Overview
The Paradise is the only ship in the Margaritaville at Sea fleet. Originally launched in 1992 as the Costa Classica, it was reimagined as a Margaritaville-themed vessel in 2022 and underwent a significant refurbishment in January 2026 that updated the dining programme, entertainment venues, and cabin decor. At 25,000 gross tonnes and carrying around 1,680 passengers, it is a compact ship by modern cruise standards - closer in scale to a boutique hotel at sea than the mega-ships that dominate the Caribbean market.
The ship operates 2-3 night sailings out of Palm Beach, Florida, to Freeport in the Bahamas and to Key West. It is one of the most affordable short-cruise options available from South Florida - positioned as a budget beach resort at sea rather than a traditional cruise experience. There are no formal nights. The Margaritaville theming runs through everything: steel drums on the pool deck, frozen drinks at every bar, and a no-pretence atmosphere that is deliberately and consistently laid-back.
I sailed the Paradise as my first ever cruise, with my friend Ronan. I boarded knowing nothing about Jimmy Buffett and left knowing the words to several of his songs. The food was better than I expected, the staff were genuinely warm, and the ship earned its reputation for being exactly what it promises to be.
Cabins
Cabin guide for Paradise.
Best Cabins on Margaritaville Paradise: Where to Book and Why
Deck-by-deck guide to the best cabins on Margaritaville Paradise - oceanview, inside, suites, solo, accessible, and the one sweet-spot cabin to book today.
Cabins to Avoid on Margaritaville Paradise: The Ones to Skip and Why
Which cabins to avoid on Margaritaville Paradise - engine noise, theatre bleed, lobby foot traffic, and pool deck overhead, with deck numbers and what to book instead.
Dining
Where to eat on Paradise.
My Reviews
Everything I've written about Paradise.
Best Cabins on Margaritaville Paradise: Where to Book and Why
Deck-by-deck guide to the best cabins on Margaritaville Paradise - oceanview, inside, suites, solo, accessible, and the one sweet-spot cabin to book today.
Margaritaville Paradise Deck-by-Deck Guide: What's on Every Level
Complete deck-by-deck guide to Margaritaville Paradise - every restaurant, bar, pool, and public space mapped by deck, with navigation tips and the best decks for cabins.
Cabins to Avoid on Margaritaville Paradise: The Ones to Skip and Why
Which cabins to avoid on Margaritaville Paradise - engine noise, theatre bleed, lobby foot traffic, and pool deck overhead, with deck numbers and what to book instead.
Complete Dining Guide for Margaritaville Paradise: Every Restaurant Reviewed
Every restaurant on Margaritaville Paradise reviewed - main dining, specialty, buffet, and room service with prices, booking tips, and the one dinner worth the splurge.
Margaritaville Paradise Itineraries 2026: Where It Sails and When
Complete guide to Margaritaville Paradise itineraries in 2026 - every route, homeport details, the Cozumel Express special sailing, and which itinerary is worth booking.
Solo Cruising on Margaritaville Paradise: What to Expect
Solo on Margaritaville Paradise: single supplement, no-supplement offer, cabin options, how to meet people, and an honest verdict for solo travellers.
What's the Vibe on Margaritaville Paradise? Who Sails and What to Expect
What Margaritaville at Sea Paradise is actually like - passenger mix, dress code reality, pool deck energy, evening atmosphere, and who this ship is (and isn't) for.
Margaritaville at Sea Paradise vs Islander: Which Ship Should You Choose?
A detailed comparison of Margaritaville at Sea's two ships - Paradise and Islander - covering cabins, dining, routes, pricing and entertainment.
5 Things I Wish I'd Known Before My First Margaritaville Cruise
Five essential things to know before sailing on Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, from embarkation to dining, drinks, and Grand Bahama tips.
Margaritaville at Sea Paradise Review: Is This 2-Day Cruise Worth It?
An honest review of Margaritaville at Sea Paradise covering embarkation, cabins, food, drinks, entertainment, and Grand Bahama for first-time cruisers.
Other Ships
Other ships in the Margaritaville at Sea fleet.
Paradise
You're here