Margaritaville at Sea

The Vibe: Laid-Back & Casual-Luxe

The atmosphere on a Margaritaville at Sea cruise is all about relaxing and having fun. It's a casual, party-like environment that attracts a mix of first-time cruisers, couples, and families. You don't have to be a die-hard "Parrothead" (a fan of Jimmy Buffett) to enjoy it; the focus is on a cheerful, carefree tropical escape. There's no formal night, and you can wear shorts almost anywhere on the ship, so the dress code is as relaxed as the itinerary.

The cruise line specializes in short getaways to sunny destinations.

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise sails from the Port of Palm Beach, Florida, offering 2- and 3-night cruises to Freeport, Grand Bahama Island.
Margaritaville at Sea Islander sails from the Port of Tampa Bay, Florida, on 4- and 5-night trips to Key West and Mexico.
When the Beachcomber launches, it will sail from Miami to new destinations, including St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and San Juan on longer itineraries.

The Fleet: A Growing Family

Margaritaville at Sea currently has two ships, with a third on the way. They are refurbished vessels that have been given a complete Margaritaville makeover.

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise: This is the original ship, with a capacity for about 1,680 passengers.
Margaritaville at Sea Islander: The newer, larger ship, with a capacity for about 2,650 passengers.
Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber: Set to launch in 2027, this will be the largest ship in the fleet, with a capacity for over 2,700 guests.

The Cabins: Tropical Comfort

Cabins on Margaritaville at Sea have been updated with a cheerful, tropical decor that includes playful nautical and Buffett-themed touches. Standard accommodations include:

Interior Cabins: No windows, but they offer a cozy and affordable option.
Oceanview Staterooms: Feature a large picture window or porthole.
Suites: There are various suite categories, including Junior Suites with more space and Grand Terrace Suites that offer a large outdoor balcony.

While the cabins have been refreshed, it's worth noting that the older nature of the ships means some bathrooms may not feel as modern as those on newer cruise lines. It's often recommended to bring an extension cord or power strip as outlets can be limited.

What Is Included

Accommodations: Your stateroom.
Food: Meals at the main dining room (Fins Dining) and the buffet (Port of Indecision Buffet).
Drinks: Complimentary drip coffee, tea, filtered water, and juice.
Entertainment: Live music, production shows in the theater, and a variety of daily activities and games.
Kids' Clubs: Supervised youth programs for kids and teens.

What Is NOT Included

Gratuities: A daily service charge is automatically added to your bill.
Alcoholic & Specialty Beverages: All beer, wine, cocktails, soda, specialty coffees, and bottled water cost extra unless you purchase a drink package.
Specialty Dining: Meals at upcharge restaurants like JWB Prime Steakhouse and Far Side Sushi.
Internet Access: Wi-Fi packages are available for a fee.
Shore Excursions: Activities in port.
Spa & Salon Services: Treatments at the St. Somewhere Spa and other salon services.
Casino: Gaming and bingo.

Onboard Activities & Entertainment

The daily schedule on a Margaritaville at Sea cruise is packed with things to do. You'll find a mix of signature Margaritaville experiences and classic cruise fun.

Live Music: Find musicians playing throughout the day in various lounges and on the pool deck.
Production Shows: The theater features vibrant production shows with music, dancing, and acrobatics.
Pools: Both ships have multiple pools and hot tubs. The Islander also features a waterslide and a splash area for kids.
Games & Sports: Enjoy mini-golf, a sports court with pickleball, cornhole, trivia, and game shows.
Nightlife: Head to the nightclub for dancing, enjoy karaoke, or try your luck at the Par-a-Dice Casino.
Spa & Fitness: Relax with a treatment at the St. Somewhere Spa or work out at the Fins Up! Fitness Center.

Pros

Affordable Prices: A great option for a quick, low-cost getaway.
Casual & Fun Vibe: Perfect for those who want to avoid formal nights and just relax.
Unique Theming: The Margaritaville brand provides a fun and cohesive atmosphere that's different from other cruise lines.
Short Itineraries: Ideal for first-time cruisers or for those who just want a quick trip to the Bahamas or Key West.

Cons

Older Ships: While refurbished, the ships can show their age in certain areas, such as the bathrooms and some public spaces.
Extra Costs Add Up: The low base fare can be deceptive, as many amenities like drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities are not included.
Limited Itineraries: The destinations are currently limited to a few ports in the Bahamas and Mexico, though this is changing with the new ship.