It’s Monday!
Time to explore a cruise ship or in this case a fleet of ships.
Cruise Ship Monday
Margaritaville at Sea
Margaritaville at Sea describes its ships as “distinctive resorts at sea to transport you to the ultimate island state of mind.” The cruise line has two ships in its fleet–Margaritaville at Sea Islander and Margaritaville at Sea Paradise–let’s look at both today.
Margaritaville at Sea Paradise was initially built for Costa Cruises as Costa Classica in 1991. She sailed for Costa Cruises until 2018 when she was sold to Bahamas Paradise and renamed Grand Classica. In 2021, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line partnered with Margaritaville Resorts & Hotels and rebranded the ship as Margaritaville at Sea Paradise. The vessel which entered service in 2022 sails shorter getaways from the Port of Palm Beach to The Bahamas and Key West.
Margaritaville at Sea Islander was also built for Costa Cruises and debuted as Costa Atlantica in 2000. She was sold to CSSC Carnival Cruise Shipping in late 2019, but never entered service. She was sold to Margaritaville at Sea in 2023 and entered service in 2024. The vessel offers 4- and 5-night alternating cruises from the Port of Tampa to Key West and Mexico.
Entertainment on Paradise features Radio Margaritaville: Live at Sea and Caribbean Heat. Guests can enjoy a sail away party, wine tasting, live music on deck, game shows, bingo, karaoke, and of course a casino for those wanting to test the fates.
Dining included in your cruise fare includes the Port of Indecision Buffet, Fins Dining, Cheeseburger in Paradise Burger Bar, and Frank & Lola’s Pizzeria. Those looking for specialty dining will enjoy Far Side Sushi which is a la carte and the JWB Prime Steakhouse. Those looking for a morning (or afternoon or evening) cappuccino will enjoy the Margaritaville Coffee Shop. Added in 2025 was the popular-on-Islander Hemisphere Dancer Craft Spirits.
Found on the License to Chill deck is the reimagined bar, License to Chill, as well as the St. Somewhere Spa & Salon. Play pickleball, mini golf, listen to live music, enjoy comedians and musicians, or just hang out by a pool.
Margaritaville at Sea Islander has many of the same venues but she also offers the three-story poolside LandShark Bar and Lookout, the Mexican Cutie Cantina, and a Cuban-inspired sports bar and lounge called Havana Daydreamin’. Guests will find signature cocktails in the 14-story Flip Flop Atrium and enjoy relaxing in the aquarium-themed Coral Reef Lounge.
Entertainment includes Caribbean Heat and a country-themed musical show named Conky Tonkin’ at Sea. Islander also features three pools including the LandShark Pool, the 5 O’Clock Somewhere Pool and the adults-only Tiki Pool and Bar.
Both ships offer four complimentary kid’s clubs for kids and teens ages 3 to 17. The Jolly Mon for ages 3-5, the Parakeets Kid’s Club for ages 6-9, the Hang Out for ages 10-12, and the Far Out for ages 13-17. They also both offer the “Heroes Sail Free” program to show appreciation for active duty and former military, first responders, medical professionals, government workers, and educators.
No matter which Margaritaville at Sea ship you choose, be prepared to sit back and relax because you are living on island time and it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere.