site fitness center located on one of the upper decks. While the gym is compact, I was pretty impressed with the fitness center’s equipment and recommend bringing workout clothes just in case you’re up for a workout session while on vacation.

Spa & Salon 

Book a massage, facial, or hair service to relax and unwind at the spa and salon. 

Casino 

If you’re up to placing bets and playing some games, stop by the casino and try your hand at Blackjack or Roulette! 

What Can I Shop for Onboard? 

The ship has plenty of shops to browse or purchase things to take home. From photo shops to duty-free stores, you’ll be met with plenty of options if you’re looking to buy something to take home on your trip. 

Is WiFi Available on the Margaritaville At Sea ship? 

WiFi is available on the Margaritaville At Sea Cruise, but it is at an additional rate of $25 per device for the duration of the cruise. We did purchase WiFi for a few devices and found that it did not work in our stateroom but instead in the hallway directly outside of our room door and around the cruise ship. For this reason, I don’t really recommend purchasing WiFi because it can be a hit or miss. I personally chose to unplug for the trip and did not have WiFi. We did mention that the WiFi was not that great during checkout and received full refunds for both of the devices. 

What is there to do for kids on the Margaritaville At Sea Cruise?

  Besides the pool, the Margaritaville At Sea cruise has Kid’s Clubs for children up to age 17. There is a group for ages 3-6, 7-12, and a Teen’s Club for ages 13-17. The clubs are free from 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm, but otherwise, are an additional fee that depends on whether or not you pay for one day or both days. 

The itinerary of the three clubs can be found here . 

Grand Bahama Island Excursions

The Margaritaville At Sea Cruise sails to the Grand Bahama Island on the second day from 8 am – 4 pm, where there are a variety of excursions you can do while on the island for the day. Unfortunately, due to the limited time of the cruise, you can only do one excursion. Here are the excursions offered: 

 Swimming with the Pigs and Beach Day

Swim with pigs at the beach, then spend the day enjoying the waves. 

 Dolphin Close Encounter

A 7 to 10 minute interaction with dolphins and chance to observe wildlife from the bird patio. 

 Dolphin Swim

Swim with dolphins for 20 to 25 minutes. 

 City Tour + Market Place

Hop on a bus and get taken around the island to local spots and at the end get off the bus for a visit to the marketplace and lunch. 

 Brewery Tour and Shopping Area + Grand Lucaya Beach

Take a tour of a local brewery then end the day at the beach. 

 Snorkeling Adventure 

  grand lucayan resort day pass  w day pass,  taino beach resort day pass.

Day passes to the resorts include access to the resorts, lazy rvers, pools, jacuszzis, volleyball, watersports, and more. 

Swimming with the Pigs Excursion 

On the Margaritaville cruise, if you don’t choose to do an excursion once the ship docks at the Grand Bahama island for the day, you will stay on the boat doing nothing or watching music shows. To avoid this, I opted in for the Swimming with Pigs excursion. 

Every excursion starts early, around 8:00 am – 9:15 am, so you’ll want to ensure you are up bright and early because tickets for excursions are non-refundable! The cruise offers towels (be sure to take at least two of them if you are heading to the beach). You’ll meet in the lounge, grab towels, then be organized into a line to board a bus leading to the excursion. 

The Bus Ride 

The ride to Crystal Beach, where our excursion was being hosted, was about 45 minutes from Freeport Harbor, where the ship docked. On the way to the beach, a tour guide joined our double-decker bus and gave a narrated tour of the island as we drove through. It was very informative. We learned that Hurricane Dorian in 2019 left a lot of the island damaged, and COVID has only made things worse for many businesses, causing them to close. The bus does not go into the city but west along the island’s coast to bring us to the pigs. According to the guide, there are 700 islands in the Bahamas and a population of 55,000. There is also a low crime rate due to everyone knowing each other! 

The Excursion

Upon arrival at Crystal Beach, everyone was given wristbands, and we had about an hour of laying around, taking pictures, securing our beach chairs, etc., before the excursion began. Organized into four single file lines, the tour operator gave us instructions on how to handle the pigs in the water, how to lure them in our direction with apples, and the overall dos and donts to have the best experience. 

The pigs were a lot larger than any of us expected! There had to be about 50 of us from the cruise doing the excursion. It was a great time, but the human-to-pig ratio was a bit much, and it was a “race” to really interact with the pigs before someone else was getting in your way to try to get their interaction. Imagine people screaming, pigs so big they are almost knocking people over, losing your balance, etc. It was crazy at times but a fun experience. I wouldn’t do it again just because of the number of people there, but I’m glad I got it done! Also the experience is more “feeding the pics, than swimming with the pigs.” The pigs are they only ones doing the swimming really, as the rest of us are trying to get their attention with the apples. 

The rest of the day was spent on the beach relaxing. There isn’t much to do on the beach besides lay around and play volleyball after the pigs. I recommend bringing a book or something to keep you preoccupied. The only way to leave the beach after the excursion is via taxi, which can be expensive, so you are stuck there for about 5-6 hours. Surprisingly the time went by fast, and it was very relaxing. 

Food  of the Excursion

Food is not included in the excursion, but there is a shack on the beach that serves cheeseburgers, nachos, and other snack foods. I ordered a basic cheeseburger, but it was delicious! I was happier with the food from the shack than on the cruise ship. 

Cost  of the Excursion

This excursion was $99 per person. Was the price worth it? No, the excursion was supposed to be for 45 minutes, but I would say we only spent about 20 minutes with the pigs. That would have been a good amount of time if there weren’t so many people competing for their attention all at once! 

Onboarding the Ship 

The bus took us back to the ship, where we were met with fruit punch and cookies, which I thought was a nice touch. Overall, it was a great day in the Bahamas! I recommend getting an excursion to get the most out of your experience on the ship. 

Cruise and Stay Option: Extended Stay in the Bahamas 

The cruise and stay option is an opportunity to extend your trip in the Grand Bahama Island. Instead of just one day on the island, you will have 4-6 nights to enjoy an all-inclusive resort. The two resorts to choose from are the Grand Lucayan Resort and Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach . You don’t only get an excursion but get to enjoy the luxuries of the resorts for a few days. 

Disembarking the Cruise

  After the excursion and everyone have boarded the ship, the sailing back to Palm Beach begins, and on the third day, you arrive around 8 am. Shortly after this time, the cruise is supposed to allow guests to begin disembarking the ship, but that is not what happened. Due to an influx of passengers trying to leave the ship immediately upon docking at the port, staff members were blocking off the pathway to the doors, which caused a major delay in leaving by 3 hours. 

I went to ask a staff member what the hold-up was, and it was due to customs being backed up. The staff member assured me that there would be an announcement made once passengers could proceed with disembarking the ship, but that announcement never came, so we were sitting in our room waiting until we went to check ourselves. 

Your final bill is charged to the card you gave when you were boarding the ship originally, so there is no having to check out with a representative, which helped the process to go by faster.

You do have to go through customs when coming back into the U.S. since you left the country, but besides the long line, that was a breeze. 

Costs With Added Fees and Purchases 

 The selling point of the Margaritaville cruise is its low cost in comparison to other cruises. The original cost was $300, but after my excursion, buying some small things around the ship like water bottles and ice cream, my final cost was $454,68. With the way the cruise is set up, you are bound to spend more than your booking fee, so plan accordingly! 

Here is my spending breakdown: 

• $300 Booking fee (Keep in mind I was booking with three other individuals)
• $14.95 x 2 = $29.90 Gratuities charge 
• $12 x 2 = $24 Fuel Charge 
• $99.00 – 10% discount = 89.10 Grand Bahama Island excursion
• $3.54 Bottles of water 
• $8.14 Ice Cream 

As you can see, while the “cheap” price point of the Margaritaville cruise may seem like an affordable cruise line option at face value, the additional costs and onboard cruise expenses you accrue, which we will cover in the rest of this blog post, can make or break whether or not the cruise is worth it or not for you. 

Cons of the Margaritaville At Sea Cruise

• Certain fees like the fuel charge should have been included during booking in my opinion and part of the booking fee. I wasn’t a fan of how fuel and gratuities were added at the end. Other fees were added during booking, so it made no sense to me why others would not be included.
• Water bottles were sold at $1, which did not break the bank, but I feel that at least 2 bottles/person should have been included in the room. 
• Soda is not included in dining at Fin’s Dining, and I felt like it should have been. Again, it’s only $2, but it feels like this is yet another way for the cruise line to make a quick dollar. 
• The activities on the ship were not that exciting. This was my first cruise, and if I was basing all cruises on this one, I would honestly never return. For the price, a lot of things made sense, but besides live music and bingo, more could have been offered. 
• The pools had very little water.  I covered this earlier in this review, but I have to mention it again because what!?

Final Thoughts on the Cruise 

The Margaritaville At Sea Cruise is a great quick getaway if you don’t have the time to embark on a 7-day long vacation, but overall I would not go again. For the price you may end up paying by the end of your cruise, you could have booked one with a major cruise line and gotten a better experience. 

Now that you have all of the ins and out of what to expect on the Margaritaville At Sea Cruise, tell me, does this sound like an adventure you’d take? If you’ve been on the cruise already, share with me what you enjoyed and what you think could be improved!  

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I’m Christina, a travel blogger and content creator from Fort Myers, Florida.

Being Christina Jane is my way of inviting you to join me on my travel ventures by sharing the knowledge gained from my adventures and experiences— both good and bad.

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Margaritaville at Sea! Everything About the New Buffett-Themed Cruise Line

Margaritaville at Sea — if you’re familiar with Jimmy Buffett and the plentiful endeavors from restaurants to resorts that bear the Margaritaville name (and at this point, who isn’t?) — then you might have a good idea of what to expect.

The name in this case applies to the Buffett-centric cruise line sailing from Florida to The Bahamas that made its debut in May 2022. For those who love the water and are fans of the “beachy” lifestyle associated with the singer, then the cruise line may be an option compared to the larger mass-market lines.

But there’s lots to know about Margaritaville at Sea, as it is very different in some ways than the cruise lines you might be more familiar with. Here’s what to know…

One Itinerary Offered, With 2-Night Cruises to Grand Bahama Island

Perhaps most unique about Margaritaville is the itinerary.

Look at the options for a typical cruise line and what’s offered can be overwhelming. That’s not the case with Margaritaville at Sea. For now, the cruise line only offers two-night trips over the Grand Bahama. Cruises depart every other day.

So you’ll board in Palm Beach, cruise out in the early evening and dock in The Bahamas the next day. After that, you cruise back to Florida.

Want a longer stay? The cruise line also offers “Cruise & Stay” packages. So you sail over, spend either four or six nights at a hotel on the island (Grand Lucayan or Wyndham Fortuna Beach) and then sail back after your stay.

But if you were planning on a classic cruise for 7-nights hitting all sorts of Caribbean ports, that’s not the case… at least as of now.

Margaritaville at Seas Sails From Palm Beach

When it comes to cruising, Florida is king. Ports like Miami, Port Canaveral, and Port Everglades see millions of passengers each year. Margaritaville at Sea, however, sails from the Port of Palm Beach, about 45 miles north of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.

That’s a bit of a double-edged sword. On the plus side, as the only cruise line serving the port, it can make it easy to navigate versus the larger and busier cruise ports around the rest of the state. In other words, if you want to just hit the port and get on the ship, it’s easy to do.

On the downside, if you don’t live in Florida, then it’s a little harder to make your way to the ship. Major airports like Miami and Fort Lauderdale are a considerable distance for anyone thinking of flying in.

As You’d Expect, There’s a Major Buffett Theme

There shouldn’t be much doubt given the name, but Margaritaville at Sea is completely Buffett themed.

The onboard production show — “Tales from Margaritaville: Jimmy’s Ship Show” — was written and produced by Jimmy Buffett. A blue and gold macaw parrot is painted at the front of the ship, along with slogans like “Where it’s always 5 o’clock” and “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes.”

Venues onboard include the Port of Indecision Buffett, St. Somewhere Spa and Stars on the Water Theater.

Even the decks have Buffett-inspired names like Changes in Attitude, Flip Flop, License to Chill, and Banana Wind.

Anyone can have a good time on the ship, but Parrotheads might be in heaven.

Margaritaville at Sea Was Formerly Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line

Starting an entirely new cruise line is a major endeavor. In this case, Margaritaville didn’t start from scratch. Instead, it took over the former Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line.

Bahamas Paradise ran a similar itinerary but offered two ships before the pandemic impacted business. It was well known for being a heavily discounted cruise line, offering sailings for under $100 per person for the least expensive cabins.

Margaritaville at Sea, which began sailing in May 2022, offers still affordable rates, but is priced somewhat higher. Cruises start at $169 per person.

The Ship Was Recently Transformed to “Paradise”

When still known as Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, the ship was known as Grand Classica. Now the ship has been transformed into Margaritaville at Sea Paradise after a refurbishment.

With 658 staterooms and 14 decks, the older ship wouldn’t be confused for today’s enormous cruise ships, but still has plenty to offer. The refurbishment not only put in place new dining/bar venues on the ship, but also renovated staterooms to follow with the Buffett style that passengers would expect.

Perhaps the biggest and boldest change was the paint job done on the ship’s hull, complete with palm trees, parrots, and an iconic touch of teal accent color that sets the ship apart from anything else sailing.

It’s a Full Cruise Experience

With a two-night cruise sailing on a smaller ship, you might think that Margaritaville could skimp on the cruise experience. After all, how much can you reasonably do in just a couple of nights?

That’s not the case. Everything you’d expect onboard any other cruise ship is also found here. From kid’s clubs to the casino, from the dining room to the buffet, from the spa to production shows… it’s all on Margaritaville at Sea.

Sure, it might not be on the size and scale of what you’ll find on a new mega-ship, but you won’t skimp on the experience even though it’s a short cruise.

Gratuities Run $14.95 Per Person, Per Day and 18% on Drinks

Of course, gratuities are a fact of life on a cruise ship, including Margaritaville.

The cruise line charges $14.95 per person, per night for most cabins. So on a two-night cruise, a couple sailing would pay about $60 in gratuities. Guests staying in one of the suites onboard will see a charge of $19.95 per person, per night.

There is also an 18% service charge on things like bar drinks, specialty dining, and spa services. So a $12 cocktail would actually run you $14.16.

Drink Packages and Wi-Fi Are Available

Want to have a few margaritas onboard? It seems only appropriate.

In that case, the cruise line offers a “Boat Drinks” package. This is the cruise line’s drink package, but it works a little differently than what you might be used to seeing. In this case, for $99 you get 10 coupons to redeem for alcoholic drinks. Essentially it’s getting your beverages for $10 per glass, a discount off the regular price.

If you want to stay connected back home, then you can also order the “Coconut Telegraph” Internet package. This runs $25 per device for the entire cruise, or $12.50 per night.

A number of other package and perks are also available, including priority check-in deals, photo packages, and the “License to Chill” offer that includes just about everything from VIP seating to specialty dining, express check-in and more.

The Booking Age for a Cruise is 18 Years Old (Not 21!)

In the U.S., major cruise lines typically have a 21 year old minimum age for unaccompanied sailings. That’s not the case for Margaritaville at Sea. It offers sailing for those 18 years and older. (If you select one of the Cruise & Stay packages, then the age requirement is 21.)

So if you just graduated high school and want to take a cruise to celebrate, then Margaritaville might be your ticket.

Adults Can Sail Unvaccinated (If Recently Recovered)

At least for now, pretty much every cruise line requires passengers 12 and older to be vaccinated. And in fact, Margaritaville at Sea also requires most people on the ship to be vaccinated. According to the website:

“Guests who are unable or unwilling to show proof of vaccination or proof of recovery documentation, will be denied boarding.”

But if you have recently recovered from the virus, then the rules are relaxed. If you provide a positive test result from an official test that’s between 10 and 90 days before the departure date, then the cruise line will let you sail without further testing or vaccination required.

(Note that these sorts of rules can change, so double check before you sail.)

Bottom Line on Margaritaville at Sea

For anyone that’s a fan of Jimmy Buffett, you have definitely found your cruise line. But you don’t have to be the world’s biggest Parrothead to enjoy what the new line offers. Affordable and quick trips with the full cruise experience give you the opportunity to take a cruise without taking much time off or spending a fortune.

For those people that don’t have to have the biggest and newest on their cruise, but instead enjoy sailing for the atmosphere and the relaxation that comes with being on the ship, it could be ideal.

Just know that there are some definitely unique features of the cruise line that set it apart from anything else out there.

You can learn more about the cruise line at MargaritavilleAtSea.com .

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Your stateroom onboard the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise is a private retreat packed with the best amenities for your quick and easy getaway. Relax and unwind with queen-sized beds, open seating areas, and in-room dining to fuel all your adventures. Choose the perfect stateroom or suite for the ultimate cruise vacation, and start dreaming of paradise.

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Lounge stylishly in these comfortable and cozy interior staterooms. Economical without sacrificing quality, this accommodation is an incredible value and serves as a perfect base for a most memorable cruise experience.

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Enjoy scenic ocean views along with extra lounge space, chic décor, and an ultra-comfy layout. Wake up to relaxing sunrises over the water or count the stars in the night sky right from the comfort of your room. This is one of our most popular staterooms for a reason.

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A perfect blend of comfort and style, the exclusive Junior Suites provide plenty of space to stretch out and unwind with wide-open views from two large windows. With a pull-out sofa bed, multiple desks and ample closet space, these suites are an idyllic landing spot.

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Available on deck 10 | max occupancy 4 guests.

There’s no better way to cruise to paradise. These impressive staterooms with a balcony provide the perfect private getaway. Enjoy a host of premium amenities, including a queen bed, pull-out sofa bed, scenic balcony, shower, large jetted tub and more.

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Palm trees and parrots abound: What it's like on Margaritaville at Sea's new cruise ship

• The line's new ship, Islander, has 13 bars and lounges.
• The ship got a Margaritaville makeover, with parrots and palm trees abounding.
• The vibes are good, with excitement on board even during the short preview cruise.

The door to my cabin had barely closed behind me when I saw the first margarita of my Margaritaville at Sea cruise. Or the recipe for one, at least.

On a shelf, “Margaritaville: The Cookbook: Relaxed Recipes for a Taste of Paradise” was opened to a recipe for “Jimmy’s Perfect Margarita.” Suddenly, a refreshment sounded quite good.

Luckily, I was in the right place aboard the line’s new ship, Margaritaville at Sea Islander , which has 13 bars and lounges. What better way to set my proverbial watch to “Islander time”? (“Welcome to Islander time” is an official greeting on board).

I spent two nights aboard the 2,650-passenger vessel ahead of its first official sailing for the line on Friday. Here’s what stood out to me.

Jimmy Buffett is everywhere

As the man behind the Margaritaville empire , I expected some Jimmy Buffett references on board. But I was struck by how the line leaned in. 

Buffett’s novel, “A Salty Piece of Land,” was on the coffee table in my Signature Grand Suite, and a sign on the wall displayed the lyrics to his song, “Lovely Cruise.” The words, “I’m sorry it’s ended, it’s sad but it’s true / Honey, it’s been a lovely cruise,” seem even more poignant following his death in 2023 .

Elsewhere the nods were less subtle, with multiple flip-flop art pieces featuring the musician’s face and two Jimmy Buffett concerts listed on the ship’s schedule during the first day alone.

The brand’s appeal goes beyond his fans, however. Margaritaville at Sea CEO Christopher Ivy said the line tries to celebrate the ethos the singer represented (he even recently interacted with a guest who didn’t know who Buffett was).

“It's become much more broad, and we try to bring that through,” he said during a media briefing on board. “So, if you're a fan, great, but the catalog and the lifestyle behind it, we try to really make resonate.”

But even as a casual Buffett listener – don’t come for me, Parrotheads – I enjoyed the effect like he was our honorary co-captain.

What should I pack for a cruise?: Here are 5 essential items to bring

The ship got a Margaritaville makeover

Islander is new to Margaritaville, but it’s not new. The vessel, which previously sailed as Costa Atlantica, was originally launched in 2000.

The ship was renovated before relaunching as Islander this month, and the line blended updates with retro remnants of its former life. Ivy said there “are really no areas of the vessel that didn't have an extensive reimagining.”

Parrots and palm trees abound, from illustrations on the ship’s exterior to wallpaper in the halls, and a giant flip-flop anchors the ship’s soaring atrium (this proved a popular photo spot on my sailing). As the cruise director put it on stage one night, “We worship the flip flop here on board.”

On the landings between staircases, signs read, “Where it’s always 5 o’clock,” accompanied by images of clocks set to that time.

The ship generally looks good for its age, but some parts appeared well-worn. I noticed tarnished handles on multiple doors in my cabin, for instance. A striking set of transparent stairs connecting the Port of Indecision Buffet to the JWB Prime Steakhouse – allowing guests to see seven decks down beneath their feet – was also marred by scratches and scuff marks.

The inside of my suite generally looked clean and modern. The sinks were spotless and the lighted mirrors looked straight out of a new-build apartment.

The vibes are good

In addition to its bars and lounges, with 12 eateries and three pool areas – all doused in the sunny Margaritaville aesthetic – Islander felt like a vessel for fun (pun intended).

Even during the short preview cruise, there was excitement on board. Guests milled about and chatted at the Flip Flop Atrium bar to the soundtrack of a violin cover of Dua Lipa’s “Dance the Night.” During the country-themed “Conky Tonkin’ at Sea” show, aerial dancing was met with raucous applause and cheers, and mini-golf in the Dis and Dat Activity Zone was packed with adults and kids.

The Ultimate Beverage Chill package, which includes drinks like beer, wine by the glass, cocktails, soda, mocktails and more, costs $59.99 per person, per night. There is also an Unlimited Soda Package available for $10 per night, per guest.

The ship will sail four and five-night itineraries round-trip from Tampa, Florida to destinations like Key West and Cozumel, Mexico, before launching longer six and seven-night cruises in 2025. Prices vary by sailing date and stateroom category, but a four-night cruise departing July 26 currently starts at $349 per person . Fares include most meals, live entertainment and more.

Margaritaville at Sea CMO Amanda Travaglini said the brand aims to communicate a simple message.

“It really boils down to, I want people to look at what we do and very simply say, ‘That looks like a heck of a lot of fun, and I need to be there.’”

The reporter on this story received access to this event from Margaritaville at Sea. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

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Margaritaville at Sea Just Announced a New Ship With 12 Restaurants and a 3-story Poolside Bar

Meet the Margaritaville at Sea Islander.

Courtesy of Margaritaville

Margaritaville at Sea is expanding with a new ship, longer itineraries, and a brand-new presence in the Gulf of Mexico.

The cruise line, which first launched last year with two-night cruises to Grand Bahama, will unveil its second ship in 2024, the Margaritaville at Sea Islander. But they’re not stopping there: the new ship will also lengthen Margaritaville at Sea’s itineraries with four- and five-night cruises in the Gulf of Mexico with stops in Key West, Florida; Cozumel, Mexico; and Progreso, Mexico.

“Since we launched our first ship, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise , last year, we’ve been working to expand what our guests have been asking for: more amazing views, longer itineraries, and new ports of call,” Christopher Ivy, the CEO of Margaritaville at Sea, said in a statement shared with Travel + Leisure . “The addition of the Islander is an exciting moment for Margaritaville at Sea and marks the next chapter of growth for our business.” 

The new 2,650-passenger ship will launch on June 14, 2024, and add Tampa, Florida, as a brand-new homeport for the company. The cruise line currently sails its Bahamas itineraries out of Palm Beach, Florida.

In addition to 1,100 new staterooms, a 14-story nautical-themed atrium, cornhole and mini-golf courses, and plenty of lively bars and restaurants, the new ship will feature the longest itineraries Margaritaville at Sea has ever sailed. 

While the company announced last month it would add new three-night weekend getaways to the Bahamas for 2024 (complete with new programming for the full day at sea), the new four- and five-night cruises represent a significant expansion. The company told T+L its first Gulf of Mexico trip will take place over four nights and include a stop in Cozumel as well as two sea days. 

During their time on board the Margaritaville at Sea Islander , cruisers will have access to 12 passenger decks with 12 restaurants and 13 lounges, a three-story poolside LandShark Bar at Sea, and the kid-friendly Caribbean Amphibian Splash and Slide.

For travelers who want to cruise all the time, Margaritaville at Sea offers several unlimited pass options, like the “ Ultimate Paradise Pass ,” which gets travelers as many $999 cruises as they want. The line also offers a new “ Heroes Pass ” for U.S. military service members — both active duty and veterans — police, fire, EMS personnel, and teachers, starting at less than $300.

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Margaritaville at Sea just doubled in size by welcoming a new ship

Margaritaville at Sea's new ship, Islander, officially set sail on its first voyage from Tampa on Tuesday. So far, it's doing a great job of catering to Parrotheads with plenty of tropical decor, including a giant flip-flop photo backdrop in the atrium, two dining rooms with giant palm trees in the middle and renovated cabins that feel more like you're renting someone's beach house than taking up residence on a ship.

Until now, the line, a partnership between Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville brand and the former Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, has only sailed from the Port of Palm Beach, Florida. Since 2022, it has exclusively offered two-night voyages on its first ship, the 1,680-passenger Paradise, to Freeport in the Bahamas .

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

With the addition of Islander, Margaritaville at Sea has increased its capacity by 160% and will now also serve Florida's west coast cruise market with regular four- and five-night departures to Key West and the Mexican Riviera from the Port of Tampa Bay.

Islander originally debuted in 2000 and sailed for Costa Cruises for more than two decades under the name Costa Atlantica. The vessel shared a ship design with Carnival Cruise Line 's Spirit Class . For that reason, Islander is likely to feel familiar to some cruisers.

I walked on board and immediately fell in love with the delightful mix of tropical Margaritaville vibes and remnants of designs by Joe Farcus, the architect and interior designer responsible for more than three decades of quirky decor on ships under the Carnival Corp. umbrella.

Under its new moniker, the 24-year-old, 2,650-passenger vessel was refurbished to include the first three-deck poolside LandShark bar, a tropical-themed atrium and cabins, and an adults-only pool and tiki bar. These updates make for colorful, lively fun that's synonymous with the Margaritaville name. Passengers can also look forward to 12 eateries and more than a dozen bars that serve a variety of cocktails.

The line's first ship debut had some hiccups . Stay tuned for more TPG coverage to see how Islander's first sailing compares and what you can expect from the new vessel.

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Margaritaville at Sea Islander Sets Sail On Maiden Voyage

The newly designed Margaritaville at Sea Islander set sail on her inaugural voyage, departing from Port Tampa Bay and heading to Cozumel, Mexico, on a four-night journey. The ship features 12 passenger decks and can accommodate up to 2,650 passengers, offering new dining, entertainment, and destinations.

The ship was christened by Godmother Savannah Buffett, Jimmy Buffett’s daughter, who said, “Bubbles up, cheers to many a lovely cruise” during the ceremony.

“We’re thrilled to kick off the summer by giving guests the opportunity to experience the Margaritaville state of mind on the open ocean like never before,” said Christopher Ivy, CEO of Margaritaville at Sea. “The Islander offers an entirely new way to float into island time, providing couples, families, and friends an unforgettable journey with new spaces and experiences to explore, making the voyage just as enjoyable as the destinations.”

The Islander will sail four- and five-night cruises to Key West and Mexico, and in 2025, it will add Belize, Jamaica, and Grand Cayman to its itinerary.

DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT HIGHLIGHTS

The Islander features a range of dining and entertainment options, including six new dining concepts and 11 bars and lounges.

• LandShark Bar at Sea is a three-story bar with unbeatable 360-degree ocean views.
• JWB Prime Steakhouse.
• Cheeseburger in Paradise.
• Far Side of the World Sushi Bar: A sushi bar serving innovative creations and favorites.
• Mexican Cutie Cantina: A complimentary concept where guests can customize their tacos or breakfast burritos.
• Island Eats: An adults-only seafood shack serving ocean bar bites.
• The Flip Flop Atrium: A lounge serving signature cocktails and libations.
• Hot, Hot, Hot Night Club: A two-story nightclub for dancing.
• Bubbles Up Lounge and Champagne Bar: A unique space serving bubbly and upscale wines.

ENTERTAINMENT HIGHLIGHTS

The ship features two new live production shows and two theme nights, offering a range of entertainment options. Conky Tonkin’ at Sea is a country-themed musical journey with a mix of contemporary and classic country favorites, while Caribbean Heat Remix is a high-energy show featuring dance, acrobatics, and music celebrating the Caribbean. In addition to the live shows, the Islander offers two themed experiences: Boots and Bubbles, where guests can dress to impress, and Rock the Trop, a fun and lively event.

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

• Caribbean Amphibian Play Pad & Slide: a waterslide and splash area for kids.
• Dis and Dat Activity Zone: a mini-golf and cornhole hybrid game
• Defying Gravity Experience: circus-themed workshops, game shows, and scavenger hunts

Head to the Margaritaville at Sea website to book your cruise today!

Will you be sailing aboard Margaritaville at Sea Islander? Let us know in the comments!

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Margaritaville at Sea docks new cruise ship at Port Tampa Bay

R eady for "Island Time?" The latest cruise ship setting sail from Port Tampa Bay, Margaritaville at Sea Islander, has docked ahead of its maiden voyage. 

While the Islander was built in the early 2000s, the cruise line says the ship has gotten a complete makeover. 10 Tampa Bay is getting an inside look at the newly "reimagined" ship so be sure to check back for updates after our live walkthrough of the cruise.

Margaritaville at Sea Islander docked Monday morning at Port Tampa Bay after sailing from a shipyard in Ireland where it got its facelift. The maiden voyage of the newly refurbished cruise ship takes place on June 14 when the Islander will disembark for a four-night journey from port with a stop in Cozumel, Mexico. 

As of Monday, there are rooms available for the June 14 maiden voyage, starting at $399 per person. You can find more info here . 

Once up and running, the Islander will also host four, five, six and seven-night cruises with stops in Key West, Cozumel, Mexico, Progreso, Mexico, Belize, Jamaica and the Grand Cayman. 

The cruise line says the 12-passenger deck ship houses more than 1,100 staterooms equipped to host 2,650 "adventure-seeking" passengers. The rooms are complete with all new furnishings and fixtures complete with iconic Margaritaville's flair. The balconies will be spacious, and the rooms will have large walk-in showers and premium furnishings, among other amenities, according to a news release.

The styling of its six “ultra-luxury” signature suites will draw inspiration from Jimmy Buffett’s iconic music catalog including songs “Come Monday” and “Everlasting Moon," the release said. 

To promote the new cruise ship, Margaritaville at Sea is offering a 50-percent discount on most of its cruises right now. Additionally, kids sail free on select cruises. A four-night cruise is currently running between $249 and $299 per person. You can find more information on cruise prices and packages by clicking or tapping here . 

Margaritaville at Sea also offers up island time vibes for free all year for U.S. military members, first responders and teachers through its "Heroes Sail Free, Heroes Sail First," cruise packages. 

Margaritaville at Sea cruises could be a boon for Tampa's tourism economy

The islander, a jimmy buffett-inspired ship, will set sail from port tampa bay starting friday. officials call it an exciting way to lure tourists to the region. .

A cruise ship that brings the island spirit of the late singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett is now calling Port Tampa Bay home.

Starting with a maiden voyage Friday, the Margaritaville at Sea Islander will sail year-round from Tampa.

The ship, which accommodates 2,650 guests, will offer four- and five-night trips that include stops in Key West and Mexico. Six- and limited edition seven-night trips will be offered in 2025.

Christopher Ivy, the CEO of Margaritaville at Sea cruise lines, said adding Tampa as a homeport is an exciting moment.

“Since we launched our first ship, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, last year, we’ve been working to expand what our guests have been asking for: more amazing views, longer itineraries and new ports of call,” Ivy said.

The Margaritaville at Sea Paradise sails out of Palm Beach.

Amanda Travaglini, the company’s chief marketing officer, said choosing Tampa was easy.

“We started scouting for a secondary port location, and Tampa is just such an incredible opportunity. It reaches so many people within Central Florida,” Travaglini said. “I know what a tremendous community it is and how much growth that there has been, with spectacular amenities that we could bring our guests to come and experience.”

The impact on Tampa-area businesses

At an event for media and travel agents Tuesday, Port Tampa Bay officials welcomed the Margaritaville at Sea Islander.

Wade Elliott, the port's senior vice president of marketing and business development, said the ship will not only have a positive impact for travelers, but for Tampa Bay business as well.

“If you look at each one of these ships, when it makes a port call in Tampa, it generates over $360,000 worth of impact,” Elliott said. “It’s a great boost to the region, to the hotels, restaurants and bars, the airlines that deliver passengers, so it really has repercussions above and beyond just the passengers.”

Elliott said cruise ships like the Islander hook travelers and may make them visit Tampa again.

“What we found is more and more people who come to Tampa just to take a cruise, then they’re blown away by everything that’s going on down here, so they come back later, and maybe they’ll just have a vacation,” Elliott said. “They’ll visit the parks and the beaches and spend time downtown, take the trolley to Ybor and enjoy Tampa.”

Port Tampa Bay is the homeport for eight ships from five different cruise lines.

A way to honor service providers

The company has a special offer for U.S. military service members - both active duty and veterans - as well as police, firefighters, EMS personnel, nurses and teachers with its “ Heroes Sail Free, Heroes Sail First ” program.

Qualifying guests are able to sail free with a paying guest and have access to priority boarding and complimentary welcome drinks, Travaglini said.

“There’s so many amazing teachers and there’s so many active and veteran military here in the area,” Travaglini said. “We really wanted to celebrate the community here in Tampa as well so we made it extra special for the launch of the Islander.”

Elliott said the program is a great opportunity for service providers in the Tampa Bay area.

“It’s fantastic that they’re giving back and recognizing these heroes who walk amongst us and to really sort of contribute and to give them an opportunity to enjoy time with their families and stuff,” Elliott said. “(It’s) very innovative, and I really think they’re setting the bar to get the recognition of the most important service providers.”

And for people who just think of overserved Jimmy Buffett fans when they hear “Margaritaville,” Travaglini said the cruise is meant for all ages.

“It really is something a lot of people ask us. ‘Well, is it for adults?’ Because it’s Margaritaville, and it’s like no, Margaritaville really is about a state of mind,” Travaglini said. “It’s a lifestyle, it's really more about the place you want to go and have a great vacation.”

Elliott added that the Islander will be the perfect addition to the Tampa Bay area.

“This is just such an innovative and marquee brand for Tampa Bay to be associated with, and it gives us another important flavor of ice cream in our ice cream store when people come to look to go on vacation.”