Margaritaville at Sea is great for:
- Travelers who want to save money
- Young adults
- Anyone looking to party
Margaritaville at Sea might not be great for:
- Those looking for a romantic or peaceful vacation
- Travelers who want to sail on modern, high-tech ships
Ever wanted to sit back, relax with a drink in hand, and enjoy the Caribbean?
Well, a recent poll at Famvia says that 100% of cruise lovers answered “yes” to that. Let me also tell you that Margaritaville at Sea might become your new favorite friend, especially if you’re looking to save some money on your next vacation.
Margaritaville at Sea is very similar to Carnival Cruise Line, with a few interesting differences. The best part? It offers some amazing budget cruises, with 2-night sailings starting as low as $160, and even some deals that can bring that price down to just $100. It's a fantastic value, especially if you're a college student who just wants to party with friends. Yes, the vibe onboard is super chill and relaxed, but you’ll also find a lot of multigenerational families, especially young adults traveling with their parents and grandparents.
Guess what? We at Famvia can help you book your next vacation with Margaritaville at Sea! Just click that Request a Quote button and let’s chat. Contacting us is completely free, and even better, you won’t pay anything extra when you book a cruise through our services. We can help with ships, restaurants, itineraries, and so much more!
So, we know that Margaritaville offers some really affordable vacations, but what sets it apart from Carnival? For one, this is a cruise line that only sails to the Caribbean. They currently have only two ships, with a new one scheduled to launch in 2026, and they sail exclusively out of Florida. When it comes to entertainment, their ships are a little on the modest side. Sure, you’ve got pools and waterslides, but don’t expect to find a roller coaster or an F1 simulator onboard. What you will find are sail away parties, lots of drinks, and a laid-back beach vibe, perfect if all you wanna do is have some fun.
They’ve got a main dining room, a free buffet, and a few snack stands where you can grab a quick bite. There are even spots that specialize in cheeseburgers and pizza… and honestly, what’s better than a good burger in the middle of the Caribbean? In fact, many guests say Margaritaville at Sea serves up some of the best pizza across all cruise lines, even better than what you’ll find on MSC Cruises. There are also specialty restaurants, including a sushi bar and a steakhouse (that one costs about $55 per guest).
By now, you probably have a good idea of what Margaritaville at Sea is all about. It’s a great cruise for anyone looking to have fun and save a few hundred bucks in the process. The staff is friendly, the vibe is super casual, and it’s a great way to check out places like Belize, Cozumel, and Nassau. This isn’t the cruise line for those seeking a peaceful or romantic getaway, but young adults and families will still find plenty to enjoy.
Margaritaville at Sea Reviews
The Good
Amazing Prices: Margaritaville at Sea offers some of the best rates among all cruise lines. As a true budget cruise option, you can often save even more than you would with lines like Carnival, Costa, or MSC Cruises. Prices start at just $160 for a 2-night Bahamas cruise, and 4-night sailings can go for as low as $210. That’s an incredible deal, especially if parties, tropical destinations, and good drinks are at the top of your wish list.
Let's paaaaarty: The vibe onboard is all about having fun. There are drinks everywhere, people in flip-flops, and good times all around. Young adults and college students will definitely feel right at home, but it’s not unusual to see older guests joining the fun too. There is a dress code onboard, and Margaritaville asks guests to dress up a little in the evenings, but nothing too fancy. Just think smart-casual, and you’re good to go.
Caribbean & a nice tan: If you want to visit the Caribbean and save money, Margaritaville at Sea is a solid choice. Whether it’s the Western or Eastern Caribbean, Nassau, Cozumel, or even a stop in Key West, this cruise line is all about exploring some of the world’s best beaches without breaking the bank.
Pizza: Oh, did I mention they serve some of the best pizza across all cruise lines? If you’ve got great pizza onboard, then you deserve a spot in “The Good” section.
The Bad
Older Ships: Do not go on Margaritaville expecting a modern ship with hundreds of pools, Broadway-style shows, or flight simulators. Their ships were originally built in 1991 and 2000, and both were bought from Costa before receiving complete overhauls. The design is old-school, and the same goes for the onboard entertainment and the limited buffet options. For the price, it gets the job done. Just keep in mind that this is not a mega-resort at sea or a luxurious cruise experience.
It can get pretty loud: Much like Carnival Cruise Line, Margaritaville is geared toward guests who want to party and enjoy a few drinks. It is not the best choice if you are looking for a romantic cruise to the Caribbean or hoping for a peaceful getaway. There are other options that cost more but can still offer a romantic atmosphere, like Norwegian Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean.
How Much is a Cruise on Margaritaville at Sea?
Great News! Cruising with Margaritaville is not expensive at all. In fact, it is one of the most affordable cruise lines out there, offering short 2-night cruises starting at just $160. Even some of their 7-night itineraries are very budget-friendly, like a Belize and Mexico cruise that goes for around $450.
To put things in perspective, a 7-night cruise on Icon of the Seas, the biggest cruise ship in the world, costs about $1300.
Here is a sneak peek at some of their prices. Keep in mind that rates can change often, but this should give you a good estimate. Prices are per guest:
- 2-Night Grand Bahama Getaway: $160
- 4-Night Key West & Grand Bahama: $215
- 5-Night Mexico Duo: $360
- 7-Night Belize & Mexico: $450
- 10-Night Aruba, Curacao & Caribbean: $890
Margaritaville at Sea Cruise Packages
Margaritaville at Sea offers several cruise packages designed to enhance your experience. These range from options that include perks like free Wi-Fi and priority boarding to classic drink and dining packages. Here are a few examples:
- Faster Chill Package ($129 per stateroom): Start your vacation sooner with express check-in, priority luggage delivery, and Wi-Fi access for two devices.
- Paradise Ultimate License To Chill ($499 per guest): Exclusive to the Paradise ship, this package includes cocktails, fine dining, spa credit, Wi-Fi, and VIP perks.
- Margaritaville at Sea Drink Package ($64.99 per person, per night): Exclusive to the Islander cruise ship. Save up to 75 percent when you pre-purchase this package and enjoy beer, wine, Boat Drinks, and more every day of your cruise. The package includes up to 15 drinks per day.
There are also drink packages, dining packages, and more. Prices may vary depending on the ship. You can always contact us for a full breakdown of the available options, and count on us to help you choose the best one for your trip.
What is included in your Margaritaville at Sea fare?
Your cruise fare includes:
- Stateroom
- Main Dining Room, buffet and snack bars
- Some drinks (drip coffee, juices, filtered water, and tea)
- Live Shows
- Fitness Center
- Kids Club
What is NOT included in your Margaritaville at Sea fare?
Here we list what is not included in your cruise fare and costs extra:
- Gratuities
- Specialty Restaurants
- Wi-Fi
- Casino
- Drinks (soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, specialty coffee, etc)
- Shore Excursions
- Spa
Margaritaville at Sea Fleet and Destinations
Margaritavilla at Sea has three ships in their fleet, with one of them launching in 2026:
- Paradise (originally built in 1991)
- Islander (originally built in 2000)
- Beachcomber (available 2026)
Both Paradise and Islander originally belonged to Costa Cruises. Paradise was refurbished in May 2022, while Islander joined the fleet two years later in May 2024. The ships are older in terms of design, which is noticeable in the size of their atriums and some of the staterooms.
Still, the multi-million dollar refurbishments did a great job of modernizing both ships. They now feature a strong beach aesthetic, with palm trees in the atriums, giant flip-flops scattered throughout, and nautical themes that fit perfectly with the Caribbean vibe.
Their ships each have three swimming pools, including one exclusively for adults, along with a few small waterslides. You will also find game shows, karaoke, bingo, and a casino on both ships. The entertainment is modest, but it gets the job done, especially when you consider the price point.
Margaritaville at Sea Destinations
Margaritaville at Sea sails exclusively in the Caribbean, and includes stops at Key West and Mexico. Here are their main destinations:
- Grand Bahama Island
- Nassau
- Key West
- Cozumel
- Progreso
- Costa Maya
- Western Caribbean (Jamaica, Belize, Grand Cayman…)
- Southern Caribbean (Aruba, Curaçao…)
Margaritaville at Sea Home Ports
Margaritaville at Sea sails exclusively from Florida. Paradise departs from the Port of Palm Beach, while Islander sails out of Port Tampa Bay.
Is Margaritaville at Sea for You?
By now, you probably have a good idea whether Margaritaville at Sea is the right fit for you. This is a cruise line for travelers who are not seeking luxury and are fine with more limited food and entertainment options. Remember, the price should help set your expectations. You won’t pay $200 for a phone and expect the new iPhone.
That does not mean this is a bad cruise line. Far from it. For those who want to party and just have a great time, it absolutely gets the job done. It is a fun and affordable way for people who have not cruised in a while to explore the Caribbean, and it is perfect for college students and young adults who want to reunite with friends and party in places like Cozumel or Nassau. The beach vibes set the tone here. You are not coming for luxury. You are coming to relax and enjoy life.
So, if you love cheeseburgers, pizza, a good margarita, and live music with your friends, Margaritaville at Sea is the place to be. Multigenerational families also have a great time onboard, from teenagers all the way up to grandparents. Funny enough, young children aren’t very common, even though there is a Kids Club and swimming pools with waterslides.
Margaritaville at Sea might not be the best fit if you’re looking for a romantic or peaceful getaway. Remember, this is mostly a party cruise, so don’t expect quiet once the ship leaves Florida… or even while it’s still anchored.
Margaritaville at Sea Activities
The activities onboard Margaritaville at Sea are exactly what you would expect from a party-focused cruise. It is similar to what Carnival Cruise Line offers, but on a smaller scale. The ships have three swimming pools and a waterslide, though they are fairly modest in size. There are live shows that are colorful, energetic, and feature talented dancers, but they are not on the same level as the Broadway-style productions you would find on Royal Caribbean.
You can expect a sail away party, a DJ spinning tunes on deck most of the time, and the popular White Hot Neon Nights, where everyone dresses in white and dances the night away. There are also game shows, karaoke, bingo, a casino, and even a meet and greet with their mascot - a giant parrot whose name, honestly, I forgot. Kids can enjoy the pools, and there is also a fun Kids Club included in your fare, available for children ages three and up.
What you will not find is a mega-resort experience. There is no giant waterpark, no roller coasters, bumper cars, or ice rinks. If you care more about party vibes than over-the-top entertainment, then you will have a good time here.
Why book Margaritaville at Sea with us?
Here at Famvia, we are cruise experts. We work with dozens of different cruise lines, from popular names like Royal Caribbean to luxurious brands like Explora Journeys. We also specialize in lesser-known cruise lines like Margaritaville at Sea, and we know their ships and itineraries like the back of our hands.
Finding the right destination and stateroom for you and your family can be challenging, and that is where we come in. We have dedicated travel advisors that specialize in Margaritaville at Sea cruises and can help you find the perfect voyage tailored to your preferences. Plus, we often have access to exclusive offers and pricing not available to the general public.
Just click the Request a Quote button to get in touch. Our personalized planning services are completely free, and we look forward to crafting an unforgettable journey just for you.
Margaritaville at Sea Additional Info
The most important requirement is your ID, so do not forget to bring it. We always recommend that guests travel with their passports, as it is the safest option and also makes the check-in process much faster.
Passports should have at least six months of validity remaining. It's important that the name on your reservation matches exactly with what appears on your passport or other official proof of nationality.
Gratuities
Gratuities of $20,00 per person, per night for staterooms and $24,00 per person, per night for suites are automatically added to your stateroom account during the voyage. Unlike some other cruise lines, you cannot opt out of paying gratuities.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is not included in your base fare. Basic Wi-Fi, which is suitable for browsing the internet and sending messages, costs $20.99 per day, per device. Premium Wi-Fi, which allows streaming, costs $24.99 per day, per device.
Dress Code
The dress code is resort casual, but Margaritaville at Sea asks guests to dress up a bit more in the evenings. Dinner and evening attire is considered casual chic, with proper clothing required in select restaurants. This includes collared shirts, blouses, pants, dresses, and skirts.
Tank tops and swimsuits are not permitted in the dining areas at any time.
Laundry
There are no self-service laundry machines on Margaritaville at Sea cruise ships. However, you can send individual items to the ship’s laundry for an additional fee.
Carry-on Drink Policy
Margaritaville at Sea does not allow guests to bring outside food, alcoholic beverages, or non-alcoholic beverages on board.
Margaritaville at Sea Loyalty Program
Margaritaville at Sea has a loyalty program called the Players Club, and it is a bit different from what you might be used to on other cruise lines. This is a casino loyalty club, meaning you earn more perks the more you play in the onboard casino.
Guests move through four levels - Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each tier unlocks increasing benefits, including complimentary cruises, a free specialty restaurant, and spa credits.
For more information and a full list of perks, make sure to visit this link.
Book your dream vacation with Margaritaville at Sea!
Now that you know a lot about Margaritaville at Sea… why not learn even more!? Yeah, our guides do not end here. We have guides about almost anything you can think of. How about the room options onboard? Or the list of restaurants you can find there? We have those too. Wait, now you want to know about the specific pH levels of the swimming pools during June on a rainy night? We don't have that guide yet, but don't tempt us!
Feel free to message us anytime for the best deals, more information about room options, activities, or anything else you need. Until the next one!
