One of the newest cruise lines in the industry is Margaritaville at Sea. The Jimmy Buffett-themed cruise line offers a short and tropical escape that’s both affordable and fun.
With sailings out of Florida, including Port of Palm Beach to Grand Bahama Island and longer itineraries from Tampa, this cruise line is known for its laid-back vibes, colorful décor, and budget-friendly pricing.
But is Margaritaville a good cruise line? You might also be wondering exactly what’s included in your cruise fare and whether Margaritaville at Sea is all-inclusive. Additionally, Margaritaville at Sea offers some tempting fares for military members that you won’t find with other cruise lines.
Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about Margaritaville at Sea.
Margaritaville at Sea’s growing fleet
Paradise
- Gross tonnage: ~53,000 GRT
- Capacity: ~1,640 passengers
- Launched in 1991 as Costa Classica, then rebranded in 2022 after joining Margaritaville at Sea
- Sails short 2–3 night itineraries from Port of Palm Beach to Key West, Grand Bahama Island, and Nassau.
Islander
- Gross tonnage: ~85,600 GRT
- Capacity: ~2,650 passengers
- Originally built in 2000 as Costa Atlantica, transferred to Margaritaville, and launched service in June 2024 from Port Tampa Bay
- Operates 4–5 night cruises to Key West and Western Caribbean destinations like Cozumel and Progreso.
Beachcomber
Margaritaville at Sea is set to add a third vessel, the former Costa Fortuna, in late 2026 or early 2027. Once overhauled, it will join the fleet as Beachcomber—becoming their largest ship at approximately 102,500 GRT, with a capacity of around 3,450 passengers.
Is Margaritaville at Sea a good cruise?
It depends on what you’re looking for.
If you’re expecting a luxury cruise or a mega-ship experience, you may be disappointed. But if you want an easy, inexpensive getaway with a fun, beachy atmosphere, this cruise line delivers.
While the Margaritaville at Sea cruise ships are smaller and older than many mainstream ships, they’ve been spruced up with tropical décor and a Jimmy Buffett soundtrack around every corner.
Pros of Margaritaville at Sea:
- Budget-friendly pricing, especially for Florida locals
- A fun, party-style atmosphere
- Short 2-night cruises
Cons of Margaritaville at Sea:
- Smaller ships with limited amenities
- Basic staterooms
- Not a good fit for those expecting upscale or luxury experiences
- Many different add-ons and fees that could increase costs quickly
Reviews are mixed, with one Redditor posting, “I went on it and had a blast. Food was good, crewmembers were all great, and the excursion to Taino beach was great.”
Then others were very negative, with one mentioning, “I had to apologize to my wife for taking her on that cruise.”
Is Margaritaville at Sea all-inclusive?
Not exactly. While your base fare includes accommodations, entertainment, and some meals, you’ll pay extra for drinks, gratuities, specialty dining, and shore excursions.
There are packages available to make it feel more all-inclusive. Packages normally include drink packages, Wi-Fi, specialty dining access, and more. The Paradise and Islander Packages offer different selections and vary in price.
So while Margaritaville at Sea is not truly all-inclusive, you can build in more value by bundling options before you sail.
Can you purchase a Margaritaville at Sea drink package?
We’ll break down the drink packages available, along with individual pricing, to help you make a decision on whether to purchase a package or not.
Ultimate Beverage Chill
- $64.99-$74.99 per night per person (price varies by ship)
- All beers, wines by the glass, cocktails, and specialty drinks (up to $20 each)
- Unlimited soda and 500ml bottled water
- Juices, mocktails, and bottled/canned non-alcoholic beverages
- 25% off the menu price for wine and champagne by the bottle
- Includes up to 15 alcoholic/specialty drinks per day
- Only available for guests 21+ and required for all adults in the same stateroom
- Does not cover bottles of liquor, buckets of beer, room service drinks, or specialty coffee items
Unlimited Soda Package
- $10 per night per person
- Includes a souvenir cup (one per package) and unlimited refills
Margaritaville at Sea drink pricing when purchased individually
- Cocktails: $10–$15 each
- Wine by the glass: ~$13 – $18
- Beer: ~$6.50 – $9.00
- Cider: $9.00
- Seltzers: $9.00
- Bottled water: $3
- Soda: ~$2.75
- Specialty coffees: $3–$5.50
Bottom line: If you plan to enjoy multiple drinks per day, a beverage package offers savings and convenience, but read the fine print carefully.
Do these ships have a casino?
Yes! Margaritaville at Sea cruise ships feature a full casino onboard, with slot machines, table games like blackjack and roulette, and even poker tournaments. It’s a popular spot for night owls and those looking to test their luck at sea.
The casino is only open while the ship is in international waters, so make sure to check the schedule.
Is food included on Margaritaville at Sea?
Yes, food is included, but with limits. Your cruise fare covers meals at select venues such as:
- Fins Dining: Casual, sit-down dining with rotating menus
- Port of Indecision Buffet: A buffet with standard breakfast, lunch, and dinner fare
- Cheeseburger in Paradise Burger Bar: Build-your-own burgers
- Frank & Lola’s Pizzeria: Pizza by the slice or order a whole pizza
- Mexican Cutie Cantina (Islander only): Tacos and burritos
However, there are specialty dining options that come with additional fees, including:
- JWB Prime Steakhouse
- Far Side Sushi
- Margaritaville Coffee Shop
- In-Room Dining
- Island Eats (Islander only)
- Tiki Grill (Islander only)
You can eat well without spending extra, but foodies may want to budget for some add-ons.
Opinions on Margaritaville at Sea’s food are mixed. Some found it surprisingly good, while others described it as average. One review stated, “The food was shockingly good. 100% better than the MSC [cruise] I did in 2022. On par quality-wise [with] Royal Caribbean’s [cruises] I have done, but a bit less quantity.”
However, others found the onboard dining experience to be disappointing. Another review says, “Buffet food was average, similar to a school cafeteria. Edible but not great. Sit-down dinners were better, maybe 6.5/10.”
Do you need a passport for a Margaritaville cruise?
Not always, but it’s highly recommended.
Margaritaville at Sea offers closed-loop cruises that depart and return to the same U.S. port, so U.S. citizens can sail with a government-issued photo ID and an original birth certificate.
However, if you miss the ship in the Bahamas or have an emergency, returning home without a passport can be difficult. So while it’s not required, bringing a passport is the safest option.
Is Margaritaville at Sea kid-friendly?
Surprisingly, yes! While the cruise line has a party vibe that appeals to adults (especially Parrotheads), it’s still a family-friendly environment. Kids are welcome, and the ships include a Parakeets Kid’s Club with supervised activities for ages 3-12. There’s also a small arcade and a pool area that kids can enjoy.
That said, these cruise ships aren’t packed with the kid-centric features you’d find on a Disney or Royal Caribbean ship (like waterparks or rock climbing walls).
Margaritaville at Sea’s “Heroes Sail Free”
Margaritaville at Sea offers exclusive military and first responder benefits, including:
- The Heroes Sail Free program gives verified U.S. military members (active duty, reservists, veterans, and military family members), law enforcement, firefighters, medical personnel (EMTs, paramedics, nurses, physicians), government employees, and educators free cabin fares (two people in an interior stateroom on select sailings)
- 20% discount on retail offers year-round for accommodations or upgrades (on up to four guests)
- Note: Travelers must be verified via GOVX membership and book within available dates (often “we pick” assigned cabins)
For eligible service members or educators, this is one of the most generous travel deals in cruising.
Make sure you read the fine print, as the cruise isn’t totally free. The cruise line states, “Offer does not include taxes, fees, or port expenses assessed per person due at the time of booking.”
The final verdict
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and budget-friendly vacation that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Margaritaville at Sea can be a fun escape.
It’s not fancy or high-end, but it’s unique, festive, and surprisingly good for the price, especially if you manage your expectations.
Perfect for a weekend cruise, bachelor/bachelorette trip, or add-on to a Florida vacation, Margaritaville at Sea delivers good vibes and island flavor without breaking the bank.
While it’s gotten some bad press about being one of the worst cruises, it’s important to do your homework and decide what is best for you and your cruise experience.
