If you haven’t stumbled across Margaritaville at Sea (MAS) yet, you’re not alone—it’s a smaller player in the cruise world, but it’s making waves (and earning fans) with its two ships: the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, sailing from the Port of Palm Beach, and the Margaritaville at Sea Islander, based out of Port Tampa. Inspired by Jimmy Buffett’s laid-back lifestyle, MAS promises tropical vibes on a budget, but how does it compare to the big names? Let’s dig into the histories of these ships, see how their experiences differ, check out what passengers think, and break down the costs—including a fuel surcharge that hits one ship but not the other—to figure out where MAS fits in the cruising landscape.
The Ships’ Backstories: Old Hands, New Tricks
Margaritaville at Sea Paradise
The Paradise has been around the block, starting life in 1991 as Costa Classica for Costa Cruises. Built in Italy for a “Euroluxe” concept, it cruised with Costa until 2018, rebranded as Costa neoClassica in 2014, then moved to Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line as Grand Classica. MAS took over in 2022, giving it a tropical refit at Grand Bahama Shipyard, followed by another update in May 2023 with pickleball courts, new dining, and refreshed shows. Its now churning out short trips from Palm Beach. At 33 years old, it’s one of the oldest cruise ships afloat, much older than most mainstream fleet darlings like Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas (launched 2024), but its focus is niche: quick, no-frills getaways.
Margaritaville at Sea Islander
The Islander is younger, hitting the seas in 2000 as Costa Atlantica for Costa Cruises. A Spirit-class ship, it offered more space and modern perks than the Paradise. It sailed with Costa until 2023, when Carnival Corporation sold it for $64.6 million. MAS gave it a Buffett-style makeover—started in Belfast, finished crossing the Atlantic—and launched it from Tampa in June 2024. Sporting a 14-story atrium, a three-story LandShark Bar, and a waterslide, it’s still behind the curve of newer mega-ships but fresher than the Paradise, aiming for a family-friendly appeal.
How They Compare: Two Takes on Cruising
Unlike the sprawling itineraries of giants like Carnival or Norwegian, MAS keeps it tight and tropical, with each ship carving out its own niche.
Paradise: The Short-Haul Veteran
From the Port of Palm Beach, the Paradise sticks to 2- and 3-night runs, with occasional 4-night trips. Its go-to is a 2-night hop to Freeport, Grand Bahama, offering a day ashore before zipping back. Three nights might hit Nassau or Key West, while 4-night options mix Freeport and Key West. It’s a compact ship—think live music, a casino, and a pool—plus recent upgrades like pickleball. At 52,926 gross tons and 1,680 passengers, it’s tiny next to behemoths like Carnival’s Mardi Gras (180,000 tons, 5,200+ passengers), and its age shows in snug spaces like the buffet, according to those who have cruised on her. It’s less about bells and whistles, more about a fast escape.
Islander: The Mid-Range Contender
The Islander sails from Port Tampa Bay with 4- and 5-night itineraries, hitting Key West, Cozumel, and Progreso, Mexico, plus rare stops like Ocho Rios and Grand Cayman. A 4-night trip might pair Cozumel with two sea days, while 5-nights double up ports. At 85,619 gross tons and 2,200 passengers, it’s bigger than the Paradise but still not a giants. It’s got modern flair—a waterslide, mini-golf, a splash zone—making it more family-oriented than its sibling, though it’s no match for the activity-packed decks of newer ships.
What Passengers Think: Cruise Critic Weighs In
Cruise Critic gives the Paradise a thumbs-up for affordability and simplicity. Guests call it a “budget-friendly getaway” or a “quick Freeport fix,” loving the low fares and chill vibe. But it’s not all smooth sailing—some flag dated decor, cramped areas, and steep add-ons like drinks, rating it below the polish of mainstream lines like Princess or Holland America. It’s a starter cruise or Buffett fan’s dream, not a luxe contender.
The Islander fares better, with reviewers praising its “fun, lively vibe,” tropical staterooms, and solid dining (think Cheeseburger in Paradise). One called it “a clear step up from the Paradise,” though spotty Wi-Fi and minor glitches get mentioned. It holds its own against mid-tier competitors like Carnival’s older ships but lacks the scale and innovation of top-tier fleets.
The Cost Factor: Where the Bucks Stack Up
Paradise (Port of Palm Beach)
Base fares are low—often under $100 per person for 2 nights—but extras bite. Parking’s $19/day ($38 for 2 nights) versus Tampa’s $15/day ($60 for 4 nights). Wi-Fi, drinks, and specialty dining like JWB Prime Steakhouse will set you back more. A $15-per-night fuel surcharge (as of June 2024) adds $30-$45, a fee not seen on bigger lines or the Islander. Optional Freeport resort stays cost $200-$400. Compared to mainstream short cruises (like Carnival’s 3-nighters), the Paradise is cheaper upfront but pricier with add-ons and port fees.
Islander (Port of Tampa)
The Islander’s longer trips spread costs: parking at $15/day, and you’re still going to pay for Wi-Fi, drink packages, and specialty meals, but there’s no fuel surcharge. It’s competitive with Carnival or Norwegian’s mid-length cruises, offering more onboard value, though base fares might edge higher.
So, How Does Margaritaville at Sea Stack Up?
Margaritaville at Sea isn’t here to rival the mega-ships of Royal Caribbean or Carnival—it’s a boutique line with a Buffett twist. The Paradise is a quirky, affordable short-haul option from Palm Beach, great for a trial run or weekend vibe, though its age, fuel surcharge, and higher parking costs add up. The Islander from Tampa is newer, with longer trips and family-friendly perks, holding its own against older ships from bigger brands without matching their scale or flash. Reviews show it’s a hit with casual cruisers, not luxury seekers.
If you’re curious about cruising and love a tropical niche, MAS is worth a look—just know it’s more “Fins” than finesse.