Margaritaville at Sea

Margaritaville at Sea launched in 2022, when the Palm Beach-based operator formerly known as Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line rebranded under a license from Margaritaville, the lifestyle brand built on Jimmy Buffett’s music. The first ship, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, took over the line’s quick Bahamas getaways from the Port of Palm Beach.

The fleet is small and made up of refitted secondhand ships. Paradise, originally built in the early 1990s for Costa, sails short cruises from Palm Beach to Grand Bahama, with longer options adding Nassau and Key West. Margaritaville at Sea Islander, the former Costa Atlantica, joined in 2024 and sails from Tampa to Cozumel, Progreso and Key West, with longer itineraries reaching further into the Caribbean. A third and larger ship, Beachcomber, the former Costa Fortuna, is scheduled to begin sailing from PortMiami in early 2027.

Because voyages are short and close to Florida, many guests drive to the port for a long-weekend escape rather than flying in. Itineraries of two to five nights are the norm, so the line competes more with a beach-resort weekend than with a week-long vacation.

The mood is casual, sunny and sociable, with Buffett tunes, tropical cocktails and a feel more like a beach bar than a resort. Guests are mostly from Florida and the Southeast: couples, friend groups, Parrotheads (Buffett fans) and some families. Dress is relaxed, with island shirts and flip-flops the unofficial uniform, and there are no formal nights. Ships are mid-size and older, carrying roughly 1,600 to 2,100 guests on Paradise and Islander, so facilities are simpler than on big-brand ships. Expect a lively pool deck, live music and themed parties, with quieter corners if you look for them.

Included options on Islander are themed after Margaritaville favorites, such as Cheeseburger in Paradise, Frank and Lola’s Pizzeria, the Port of Indecision buffet and a coffee shop, plus a main dining room. Specialty restaurants carry a charge and include JWB Prime Steakhouse, Far Side Sushi and Rita’s Taco House. Paradise has a smaller lineup in the same spirit. Food is casual comfort fare.

Live music, Buffett-inspired tribute sets, pool parties, trivia and themed nights are at the heart of the entertainment. Each ship has a casino and evening shows on a modest scale, plus several island-themed bars. Pickleball and deck games fill sea days on Islander.

Kids are welcome, and the ships offer a kids club and family activities, but programs are basic compared with Disney, Royal Caribbean or Carnival. Short getaways can draw more adult groups than families.

Cabins reflect the ships’ age: functional interiors, ocean views and a limited number of balconies and suites, refreshed with Margaritaville-style decor. Islander, a former Spirit-class ship, has a higher share of balcony cabins than Paradise.

Drinks are extra, with beverage packages available. Margaritas, frozen cocktails and cold beer are the signature orders. Water, coffee and tea are included in dining venues.

A daily gratuity per guest is added to your onboard account automatically, and a service charge applies to bar purchases. Check the current rate before you sail.