margaritaville paradise cruise line

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Margaritaville at Sea

Introducing a new way to sail.

Margaritaville at Sea is an exciting new cruise line currently featuring two ships, the Islander and the Paradise. The Paradise is currently sailing and the Islander is scheduled to make its inaugural voyage in June 2024. 

The Margaritaville at Sea Islander is the newest flagship resort-at-sea perfectly designed to transport cruisers on a fun-soaked escape to an island state of mind. Sailing June 2024 from Port of Tampa Bay, Florida to Key West and Mexico on 4- and 5-night cruise itineraries. 

The Margaritaville at Sea Paradise is your easy escape for a Bahamas getaway where there’s always a party in the makin’. Kick back in comfort with live entertainment and performances, drinks by the pool, games of chance at the casino, and delicious food – always ready when you are. Sailing from the Port of Palm Beach, Florida to Freeport, Grand Bahama Island on 2- and 3-night itineraries. 

Visit Margaritaville at Sea

The Margaritaville at Sea Islander

The Margaritaville at Sea Islander is filled with entirely new ways to play the day away, plus your favorite Margaritaville dining and entertainment experiences among 12 newly designed passenger decks. With 12 dining venues, 13 bars and lounges, St. Somewhere Spa, Fins Up! Fitness Center, an all-new Margaritaville Casino, live music enclaves, all ages lounge and arcade, four distinct outdoor pool zones, and more, exploring the Islander will become an adventure all its own.

The Margaritaville at Sea Paradise

The Margaritaville at Sea Paradise is your easy-breezy resort at sea, with visual accents that inspire adventure. The ship’s inviting atmosphere is filled with music, lights, island-inspired sculptures, artwork, and more. Lovers of non-stop entertainment can enjoy the Margaritaville Casino, Stars on the Water Theater, and various nightclubs while wellness-enthusiasts can stop by the St. Somewhere Spa & Salon or Fins Up! Fitness Center. With pools, a retail store, and so much more, there’s something for everyone.

To me, the only thing better than being on a beach by the ocean, is to be on the ocean. Now you can follow in our wake..."

-Jimmy Buffett

Staterooms & Suites

Explore pricing and book your margaritaville at sea adventure, visit margaritaville at sea website.

Margaritaville at Sea sets sail on choppy waters: Why you should wait to book a cruise

As I stepped off the gangway and into the atrium for one of Margaritaville at Sea Paradise's first sailings, I saw a massive blue flip-flop sculpture surrounded by a white life buoy, both emblazoned with the name of the cruise line.

I knew going into this cruise that Margaritaville at Sea Paradise was a 30-year-old ship, previously run by Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line , that had received a multimillion-dollar Margaritaville-themed refurbishment. The atrium, though small, with its freshly painted light blue-and-white walls and subtle tropical theming, made the ship feel brand-new.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

As I explored the rest of the ship, my hopes were high that I would return home from my sailing with the recommendation that Margaritaville at Sea was the ideal weekend getaway for both Parrotheads and the not-yet-indoctrinated Jimmy Buffett fans alike.

By the end of my two-night voyage to Grand Bahama Island, however, I realized the best advice I could give to future cruisers is to hold off until the Margaritaville dream has been fully realized.

What I loved

It's hard to complain about a cruise that starts at just over $250 per person (before gratuities and fuel charges). That cost covers your accommodations; meals (aside from specialty dining); select nonalcoholic beverages such as water, coffee and tea; entertainment; and onboard activities.

By the end of my cruise, I had racked up roughly $300 in extra charges for a shore excursion that included a day relaxing at a nearby all-inclusive beach resort, iced coffees, a burger from the 5 o'Clock Somewhere Bar, a souvenir T-shirt and, yes, a few margaritas.

You could keep costs down by cutting back on the add-ons or throw caution to the wind and go all-out. After all, you're on vacation — and at least this vacation doesn't consume too much paid time off.

Related: Parrotheads can soon earn perks on Margaritaville cruises, too

The stateroom

I've never cruised before and wasn't sure what to expect from the staterooms other than assuming I'd feel like a canned sardine. I was relieved to find the cabins were spacious and bright, with crisp white bedding, tropical artwork on the walls and a large porthole that looked out over the ocean.

There was a minifridge, a flat-screen television in the corner, a large closet with plenty of storage drawers, a small seating area near the porthole and a desk with a large mirror. I found more than enough USB ports for one guest, but two or more people trying to charge their devices may get into a few scuffles.

The excursions

When we docked in Freeport, some guests grabbed a taxi to one of the island's public beaches, some stayed on the ship to enjoy an uncrowded pool deck and others, including myself, boarded a shuttle bus for one of the ship's prearranged excursions.

You could swim with dolphins or the famous Bahamian pigs or visit one of two nearby all-inclusive resorts. I paid $99 for a day at the Viva Wyndham Fortuna Resort, which included beach and pool access, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, lunch and use of kayaks, paddleboards and snorkel gear.

Our excursion left the ship around 9:15 a.m. and we had to be back on the bus at 3:15 p.m. to be back at the boat by 4 p.m. All in all, I felt it was a good value for a day on the beach and an escape from the crowds on the ship. The ship never felt too crowded (unless you were standing in line at the bar), but nothing feels as secluded as a long stretch of sandy beach.

The onboard entertainment

Aside from a day spent reading and collecting shells on the beach, the absolute highlight of my cruise was "Tales from Margaritaville: Jimmy's Ship Show," a musical production based on Buffett's bestselling book, "Tales from Margaritaville."

The performers were phenomenal, the musical numbers hit all of Buffett's most popular tunes and audience participation was encouraged. The show even ended with a conga line through the theater. I was such a fan that I watched the show both nights and would do so again were I to sail with Margaritaville in the future.

"Tales from Margaritaville" was certainly the headlining act, but it was far from the only live entertainment on the ship. Both days were packed with live musical acts, dancing, trivia and game shows, family programming and more.

I'm not much of a gambler, but I did walk away with close to $100 from the ship's Par-A-Dice Casino after spending about 10 minutes at the penny slots, so the casino gets a thumbs-up from me.

The food and drink

Aside from the less-than-exciting buffet, which I can only assume is par for the course on most cruise lines , the food on Margaritaville at Sea was delicious and plated with care.

To be fair to the buffet, breakfast was totally acceptable, especially the made-to-order omelets. But after one lunch at the buffet, I knew it would be my last. The food that was meant to be hot was lukewarm at best and the food that was meant to be cold was room temperature.

One night, I had dinner at Fins, the included sit-down restaurant, and on the second night, I ate at the 5 o'Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill.

The fried cauliflower starter and braised short rib entree I ate at Fins were tasty and well cooked. Because it was included, I said yes to dessert and had a creamy, tangy lemon meringue tart.

My $15 burger and fries from the 5 o'Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill were equally delicious and I loved the addition of the shark fin toothpick in my burger. The menu also had nachos and a few other burger and sandwich options, all priced a la carte.

Aside from the buffet or the add-on breakfast at JWB Prime Steakhouse, it was tough to find food and drinks until late afternoon when the lounges, coffee shop and other dining venues opened for the day.

I was told by my steward there was room service, but I never received any information about hours or what was on the menu. I had the lunch that was included as part of my second-day excursion and I was glad I did. When I returned to the ship around 4 p.m., my only choices until dinner were pizza, salad or cupcakes from the coffee shop (or a margarita, I guess).

I'm more of an IPA gal than a cocktail drinker , but I was a big fan of the margaritas (both frozen and on the rocks) on board the ship. The bars were almost always busy, but the bartenders were friendly and fast and the drinks didn't have that "straight out of a bottle of cocktail mix" flavor that makes me shy away from cocktails in the first place.

What I didn't love

The ship is still actively being refurbished.

Though I hadn't sailed on this ship (or any ship) before, I could easily pick out which carpeting, furniture and wall colors were left over from the ship's prior life as Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line's Grand Classica. In fact, painters were actively updating the ship's Euphoria Lounge during my cruise (which I could both see and smell, though no areas were closed due to ongoing work.)

After chatting with other passengers, I learned that the ship is currently only in phase one of a three-phase refurbishment.

Because the inaugural sailing had already been delayed, I assumed that meant the ship would be fully renovated when I stepped on board. Because that wasn't the case, I asked the cruise line's public relations team what the timeline was for completion.

Updates are ongoing, they told me, such as the painting I witnessed during my trip. Here's what's changed in the couple of weeks since my cruise:

• New carpet has been installed in the Euphoria Lounge.
• Smokers were installed to provide cruisers with barbecue lunch options when they return from their shore excursions.
• The styling of the buffet has been updated to match the Margaritaville vibe.
• Back-of-house updates have been made to improve the guest experience in terms of air conditioning and sanitation.
• Upgraded kitchen equipment has been installed to enhance the JWB Prime Steakhouse experience.

Margaritaville at Sea is also in the process of implementing wristband technology that guests can use to redeem drink packages on board and for entry into VIP "ticket-only" functions the cruise line has planned for holidays such as New Year's Eve and Valentine's Day. They are also installing a mobile pool bar for guests.

If I'd known this in advance of my cruise, I would have waited to book until the rebranding process was complete for the full Margaritaville experience.

The ship is showing its age

On top of being nowhere near finished with renovations, or maybe because work is ongoing, this 30-year-old ship is showing its age, both in style and wear and tear.

The wood paneling found throughout the ship, for example, felt dated and out of line with the beachy Margaritaville style. Paired with the matching furniture in the staterooms and common areas, it was a bit of oak-wood overload.

Though the staterooms had been completely overhauled, it was obvious the bathrooms hadn't been touched.

Related: 22 cruise ship cabin hacks that will transform your voyage

Everything was in working order, but the bathroom fixtures and colors looked the same as photos I had seen of the ship prior to being refurbished. Even a palm tree-dotted shower curtain would have made the room feel fresh and on brand.

It wasn't just the style of the ship that snapped me out of my Parrothead paradise. Each time I passed through the buffet, I saw buckets catching water from ceiling leaks in different spots. On its own, I wouldn't have thought much of a little leak, but when combined with the ship's other shortcomings, it stuck out as yet another issue to address.

As with any new experience, changes are often made in the early days as customer feedback rolls in and real-time issues are addressed. The cruise line did not share specific details on plans to update the bathrooms or other cosmetic features of the ship, but I wouldn't be surprised to see it happen in the future.

The pools were tiny

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise has two pools on board — the all-ages License to Chill pool and the adults-only 12 Volt pool. Both are small and square, and once 10 or so people were in the water, I felt there wasn't much room for anyone else. I loved that Margaritaville at Sea provided beach balls and floats (cheeseburger- and parrot-shaped inflatables, of course), but they took up most of the pool's real estate.

The atmosphere was not so family-friendly

While there were a few families with young kids on board, most passengers were couples, friend groups or families with adult children. There were three kids clubs for children of various age groups and a few family-centered activities each day, but this was definitely an adult-oriented ship.

It was also obvious most people were there to party. Nobody was out of control, but the activities and dancing later in the evening were aimed at a mature audience. My kids aren't quite ready to see people "showing off their sexiest dance moves" or "pretending to give birth" — both of which were directives in the team scavenger hunt on the second evening.

Between the lack of swimming space and the dearth of activities until later in the evening, I'd be hesitant to set sail with my kids.

Who goes on a Margaritaville cruise (and what did they think of it)?

I spoke with a lot of my shipmates during the cruise. (They all hailed from Florida, by the way.) I wanted to know what drew people to Margaritaville at Sea and how they felt about the experience.

Some had been on the ship prior to the rebranding and wanted to sail again now that it had been updated. Some were celebrating birthdays or anniversaries and wanted to do something special to mark the occasion. A few lived so close to the beach that they could go whenever they wanted and were looking to shake things up.

Everyone seemed to be having a good time and enjoying their "floating island vacation," but some were less impressed by the ship than others.

One guest told me she missed the "French elegance" the ship had before the rebrand. It is true that most ships have a formal dress-up night, which Margaritaville at Sea Paradise does not. In fact, save for Fins and the JWB Prime Steakhouse, there weren't any other areas where guests were required to change out of their swimsuits and flip-flops.

A casual vibe is on brand for Margaritaville, but if you're used to how other cruise lines do things, you might be in for a surprise.

When a certificate for a free cruise showed up in my stateroom on the final evening, along with a letter inviting me back to "experience everything the ship had to offer," I wondered if this was normal for a cruise and asked other passengers if they received one, as well.

The general consensus was that there had been so many complaints during our cruise that everyone was given a certificate to come back and see it once more work has been done, though the cruise line said this was a special offering for guests who sailed over Memorial Day weekend in order to "recognize the holiday and delight guests."

Bottom line

I can have fun anywhere, and I had more than my fair share on Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, but I'd want the ship's upgrade and rebranding to be fully finished before I cruise on that ship again.

I'd also do a few things differently if I were to sail on Margaritaville at Sea Paradise again. I would choose a cabin more toward the front of the ship to avoid some of the vibrations I could feel in my room and I'd pack snacks to make up for the lack of midday dining availability.

I'd love to see the ship again once the renovations are complete. I was told that the ship's phased refurbishment should be completely finished in the coming weeks, though no specific date was provided, and I'd have to recommend that other cruisers find out if the ship is fully renovated before going "Fins Up" with Margaritaville at Sea.

• CruiseMapper
• Margaritaville at Sea

Margaritaville Paradise

Former names: margaritaville at sea paradise, mas paradise, grand classica, costa neoclassica, costa classica.

Cruise line Margaritaville at Sea (Margaritaville at Sea)

• West Palm Beach (Florida)

Margaritaville Paradise current position

Margaritaville Paradise current location is at North West Atlantic Ocean (coordinates 26.52000 N / -78.77449 W) cruising en route to WEST PALM BEACH. The AIS position was reported 5 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Margaritaville Paradise

Margaritaville Paradise current cruise is 2 days, round-trip Bahamas . Prices start from USD 99 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 29 Apr, 2024 and ends on 01 May, 2024 .

Specifications of Margaritaville Paradise

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Margaritaville Paradise Itineraries

Margaritaville paradise review, review of margaritaville paradise.

The 1991-built (as "Costa Classica") cruise ship Margaritaville At Sea Paradise (aka MAS Paradise, fka "Grand Classica") between 2014-2018 was operated under the name "Costa neoClassica". In April 2018, neoClassica was renamed to "Grand Classica" and joined the fleet of the Florida-based Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line - a company run by NCL 's former President Kevin Sheehan. Until 2020, the company's fleet consisted of two ships - Grand Classica and Grand Celebration (1987-built/2020- scrapped ). In 2023, the fleet was expanded with a second ship the 2000-built Costa Atlantica/Margaritaville Islander .

The vessel (IMO number 8716502) is currently Bahamas- flagged (MMSI 311000969) and registered in Nassau .

In December 2021 was announced that Margaritaville Resorts & Hotels (Florida-based hospitality group) signed a partnership deal with Bahamas Paradise to start the new cruise brand "Margaritaville at Sea". The new travel brand is currently scheduled for inauguration on May 13, 2022 (Margaritaville Paradise's Maiden Voyage). The renamed Grand Classica starts service for Margaritaville at Sea following an extensive wetdock refit at Grand Bahama Shipyard (Freeport).

• The Margaritaville Cruise Line brand is expected to add more ships to its future fleet, with Margaritaville Paradise being the first one.
• The long-term ship charter was signed by John Cohlan (Margaritaville's CEO) and Oneil Khosa (Bahamas Paradise's CEO, who also serves as Margaritaville Cruise Line's CEO).
• The shipowner remains the same (Paradise Cruise Line Operator Ltd).

Margaritaville Paradise continued the regular 2-night cruise schedule from Palm Beach to Freeport, restarting operations on May 10, 2022.

History - construction and ownership

In 2018, Grand Classica joined Grand Celebration as the fleet's second ship. In 2017, the shipowner Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line signed with The Bahamas a 3-year deal (until 2020) to bring both vessels (Celebration and Classica) to Grand Bahama Island (Freeport) via 2-night roundtrip Florida-Bahamas itineraries. With both ships, the company had an annual passenger shipping capacity of over 0,5 million.

On August 2, 2017, Costa Cruises announced that neoClassica leaves the fleet in March 2018. The ship's last Costa voyage was scheduled for March 4, 2018 (7-day "India and Maldives" from Mumbai India to Male Maldives ). Last refurbished in 2014, neoClassica was Costa's oldest vessel. The decision was made following the 4 new ships order , with scheduled deliveries between 2019-2022. Costa's new boats are with GT 183,000 tons, with 2600+ cabins and max passenger capacity ~6600.

The 1680-passenger ship Grand Classica was inaugurated in 1991. In 1999 was proposed a ship-stretching project that was abandoned in favor of a later refit (in 2000 / budgeted USD 20 million).

The ship has an impressive onboard art collection of sculptures and original paintings, murals and crafts.

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line announced the vessel's purchase from Carnival Corporation (Costa's parent company) on December 13, 2017. The ship's drydock refurbishment in 2017 (October) also included improvements required by the new shipowner Paradise Cruise Line Operator Ltd.

On December 4, 2023, the company confirmed a second ship ( Costa Atlantica/Margaritaville Islander ) scheduled for Caribbean voyages leaving roundtrip from  Tampa Florida .

Decks and Cabins

Margaritaville Paradise has 13 decks (10 passenger-accessible, 5 with cabins) and total 658 staterooms . Cabins are in 5 grades/categories and include 12x Suites (Balcony and Junior), 430x Oceanviews, 216x Inside. Costa neoClassica additionally had 10x single cabins. Only the Suites have step-out balconies.

All public spaces are located on Decks 8-14. The largest accommodations are the Grand Terrace Suites (525 ft2 / 49 m2, with balcony sized 150 ft2 / 14 m2).

All main public areas are on decks 8 through 14.

Grand Classica decks were all named after famous Italian Riviera cities. Following the ship's acquisition, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line renamed all decks after Bahamian islands.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

Grand Classica has all 8 dining venues (restaurants and food bars):

• Yellow Elder is the complimentary main dining room with 2 fixed seating times plus "My Time Dining" option).
• Ocean View Buffet offers complimentary breakfast, lunch, dinner, late-night snacks.
• Admiral's Steak & Seafood is a dinner restaurant offering 5-course gourmet meals.
• Rock Grill offers gourmet burgers and meats cooked on lava rock grill.
• Crow's Nest Bar & Grill is the ship's Sports Bar / Pub serving pub fare, beers, cocktails.
• A Slice Above is an Italian pizzeria offering traditional and build-your-own gourmet pizzas by the slice.
• Grand Cafe is a cafeteria/patisserie for specialty coffee drinks, gourmet ice-cream (gelato) and desserts.
• Fins Dining (specialty restaurant)
• Hemisphere Nightclub (discotheque with DJ programming)

The cruise company also provides Room Service (at extra charge).

The ship has a bar lounge, a casino lounge, live entertainment (in the theater and regal room), wellness facilities (spa, gym, beauty salon), 2 swimming pools.

Other amenities include a conference center seating 80, Jolly Mon Kids' Club (for children ages 3-17), retail shops, a card room, Internet Lounge.

Follows the complete list of Grand Classica lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Legends Grand Theater( 2-level theater offering comedy, song- and dance shows)
• Para-A-Dice Casino (offers a range of table games and slot machines - 101 of the most famous slot games, along with 10 table games, such as blackjack, craps, roulette, three card poker, ultimate Texas hold 'em poker are offered)
• Encore Lounge (features live music and a drink, along with a central stairway leading to The Grand Cafe and A Slice Above)
• Regal Room (a lounge with a large bar and stage for live entertainment)
• Main Pool (a large swimming pool surrounded by a sundeck with lounge chairs and the adjacent Plunge Bar serving beverages and specialty cocktails)
• The Oasis (adults-only area featuring an aft pool, 2 whirlpools, and its own bar)
• Jogging Track (one deck above the ship's main pool)
• Indulgence Spa, Fitness Center & Salon (massages, facials, skin treatments are offered in the spa and beauty parlor, while the ocean-view fitness room has a wide range of free weights and fitness equipment)
• Kruzers Kid's Club (offers free activities for kids aged 3-17)
• Internet Lounge & Card Room
• 80-person conference room
• Retail Outlets
• Photo Gallery

Margaritaville Paradise ship's new venues include JWB Prime Steak & Seafood (restaurant), Frank & Lola's Pizzeria, Port of Indecision Buffet (Lido restaurant), LandShark Sports Bar, Margaritaville Coffee & Pastry Shop (patisserie), Stars on the Water Theater (show lounge), Euphoria Lounge, Par-A-Dice Casino, Sunset Bar, 5 O'clock Somewhere Bar & Grill (includes the burger bar "Cheeseburger in Paradise"), redesigned wellness complex (St Somewhere Spa, Fins Up! Fitness Center), new leisure activities, live entertainment, more retail shopping options.

In January 2023, Margaritaville at Sea signed a partnership deal with Tipsy Scoop ( NYC -based Ice Cream Shop selling liquor-infused flavors/with bourbon, rum, vodka, tequila or sangria). Now Margaritaville Paradise passengers can order the five Tipsy Scoop "boozy ice creams", of which two are exclusive to the cruise ship - Blue Margarita Sorbet (with Margaritaville Silver Tequila) and Bahama Mama Ice Cream (with Margaritaville Coconut Rum).

Drydock refurbishment 2023 review

During the drydock in 2023 (refurbishment project conducted in May at Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport) were several new venues and many facilities were redesigned and/or renovated.

By this drydocking project, the ship received Paradise Pickleball at Sea (certified pickleball court with an open-air lounge seating), Keys on the Water (dueling piano bar with live evening performances), Cheeseburger in Paradise (complimentary fast food bar for burgers/at 5 O'Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill), Jolly Mon (indoor playground for children), Fin City Arcade (machine gaming lounge), Hemisphere Nightclub, Fins Dining.

Two new theater productions were introduced - "Caribbean Heat" and "Radio Margaritaville: LIVE! At Sea".

All passenger staterooms were renovated. All Suites received Internet-connected workout mirrors.

Fins Up! Fitness Center was redesigned and received new gym equipment including Group Cycle Connect bikes, rowing machines, treadmills, steppers, Touch Smart Fitness Mirrors (for yoga).

Margaritaville at Sea Itineraries

Just like Grand Classica, Margaritaville Paradise ship's itinerary program offers exclusively Bahamas cruises leaving roundtrip from Florida.

At the end of August 2017, Port Palm Beach District Commission signed a 10-year agreement for the former Costa neoClassica to service the Florida-Bahamas route West Palm Beach - Freeport . The liner has a regularly scheduled itinerary program of 3-day / 2-night Bahamas cruises to Freeport and back to Palm Beach FL.

Costa neoClassica itinerary program was based on roundtrips from Dubai and as well as Mediterranean voyages leaving roundtrip from homeports Barcelona Spain , Savona Italy , and Tenerife Canaries Spain .

Departing August 17, 2019, from Port Palm Beach, the ship offered Bahamas Paradise's first-ever Panama Canal transition cruise . The 9-night itinerary included as call ports Key West Florida, Grand Cayman Island and Panama Canal (transit), ending in Puerto Caldera/Puntarenas (Costa Rica) . Grand Classica's South American charter season was scheduled to end in October. Repositioning cruise prices started from USD 500 per person (double occupancy inside cabin). Early-booking discount deals (bookings made before May 31, 2019) offered 3rd and 4th passengers in the stateroom pricing of USD 300 pp.

Following the Coronavirus crisis (2020-2021), Grand Classica had to be the first large cruiser to resume voyages out of the USA, with the first departure (Palm Beach to Freeport) scheduled for July 2, 2021. However, the first post-COVID voyage was later rescheduled for July 8th. In August, the boat was chartered by "Entergy New Orleans" (electricity provider) to house relief workers (in Port NOLA-New Orleans ) after Hurricane Ida.

The renamed Margaritaville Paradise marked the Margaritaville at Sea brand's inauguration with the Maiden Voyage departing out of Palm Beach on May 13, 2022 (rescheduled from April 30th).

Ultimate Paradise Pass

In March 2023, Margaritaville at Sea introduced the industry's first seasonal pass "Ultimate Paradise Pass". It allows pass holders to embark on an unlimited number of non-consecutive 2-night cruises to the Bahamas (Freeport) leaving roundtrip from Palm Beach Florida on Margaritaville Paradise.

The pass prices started at US$899 (per person based on double occupancy) exclusive of taxes/fees/port expenses, which are due at booking.

The "Ultimate Paradise Pass" cruises can only be reserved 24-72 hours in advance.

With only several limited blackout dates, passes expired on December 31st (2023).

In addition to the unlimited Florida-Bahamas roundtrip voyages, Ultimate Paradise Pass' onboard perks include welcome amenities, behind-the-scenes access, and exclusive sneak peeks of new activities (on select voyages). Pass holders can additionally book shore excursions, upgrades, and packages at a 10% discount.

Margaritaville Paradise - user reviews and comments

Photos of margaritaville paradise.

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The new travel brand Margaritaville at Sea (a partnership with Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line) announced it is celebrating the launch of a cruise...

All passengers disembark Margaritaville Paradise cruise ship after the USCG issued a "No Sail Order"

All passengers had to disembark Margaritaville Paradise cruise ship after the USCG-United States Coast Guard issued a "No Sail Order," the CEO of...

MS Margaritaville Paradise (fka Grand Classica) departs on maiden voyage

MS Margaritaville Paradise (fka Grand Classica) is ready for her maiden voyage. The Margaritaville at Sea (Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line) cruise ship...

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Other Margaritaville at Sea cruise ships

• Margaritaville Islander

Margaritaville Paradise Wiki

When serving Costa Cruises , the ship (Costa Classica) was christened by godmother Emilia Costa (1967-born Italian actress). For the Margaritaville cruise line, Margaritaville Paradise was christened by Shaquem Alphonso Griffin (1995-born American, NFL football player/linebacker).

Margaritaville's naming ceremony was held on May 13, 2022, in Port Palm Beach , and was attended by Margaritaville at Sea's executives (John Cohlan/CEO, Oneil Khosa/COO, Kevin Sheehan Jr/President) and numerous VIP guests (including company partners and travel agents). The Maiden Voyage for Margaritaville departed Palm Beach on May 14th. The special sailing to Freeport featured a live concert by Jimmy Buffett/James William Buffett (1946-born American musician, singer, songwriter, author, actor, businessman).

Grand Classica joined Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line on April 13 (Friday) 2018, when the vessel docked at Port Palm Beach. The drydock refurbishment in 2017 resulted in improved systems and onboard infrastructure. All wetdocks and drydocks (including in 2021/November-December, and 2022/April-May) are conducted at Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport .

During cruise October 12-14 (2018), the liner hosted PalmCon - Palm Beach's 8th annual Comic-Con convention. The annual event is themed after superheroes, anime and sci-fi movies, games (video, role-playing, fantasy cards). The themed cruise was the first Comic-Con at sea and had numerous pre-planned onboard activities (celebrity guests, workshops, original art, comics, toys, contests, live entertainment).

On January 21, 2019, Bahamas Paradise announced a partnership with Viva Travel resulting in a cruise to Cuba roundtrip from Palm Beach Florida. The 4-night Cuban itinerary on Grand Classica was scheduled to depart on February 14, with booked berthing in Havana (Feb 15, 10-hour port stay), sea day (Feb 16), back to Havana (Feb 17, 8-hour port stay) and back to Palm Beach (Feb 18). The special voyage featured Cuban cuisine and entertainment, and open-deck concerts (on Feb 16) with live performances by Los Cuatro, Laritza Bacallao and La Pantoja.

Deckplan changes/ship refurbishments review

Margaritaville Paradise ship's first drydock refurbishment was in 2022 (April-May) conducted at Grand Bahama Shipyard ( Freeport Bahamas ). The project resulted in all staterooms being modernized and all public spaces renovated with new soft furnishing and carpets.

The list of changes and renovations after drydock refit 2014 refurbishment (Nov 8 - Dec 18, done in Genoa Italy ) included:

• The vessel's hull was repainted. Engine rooms were updated. All hotel areas were renovated.
• Public areas and all passenger cabins were renovated (including new furniture in all balcony Suites).
• New cabin amenities were added, including Illy coffee machines and Elemis bath products.
• Tivoli Restaurant was upgraded - more 2-4 seats tables were added, as well as the sea days Brunch option.
• On deck 11, new TRX (classes area) was added to the SPA.
• The menu of Dolce Amore Bar (deck 9) was upgraded with a new pizza dinner option.

The refurb project cost Costa Cruises around USD 28 million.

During the ship's 2013 drydock in Genoa (Nov 12 - Dec 21) were done routine maintenance (hull, engine, hotel), public areas and passenger cabins renovation, new Suite furniture, Tivoli restaurant upgrade, SPA refurbishment (new TRX classes/sports area was added).

neoClassica's last drydock (by Costa Cruises) was in October 2017.

Costa neoClassica ship review

• Total number of cabins: 654 (of which 10 Suite, no Balcony, 210 Inside rooms) in 5 grades
• Dining Rooms: Tivoli
• Restaurants and food bars: La Trattoria (buffet), La Tavernetta (pizzeria).
• Lounges & Bars: Colosseo (theater), Galileo (nightclub), Colosseo (lobby), Piazza Navona, Dolce Amore (patisserie), Puccini (ballroom), Squok Club (kids), poolside (Positano, Tiveri pizza).
• Amenities: complimentary 24-Hour Room-Service & Babysitting, Supervised Children Program, Internet, Laundry, Onboard Weddings.
• San Remo (casino), Promenade (Deck 8), Caracalla Spa, 4 jacuzzis, 2 pools (Fountain, Capri), Jogging Track, Mondo Virtuale (arcade).

neoClassica was Costa's first Classica-class liner, with sistership Costa neoRomantica (1993-built/2021-scrapped) .

In 2000, Costa Crociere made an extensive renovation of the Classica liner. During the drydock, the sound problems in the dining room were also solved, new leather chairs and wood paneling were added. The lobby's interior was changed by removing the old nude figures.

After a major refurbishment in 2014, the liner was renamed from "Costa Classica" to "Costa neoClassica". Among its most popular amenities are 2 swimming pools and 4 big hot tubs, 9 bars, 2 large restaurants.

Most Costa neoClassica staterooms were 175 f2 Oceanview rooms (428). There were a total of 654 staterooms in 5 main categories, The ship had 6 wheelchair-accessible cabins. The largest staterooms were the Balcony Suites (505 ft2).

The Tivoli Dining Room offered basic continental cuisine. The Trattoria was the ship's self-service buffet. Casual dining was offered at the Alfresco Cafe. International cuisine and Italian specialties were often presented at all onboard restaurants. Follows the complete list of Costa neoClassica restaurants and food bars.

• Ristorante Tivoli (aft Dining Room, complimentary; serves open-seating breakfast and lunch, 2 fixed dinner seatings - at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.)
• La Tavernetta Pizzeria (Italian pizzeria restaurant & bar)
• Ristorante Buffet La Trattoria (self-service buffet restaurant, complimentary; offers breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea at 4-5:00 p.m., and dinner)
• Piazza Tiveri (complimentary pizza by the slice, poolside).

The 2-deck high Colosseo Show Lounge (ship's amphitheater) provided cabaret shows, dancers and specialty acts. The ship had a large range of bars and lounges, including the 360-degree Galileo Disco and Puccini Ballroom. After the 2014 refit, Costa neoClassica offered the Stargazer experience, which is an original activity on all Costa neoCollection ships. It gives cruisers the use of high-quality telescopes on board, being assisted by experts. On Deck 11 there are 2 swimming pools and 2 large jacuzzis (by the aft pool), plus 2 more jacuzzis at the Spa & Fitness Center. The Fitness is fitted with top-line Technogym equipment. The Spa complex has an authentic Roman bath and offered a full range of Steiner-managed spa treatments.

Follows the complete list of Costa neoClassica lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Teatro Colosseo (2-level theatre and main show lounge; hosts grand scale show productions, musicals, classical concerts, ballet performances, circus shows)
• Bar Colosseo (foyer bar with a seating area; serves Ferrari sparkling wines)
• Piazza Navona Grand Bar (lounge & bar area with stage and dance floor; offers various entertainment programs, dancing lessons, daily trivia games)
• Il Dolce Amore Pasticeria (coffee bar & patisserie selling specialty coffee and tea, pastries, shakes; doubles as Pizzeria in the evenings)
• Sala Carte (cards room)
• Casino San Remo (served by the San Remo bar)
• Sala da Ballo Puccini (grand lounge & bar “Ballroom Puccini”; with dance floor, stage, ample seating)
• Biblioteca & Internet Point (Library & Internet computers room)
• Ponte Vecchio; Negozi Shops; Boutique Shops (duty & tax-free shops for brand watches, jewelry, perfumes, fashion clothes, Costa-logo merchandise, sportswear, gifts, tobacco, and liquor)
• Galleria Foto (Photo Gallery & Shop)
• Mondo Virtuale (Video Games Arcade)
• Cappella (Wedding Chapel, also used for religious services)
• Alfresco Cafe (outdoor canopied seating area with live trees)
• Squok Club (kids lounge with Mini Club (3-6 yo) and Maxi Club (7-11 yo) playing rooms; with complimentary kids program and supervised activities; complimentary babysitting)
• Caracalla Spa & Fitness (neoClassica Wellness Centre with Beauty Salon, Gymnasium, Aerobics Room, Turkish Bath, Massages-Treatment Rooms, Spa products shop, Caracalla Cafe /juice bar)
• Fountain Pool area (pool with cascading water)
• Capri Pool area (with two Whirlpools)
• Bar Positano (serves the pool areas)
• Galileo Disco (Nightclub & Observatory located at the top of Costa neoClassica)
• Pista da Jogging (Power Walking/Jogging Track).

Costa neoClassica India cruises 2016-2017

Costa Cruises deployed the neoClassica ship in India, offering regular departures from Mumbai .

Costa's new India cruise itinerary program (winter 2016-2017 season) offered 7-day (one-way Mumbai to Male, and the reverse Male to Mumbai) and 14-day (roundtrip Mumbai) itineraries to ports in the Maldives (Male), Sri Lanka (Colombo) and India (Cochin, Mangalore, Mormugao-Goa).

Itineraries were bookable through the company's Italian website (costacrociere.it).

The neoClassica ship had previously scheduled 7-day roundtrip itineraries leaving from Dubai UAE .

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What to do before or after your cruise from the port of palm beach.

By Janet K. Keeler

The Port of Palm Beach is Florida’s little cruise port that could. Flanked by much bigger and busier cruise ports, Port Canaveral to the north and Port Everglades to the south, the Port of Palm Beach has found its niche. And close to three-quarters of a million cruisers a year like that niche.

A single cruise line sails from the Port of Palm Beach’s single terminal— Margaritaville at Sea , formerly the Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. The cruise line with the Jimmy Buffett vibes offers two- and three-night cruises to Freeport. (A new Margaritaville ship, the Sea Islander , will soon be sailing from Port Tampa Bay on four- and five-night trips to Key West and Western Mexico.)

The cruise port is a roughly 20-minute drive from Palm Beach International Airport but it’s a good bet that many Margaritaville cruisers are driving to the port. A Bahamas cruise is a perfect quick getaway for locals but also for winter visitors or others who are spending an extended time in the Sunshine State. It’s also an activity to entertain visiting relatives and friends.

Because the cruises are short, it makes perfect sense for out-of-towners to extend the trip on one end or the other and explore the Palm Beach County area. This is the playground for the rich and famous (and sometimes notorious) so why not enjoy the things they do.

Here are five things to do near the Port of Palm Beach.

A Round of Golf

Palm Beach County calls itself Florida’s Golf Capital and with 170 courses within its nearly 2,000 square miles, who is anyone to quibble? The golfing (and weather!) is so good in Palm Beach County that renowned pros such as Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy have homes there. You may not be ready to take on the courses at the PGA National Resort , which can be played by guests staying there, but there are plenty of other links to choose from. The county maintains five public courses and there are other public courses including Par 3 which offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean along the way. Don’t have clubs? Check with the pro shop before you book a tee time because many of them rent them.

Second-hand Treasures

It’s no secret that Palm Beach is loaded with mega-rich residents like Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots, and Stephen Ross, the owner of the Miami Dolphins. The barrier island has a swanky shopping district where designer duds from Jimmy Choo, Carolina Herrera, Louis Vuitton and Chanel, among others, can be found in shops on Worth Avenue . But there are second-hand shops , some of them curated consignment boutiques, in Palm Beach and also across the Intracoastal Waterway in West Palm Beach. Shoppers can find last season’s cast-offs for a fraction of full retail. The Church Mouse in Palm Beach is one of the fanciest church thrift stores you’re likely to step into. It’s open every day except Sunday (of course) but only during the “season” and that means October to June. There you can find clothes and accessories by the likes of Gucci and Kate Spade, among other well-known names. Off the island, drive West Palm Beach’s Antique Row , also known as South Dixie Highway, stopping at whatever stores suit your tastes. There will be clothing consignment and thrift shops along the way.

The Romance of the Lighthouse

About 30 miles north of the Port of Palm Beach is Jupiter Inlet where an 1860 lighthouse stands guard, a beauty made of brick painted red. The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse is an operating aid to navigation and still has its first-order Fresnel lens , though it converted to electricity in 1928. It is one of 30 lighthouses in the state. Visitors can make the trek up the 105 steps to the top and get an amazing 360-degree view of the Atlantic Ocean to the interior land of the county. The entry fee is $6 to $18 and the lighthouse grounds are open Tuesday through Sunday, except for some holidays. Once on the grounds, visitors can check out the museum and tour the grounds with an app-based guide. There are also guided tours. The pioneer homestead and keeper’s workshop are on the tour. Close to the lighthouse is a cafe called, not surprisingly, the Lighthouse Diner . It serves typical diner food but the “hard” milkshakes made with rum, kahlua, bourbon or vodka are worth checking out.

The Luxury of the Breakers

The opulent and historic Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean can be experienced in a day by renting one of 25 poolside bungalows. Use the bungalow to get out of the sun and enjoy a cold drink from the stocked fridge. Don’t have all day? Dine at one of several restaurants, including dress-up places ( HMF , Henry’s Palm Beach or Flagler Steakhouse ) or more casual spots ( The Beach Club Restaurant , Ocean House or The Surf Break ). If you happen to be around on Sunday morning, the brunch at The Circle is a favorite for locals especially on holidays. Make a reservation. You might just think you’re in Italy surrounded as you will be by frescoed ceilings and eight murals of Renaissance scenes. It may look Italian but the hotel, built in 1896, celebrities a truly Florida migration story. It’s the legacy of oil baron Henry Morrison Flagler of Standard Oil fame, whose name can be found all over the state, including a coastal county a little farther north.

A Lesson in Art

You’ve been hanging out in the sun (or will be) a lot on your Bahamian cruise so it might be a good idea to duck inside for a few hours to save your skin. A visit to the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach can provide that respite and a glimpse into a private collection of art that was the seed for this noteworthy Florida museum. The Norton has a permanent collection of 8,200 works that span European, American, Chinese, contemporary and photography departments. Among the collection are Stuart Davis’ New York Mural and Jackson Pollock’s Night Mist . You might recognize others as you wander the galleries—yes, that’s a Georgia O’Keeffe painting and an Alexander Calder mobile. Check out the museum’s schedule of events, which often includes activities for children, and special exhibits for the time you will be there. The onsite restaurant is open for brunch, lunch and dinner. The caramelized Brussels sprouts Caesar salad at lunch is on trend, as are the Florida craft beers.

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The 9 best Bahamas cruises for every type of traveler

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Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with the latest information.

The best Bahamas cru ises take you away from the daily grind, transporting you to theme park-like private islands and beach-lined paradises. Cruise choices include new and jazzed-up ships sailing an array of short and weeklong Bahamas itineraries. Cruising to the Bahamas is so easy you may even be able to go without a passport .

Family-friendly lines, such as Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line, offer cruises focused on the Bahamas all year. So do newcomers Virgin Voyages, with its adults-only sailings, and Margaritaville at Sea, offering short two-night hops and longer cruise-and-stay packages. The winter and early spring seasons bring a handful of itineraries on premium lines like Celebrity Cruises and Holland America.

The only cruise lines that don’t regularly offer Bahamas cruises are the luxury lines. But don’t worry, luxe lovers: Many of the ships we included on our list of the best Bahamas cruises offer suites that come with concierge services, private enclaves or special spa privileges. If a luxury cruise to the Bahamas is your goal, look at the top suite options on a mainstream or premium line.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

Whether you’re looking for a quick and cheap getaway or a week at the beach, here are the best Bahamas cruise itineraries to start your search, in order from shortest to longest.

2-night cruises on Margaritaville at Sea Paradise from Palm Beach, Florida

Though cruising is relatively new to the Margaritaville travel and hospitality franchise, cruise line Margaritaville at Sea is essentially a rebranding of the old Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. Its refurbished ship, Paradise, originally debuted in the 1990s for Costa Cruises.

One Jimmy Buffett-themed makeover later, the ship is a perfect fit for the laid-back vibe of the Bahamas. Grab a drink or a bite to eat from the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill, try your luck at the Par-A-Dice Casino and enjoy plenty of entertainment, including the musical production, “Tales from Margaritaville: Jimmy’s Ship Show.” There’s a kids club, a teen club, a spa and two pools stocked with beach balls and inflatable parrots.

The two-night cruise itinerary includes one day in Freeport, where you can shop, hit the casino, enjoy water sports or chill on the beach. The ship offers shore excursions, or you can explore independently. Margaritaville at Sea also offers cruise-and-stay itineraries of either four or six nights (including the two nights onboard the ship). These packages let you choose between two partner hotels in Freeport, where you’ll stay two or four nights on land, then hop back on the ship for your return night at sea.

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise carries around 1,300 passengers in an assortment of inside and ocean-view cabins, all around 176 square feet, which is larger than the average for those categories on most mainstream ships. Ten suites with balconies are also available, with 524 square feet of space.

Who should go? Obviously, Parrotheads are gonna want to try this ship, with all its Jimmy Buffett-inspired themes and decor, but it’s also a good trial run for anyone on the fence about cruising. Pricing makes this a great cruise to enjoy an escape without spending a fortune. We found weekday sailings that begin at $99 per person based on double occupancy for an inside cabin.

Related: Best Bahamas cruise tips for first-timers and repeat visitors alike

3- or 4-night cruises on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas from Miami

This itinerary may be the best overall short Bahamas cruise. Both the three- and four-night cruises have stops at Nassau and Royal Caribbean ‘s massive private island — Perfect Day at CocoCay . Those two stops combined give cruisers the opportunity to enjoy water sports, spend some time at the beach and experience a bit of Bahamian culture.

Freedom of the Seas has plenty of onboard fun to occupy travelers of all ages on sea days. It’s loaded with top-deck slides and water features, specialty restaurant choices and more entertainment options than you can take in on a short cruise. Carrying around 4,000 cruise guests, Freedom of the Seas is big enough to impress without being overwhelming.

Plus, logistics for cruising out of Miami are simple enough for even first-time cruisers. From flight choices to pre- or post-cruise hotels, it’s a city that caters to tourists, especially the cruising ones.

Who should go? From first-timers to veteran cruisers, anyone looking for a short but fun-filled hop to the Bahamas should give Freedom of the Seas a look. Families looking for a quick escape will find entertainment and activities for toddlers to teens. The ship is also ideal for family reunions, bachelorette parties and birthday cruises. Couples will love the adults-only Solarium with its extra-large hot tubs looking out over the sea.

Related: Bahamas cruise packing list: What to pack for the islands

3- or 4-night cruises on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas from Port Canaveral, Florida

When Royal Caribbean’ s giant Utopia of the Seas debuts in July 2024, it will offer a bevy of short sailings, including three- and four-night sailings from Port Canaveral, Florida. The 236,860-ton, 5,669-passenger vessel will be the second-largest cruise ship in the world and offer more exciting amenities than any other cruise ship sailing short itineraries in North America.

Why? The newest, biggest ships in the world typically sail longer cruises. Offering short cruises on its humongous Oasis Class ships is new for Royal Caribbean; sister ship Allure of the Seas will test out the concept before Utopia launches.

Families with kids will definitely go bananas over the choices on board the new ship. The top deck alone will feature three separate pool areas, a surfing simulator, a kiddie splash zone, a basketball court, two rock walls, a miniature golf course and even a zip line.

The ship will also boast an extensive selection of restaurants, bars, lounges and shops. Additionally, there will be an indoor skating rink, a spa and a showroom with Broadway-style shows.

Utopia of the Seas’ inaugural voyage is set for July 22, 2024, and will be a four-night cruise to Nassau and the line’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. The second sailing will be a three-night cruise to the Bahamas that departs on July 26, 2024.

Who should go?  Short sailings on this new ship will appeal to all sorts of cruisers. Historically, new ships are reserved for longer itineraries, so this is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a snack-size sampling of a brand-new ship without spending the money on a longer sailing.

Families craving a quick getaway where the entire brood is satisfied will not be disappointed. In addition to seemingly endless kid-friendly amenities and top-notch children’s programming, Utopia of the Seas will feature a casino and adults-only spaces.

Related: These 2 cruise lines are building new private destinations in the Bahamas

3- or 4-night cruises on Disney Wish from Port Canaveral, Florida

Disney waited a decade to build its next new ship, but Disney dreamers had their wish granted in 2022. Even better, the new Disney Wish cruises to the Bahamas. Designed to be the perfect complement to a visit to Orlando’s Disney theme parks, these short cruises visit Nassau and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. The four-night itinerary adds a sea day to enjoy the ship.

Disney Wish is designed to immerse cruisers in the various Disney worlds through technology. An onboard augmented reality game turns the Disney Cruise Line Navigator smartphone app into a virtual spyglass that lets cruisers participate in a fantasy adventure with Disney and Pixar characters. The AquaMouse waterslide combines a splashy tube ride in a two-seater raft with a pre-adventure tale told through screens at the beginning of the ride. Diners at the Worlds of Marvel restaurant take part in an interactive Avengers-themed experience through videos and special effects.

Wish carries 4,000 passengers in cabins and suites designed to simplify cruising with kids. But never fear, adult Disney fans; you’ll also find your spot on board. From the “Star Wars”-themed Hyperspace Lounge to the Quiet Cove adults-only sun deck, Disney manages to cater to grownups as well as kids.

Who should go ? This is obviously the best Bahamas cruise for lovers of all things Disney, including “Star Wars” and Marvel fans.

Related: Best shore excursions for Bahamas cruises

3- or 4-night cruises on Celebrity Reflection from Fort Lauderdale

Beginning in April 2024, Celebrity Cruises will sail three- and four-night voyages round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, year-round.

The 3,046-passenger Celebrity Reflection will offer a consistent rotation of three-night weekend cruises (departing each Friday and returning each Monday morning) and four-night weekday sailings (departing each Monday and returning each Friday morning).

Itineraries will include stops at Key West in Florida and Nassau and Bimini in the Bahamas.

Celebrity appeals mostly to the 40-plus set sans small children. It’s light on the kid-centric attractions (such as waterslides, go-karts and laser tag) that other big-ship lines include. The line offers instead lots of quiet and relaxing pool and lounge areas. (If you do have kids in tow, you can take advantage of the extensive children’s program, Camp at Sea. It provides supervised activities daily for children ages 3-12 in dedicated spaces.)

Celebrity Reflection is the line’s last and largest Solstice Class cruise ship. The Solstice C lass ships feature some of the most stylish outdoor pool decks at sea, with indoor, adults-only pool areas that, notably, are topped with glass panels embedded with solar panels that contribute to the ship’s power grid. You’ll also find large spas, casinos, showrooms and a nice selection of restaurants on board.

This ship also boasts one of the most spectacular suites in the cruising world — the 1,646-square-foot Reflection Suite. It was the first two-bedroom suite on a Celebrity Cruises vessel.

Who should go? This an ideal cruise for older travelers who are new to cruising and want to sample one or frequent cruisers who might prefer a shorter time at sea. Although Celebrity doesn’t draw many families with young children, the shorter Bahamas itineraries are also perfect for multigenerational family groups seeking an affordable cruise that appeals to all ages.

4-night cruises on Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady from Miami

Virgin Voyages aimed to be a disrupter in the cruise market from the beginning — creating a product designed to please even those who claim they would never set foot on a cruise ship. Yet the itinerary for this four-night Bahamas cruise on Scarlet Lady is fairly ordinary. Ports of call include Key West and a private beach club on the Bahamian island of Bimini.

It’s the ship itself that sets this cruise apart from the pack. You’ll find unique cabins (with balcony hammocks), brash red livery and one-of-a-kind onboard activities, such as tattoo parlors, drag shows and ‘80s-themed fitness classes, to keep its 2,700 sailors (as Virgin calls its passengers) entertained.

Who should go ? This is the best Bahamas cruise for the non-cruiser who is either young at heart or young and eager to party aboard this glitzy ship. If you’re easily offended by loud music, round-the-clock partying or sexual innuendo, this is not your Bahamas cruise.

4-day cruises on Norwegian Jade from Miami

Norwegian Cruise Line offers four-day sailings from Miami aboard Norwegian Jade. Ports of call include Key West and Great Stirrup Cay, the line’s private island.

Port diversions consist of touring the Key West Shipwreck Treasures Museum and the Key West Aquarium, shopping along Nassau’s Bay Street and exploring the white-sand beaches and pristine waters on Great Stirrup Cay.

The 2,402-passenger vessel is part of the line’s Jewel class of ships. Though the ship launched in 2006, it received a substantial refurbishment in 2017 that included a cabin remodel, new and expanded dining and a design overhaul.

Norwegian Jewel might not have the extensive top-deck attractions of newer ships, like Norwegian Prima, or as many restaurants and bars. However, passengers will find plenty to occupy their time onboard with scheduled activities, a casino, spa and pool areas.

Who should go? Families, couples and friend groups will appreciate the unstructured nature of a Norwegian cruise. The line’s “freestyle cruising” mantra — cruising without rigid dining schedules, dress codes and formal nights — is perfectly suited for short sailings. With a wide range of eateries and no assigned seating times, passengers have lots of flexibility for their limited time at sea.

Related: Best time to cruise to the Bahamas

5-night cruises on Carnival Sunshine from South Carolina

I am a huge lover of five-night sailings. They are long enough to scratch the cruise itch and short enough to account for travel time to and from the port without adding any extra vacation days. Plus, the slightly longer itineraries are less popular with hard partiers who can be disruptive on shorter Bahamas cruises.

Carnival Cruise Line offers 10 different five-night sailings from Charleston, South Carolina, aboard the 3,002-passenger Carnival Sunshine. It’s currently Carnival’s oldest ship (it debuted in 1996 under the name Carnival Destiny). However, in 2013, the line gave it a $200 million bow-to-stern glow-up and renamed it Carnival Sunshine. The overhaul produced a new top-deck WaterWorks water park, a comedy club and several bars, lounges and restaurants.

Depending on which itinerary you choose, you can chill out on the beaches of Bimini, shop Nassau’s iconic straw market or go horseback riding by the shore of Carnival’s private island, Half Moon Cay. Consider a pre- or post-cruise stay in Charleston to take in the city’s historic landmarks, epic dining and charming cobblestone streets.

Who should go? These cruises are the best Bahamas sailings for those who prefer the intimacy of an older ship and don’t care about flashy amenities and onboard attractions on newer vessels. Plus, they’re ideal for travelers who live north of Florida and are looking for a more convenient drive-to departure port.

8-night cruises on Carnival Venezia from New York City

The 4,090-passenger Carnival Venezia is a bit of an outlier in Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet. Originally built for Italy-based Costa Cruises and launched in 2019, it joined the Carnival family in May 2023. (Carnival Corporation is the parent company of both Costa and Carnival.)

The ship was renovated to add many of Carnival’s signature venues. However, many of its Costa-aligned, Italian-themed designs remain, including a real gondola “sailing” down the middle of its main dining room and a pool deck built to look like a Venetian boulevard.

Guests might feel like they’ve been whisked away to Italy thanks to regional touches like the handmade Italian gelato at JavaBlue Cafe and the Italian liqueur-infused concoctions found at many bars.

Two eight-night voyages out of New York City include stops at Freeport, Nassau and Half Moon Cay.

Who should go? This Bahamas cruise is ideal for anyone looking for a different Carnival experience during a weeklong cruise. It’s almost like traveling to Italy and the Bahamas in one trip.

Bottom line

The best Bahamas cruises offer something cruisers can’t quite get enough of — whether it’s beach time or party time. While short sailings are still the most popular Bahamas itineraries, you can find options for almost every cruising style. The key is identifying the cruise that fits your style, preferred activities and vacation budget.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

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Hotels at sea: Land-based hospitality brands bring guests with them to cruises

Mason Jones isn’t an avid cruiser, but he enjoyed his trip with the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection so much that he took two in less than a year.

Jones, a 50-year-old family doctor from Austin, Texas, booked the March 2023 sailing with his wife for its mostly all-inclusive model. He trusted a Ritz-Carlton vessel because he had stayed at the chain on land a couple of times.

“It’s not as though we’re regulars at the Ritz,” he told USA TODAY. “We just know that it’s a higher level of TLC (tender loving care).” That extended to the Caribbean sailing on the brand’s first yacht, Evrima, with an “incredible” concierge, food and drinks bundled with the fare – even in the minibar – and modern interiors.

At a maximum of 298 passengers, the vessel’s small size also offered a “no cattle call factor,” with few crowded spaces. Jones, who has been just a handful of cruises in his life, and his wife enjoyed it so much that they booked another for the following January with friends shortly after they got home.

The Ritz-Carlton is one of several hotel and hospitality companies that have entered the cruise game in recent years. And they’ve brought travelers like Jones with them, who are drawn at least in part by fondness for the brands’ land-based counterparts.

New cruise operators lure hotel guests

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has seen interest from hotel and resort guests “who are familiar with the brand’s exceptional service and accommodations and are eager to see how this level of experience translates to the sea,” according to CEO Jim Murren.

“While they might not consider more traditional cruise lines, they are interested in the tailored journeys and level of experience provided by The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection,” he said in an email.

Murren said the brand estimates that more than half of its passengers are entirely new to cruising. The yachts, which will include Ilma as of September and Luminara in July 2025, were built to echo what customers like about Ritz-Carlton properties.

The brand “was created to seamlessly blend the lifestyle of The Ritz-Carlton hotels and resorts with the laid-back freedom of a yachting adventure,” he said. “Our yachts stand out distinctly on the horizon and draw inspiration from the world’s most luxurious private superyachts.” The vessels’ capacity is limited, even by luxury cruise standards, and they feature an understated design that pairs “form with function and is executed at (the) highest level,” according to Murren.

Perhaps its aesthetic inverse, the bright and beachy Margaritaville at Sea, has similarly pulled from an existing customer base since its debut in 2022. The cruise line is a standalone entity but is a franchise partner of the Margaritaville brand that spans hotels, restaurants and more, all stemming from Jimmy Buffett’s musical catalog and lifestyle .

That creates a “big universe of potential guests” who know and like the brand, according to Margaritaville at Sea CEO Christopher Ivy. He said surveys have found a “sizeable” number of passengers have chosen to sail on the line’s Margaritaville at Sea Paradise ship because they have some familiarity with the overall brand (though he did not have exact numbers available).

“And ultimately, what we hear from people is they want to be able to recreate that on a cruise vacation,” he said.

The line will lean even further into that with its second ship, Islander, launching in June: The 2,650-guest ship will feature a three-story LandShark Bar at Sea, a floating version of a venue in many Margaritaville hotels and resorts.

“We're always trying to ensure the onboard experience delivers what's most popular at other Margaritaville hotels or resort destinations,” Ivy said. And while those have tended to translate well to cruising, Ivy added, you don’t have to be a Margaritaville fan to enjoy your trip.

Do hotel loyalty programs work at sea?

There’s another incentive for travelers to stick with a brand they know on land and at sea: their loyalty benefits may carry over.

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection guests, for example, can earn and use Marriott Bonvoy points. “Members can earn points on cruise fares and hotel packages, accumulate nights toward Elite status, and redeem points toward the cost of cruise fares when sailing,” said Murren.

Ivy said Margaritaville at Sea is working to integrate the Margaritaville Perks program, which gives land-based guests benefits like early check-in and complimentary cocktails (though exact perks vary by property), but he wasn’t able to share an exact timeline for the rollout.

What is the best time to take a cruise?: We broke it down by region

Virgin Voyages is part of Virgin Group, which includes a number of travel and leisure companies, along with those in other sectors. The adults-only cruise line is part of a Triple Red promotion that bundles offerings from multiple businesses including the cruise line, airline Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Hotels with perks like waived resort fees and bonus Virgin Points.

The offer runs through April 7 but may be followed by other similar deals.

There is a “defined red thread” that runs through all the brands, according to Stephen Hopkins, SVP of Growth and Portfolio Performance for Virgin Group.

“We actively look to enhance the experience of other Virgin customers, because we know that they're going to love our ships,” he said. About a third of the line's guests are new to cruising.

What other hotel brands are getting into cruising?

Other major hotel brands are set to expand seaward in the coming years. Four Seasons Yachts revealed its first itineraries this week, and will take guests to Caribbean destinations including Nevis, St. Lucia and Martinique beginning in January 2026 before moving to the Mediterranean in March.

“Since first announcing Four Seasons Yachts, interest has been very positive, especially from guests who have experienced the brand across Four Seasons hotels and resorts, residences as well as our incredible Private Jet experience,” Four Seasons President and CEO Alejandro Reynal told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. “With an exclusive 95 suites aboard our extraordinary, inaugural yacht, the booking process is being carefully managed to balance availability with this demand, initially focusing on Four Seasons loyal guests and travel partners.”

Bookings are not yet open to the general public, but travelers can join a waitlist online . Aman also has plans for its own high-end yacht brand , Aman at Sea.

For Jones, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection passenger, opting for a brand he associated with a high level of service paid off – even from the time he boarded. When he pulled up in a taxi, personnel were immediately attentive, whisking him quickly through check-in and onto the vessel. “It was really just a refreshing process,” he said. “It felt like vacation.”

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville Tennessee. You can reach him at [email protected].