There is a new Cruise line in town - or at least a new cruise experience, and this one builds on a popular brand: Margaritaville.  Let’s look at the brand, the ship, and talk about why we’re so interested in this new venture.

In December it was announced that the 1,680 passenger Bahamas Paradise, of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Lines, would be re-fitted, re-branded, and would take the Margaritaville resort experience offshore as the Margaritaville at Seas Paradise.  Guests can enjoy two-night getaways at sea, leaving from the Port of Palm Beach, with a day spent in The Bahamas,  before returning to the realities of the mainland.

From the cruise line:

Margaritaville at Sea is an all-new vacation destination bringing together the brand’s iconic hospitality and resort experiences with the ability to escape and see the world. The brand’s flagship vessel, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, features onboard dining venues, pools, entertainment programming, retail stores, a St. Somewhere Spa, Fins Up! Fitness Center, casino, theater, and more. 

The Brand

Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, inspired by a man who embodies relaxing on his terms, is a series of restaurants, hotels, and casinos operating in multiple countries.  They attract couples and families alike looking for a tropical escape (even inland), a cheeseburger, a beer, or now, even a cruise.

Some popular brands that fall under their umbrella include Cheeseburger in Paradise, Landshark Bar & Grill, and Air Margaritaville (located in airports).  These names and concepts lend themselves well to a cruise ship, which is in a way, a floating city that might just have all of these places.  

The Ship ‘Margaritaville at Sea’

When the ship first sails in late April, she’ll have come out of a lengthy refurbishment to bring elements of the famous Margaritaville brand to the seas.  In her previous life, the 53,000 GT vessel (small by modern standards, but nothing to shake a stick at) sailed as the Costa Classica (and then neoClassica), and the Bahamas Paradise.

You won’t find ice-skating rinks, panoramic theaters, or massive and opulent suites, but she seems well equipped for a short getaway.

Amenities

• JWB Prime Steak & Seafood

• Fins Dining Room

• 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar and Grill

• Frank and Lola’s Pizzeria

• Port of Indecision Buffet

• Margaritaville Coffee & Pastry Shop

• Euphoria Lounge

• Sunset Bar

• The Hangout Bar

• Par-A-Dice Casino

• Stars on the Water Theater

• Various nightclubs

• Multiple pools

• St. Somewhere Spa

• Fins Up! Fitness Center 

The Facts

• Built in 1991 with major dry dock/refurbishment in 2014, & 2021/2022

• Gross Registered Tonnage: (GRT) 52,926

• Length: 723.6 feet

• Breadth: 99.9 feet

• Speed: 20.0 Knots

• Passenger Capacity: (max) 1,680

• Crew Capacity: (max) 590

• 658 Staterooms

  • 10 Terrace Suites (505.9 sq ft)

  • 2 Junior Suites (333.5 sq ft) 

  • 430 Ocean View (152 sq ft) 

  • 216 Inside (148 sq ft)

This Might Actually Matter

Maybe I’m jaded because I write about cruise ships that tout wild features and can cost over one billion dollars, but I don’t generally have a lot of excitement or high hopes for these short Bahamas sailings.  Many cruise fanatics express similar sentiment, yet I confess that I’ve never been on a cruise like this.  That will change.

The difference I see with Margaritaville at Sea, compared to past ventures like those offered by this same vessel, is that there is now a brand identity.  Bahamas Paradise may have offered a lovely experience before, but it was hard to convince myself to spend time and money on an unknown, and I’m probably not alone.  I’ve never stayed at a Margaritaville resort, but I’m familiar with the brand - both recreationally, and while finding that no other options were available while waiting for my flight at the Cancun Airport.  Brand identity offers expectations.  

Personally, that is enough to get me to try something new - and I’m sure the line hopes that holds true for others as well.  Maybe they’ll attract locals wanting a weekend away, or maybe tourists not wanting to commit to a longer and pricier more “conventional” cruise.  Either way, it could be exciting.

I look forward to finding out, and I’m booked on their very first cruise on April 30th.  On that trip I’ll be documenting the experience, beginning to end, both here on CruiseHabit.com and on our YouTube channel, so be sure to subscribe and follow along.