I’ve got to be honest, when my friend floated the idea of a quick cruise from Florida, I’d never even heard of Margaritaville. But then, I’m from Ireland and the whole Jimmy Buffett idea of island escape hadn’t been something I knew about!
Once I got the idea, I got it and Margaritaville at Sea is based on more than a catchy tune: it’s two very different cruise experiences sailing under the same brand. One ship is a party cruise heading to the Bahamas. The other is a proper, longer Caribbean escape.
Having sailed Paradise myself (and spent way too much time researching Islander afterwards), I can tell you the differences between the two ships and experiences are clearer than you’d expect. Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right Margaritaville ship for your cruise style and budget.
Quick Comparison Summary
- Paradise: Older ship (1991), smaller capacity (~1,400 passengers), budget-friendly pricing, 2-day Bahamas routes
- Islander: Updated ship (1982, but extensively refurbished 2022), larger capacity (~2,050 passengers), premium experience, 4-7 day Caribbean routes
- Best For Paradise: First-time cruisers, budget travellers, quick getaways
- Best For Islander: Experienced cruisers wanting upgraded amenities, longer Caribbean itineraries
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Real Passenger Experiences: What People Actually Say
Before diving into a more detailed comparison, let me share what actual cruisers who’ve sailed both ships said. These insights come from Margaritaville cruise groups where people share their honest experiences:
On Paradise: “Paradise is a weekender, plain and simple” — Rick T., who’s sailed both ships multiple times. Another passenger noted that “Paradise offered a great spring break weekend escape” with excellent service and a chill atmosphere.
On Islander: “Islander is more like a cruise and Paradise is a party to the Bahamas and back” — Travis C. summed up the fundamental difference perfectly. However, some passengers mentioned issues like sewage smells on certain Islander decks and gym facilities that felt “like a cave” with broken equipment.
The Consensus: Most experienced cruisers agree that “both are decent cruises for a dirt cheap budget” but serve different purposes. Paradise excels as a quick, fun getaway, whilst Islander provides a more traditional cruise experience with upgraded amenities.
Now, let’s break down exactly what these differences mean for your cruise choice.
Size and Capacity Differences
| Specification | Paradise | Islander |
|---|---|---|
| Built | 1991 | 1982 |
| Last Refurbishment | Margaritaville takeover | $30M renovation (2022) |
| Gross Tonnage | 63,524 | 70,367 |
| Passenger Capacity | ~1,400 | ~2,050 |
| Crew | ~550 | ~670 |
| Decks | 12 | 14 |
| Passenger-to-Crew Ratio | 2.5:1 | 3.1:1 |
The size difference between these ships is immediately noticeable:
What this means in practice is that Islander feels more like a “proper” cruise ship with expanded facilities, whilst Paradise offers a smaller ship experience that’s less overwhelming for first-timers.
What the Cabins Are Really Like
Having stayed in an ocean view cabin on Paradise (cabin 7142), I can tell you the rooms are functional but clearly budget-focused. The aqua theming carries throughout with nautical map wallpapers and turquoise framed photographs, but you’ll notice the age in details like 1970s-style plastic hangers and unrenovated bathrooms.
Margaritaville at Sea Paradise Ocean View Cabin Tour
Plus 2025 Room Prices!
Islander’s cabins received significant upgrades during the 2022 refurbishment:
Paradise Cabins
- Smaller overall footprint
- Basic amenities and older fixtures
- Limited storage options
- Compact bathrooms with stand-up showers
- Functional but dated decor
Islander Cabins
- Larger staterooms across most categories
- Updated furnishings and modern amenities
- Improved storage solutions
- Upgraded bathrooms with better lighting
- More premium finishes throughout
If cabin comfort is important to you, Islander offers a noticeable step up in quality and space over Paradise.
Dining: Where Islander Really Shines
| Dining Venue | Paradise | Islander |
|---|---|---|
| Main Buffet | Port of Indecision | Enhanced buffet with international options |
| Main Dining | Fins | Main dining room with expanded menu |
| Specialty Restaurants | JWB Steakhouse ($49) | Multiple: Steakhouse, Italian, Seafood |
| Casual Dining | Frank & Lola’s Pizzeria | 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill |
| Additional Options | Limited bar food | LandShark Bar & Grill, expanded venues |
| Bar Variety | Standard cruise bars | License to Chill Bar + enhanced options |
I wasn’t expecting much from Paradise’s food, but it really delivered: the fried chicken and plantains from the buffet hit the spot, and Fins dining room was comparable to a decent chain restaurant. But Islander’s dining setup is in a completely different league.
The Islander’s $30 million refurbishment targeted investment in dining variety and quality. If you’re more of a foodie or want more restaurant choices, Islander delivers way more options.
Routes and Itineraries: Short vs Long
| Route Details | Paradise | Islander |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2 days, 2 nights | 4-7 days |
| Departure Ports | Palm Beach, FL | Fort Lauderdale, Tampa |
| Destinations | Freeport, Grand Bahama | Cozumel, Costa Maya, Key West, Caribbean |
| Frequency | Multiple per week | Weekly departures |
| Sea Days | Minimal | 1-3 days |
| Port Time | ~8 hours in Freeport | Full days in multiple ports |
| Best For | Quick getaways, testing cruising | Traditional Caribbean exploration |
Where you can go might be the deciding factor for many travellers:
If you want a quick taste of cruising with a low commitment, the low-priced Paradise’s 2-day format is ideal. For a proper Caribbean cruise experience with multiple destinations, Islander is your only option between the two.
Entertainment and Activities
If you’re a newbie, you’ll find that both ships embrace the Margaritaville lifestyle with Jimmy Buffett music, tropical theming, and that “it’s five o’clock somewhere” atmosphere. However, Islander’s larger size allows for more entertainment venues and activities.
Paradise Entertainment
- Main showroom with live music and comedy
- The shows felt thinly produced in places
- Multiple bars with different vibes
- Pool deck activities
- Limited onboard activities due to size
Islander Entertainment
- Larger main theatre with expanded show schedule
- More diverse live music venues
- Enhanced pool deck with additional activities
- Larger casino
- Expanded fitness facilities
- More deck space for activities
- Additional lounges and gathering spaces
The party atmosphere exists on both ships, but Islander provides more variety in how you experience it.
Is Islander Worth the Extra Money?
Here’s where Paradise really shines. During my sailing, Margaritaville was running promotional pricing that made the cruise exceptionally good value. Even at regular rates, Paradise typically costs significantly less than Islander.
Paradise Pricing Advantages
- Lower base cruise fares
- Shorter duration means less overall spend
- Drink packages start at $89 prepay/$99 onboard
- Less temptation for specialty dining upcharges
- Budget-friendly shore excursions in Freeport
Islander Pricing Considerations
- Higher base fares due to longer itineraries
- More specialty dining options (more opportunities to spend)
- Longer cruises mean higher beverage package costs
- More expensive Caribbean shore excursions
- Premium positioning in the fleet
For first-time cruisers or budget-conscious travellers, Paradise is the better value and accessible entry point into cruising without the financial commitment of a much longer Caribbean voyage.
Embarkation and Logistics
Both ships can have lengthy embarkation processes, but there are differences worth noting. At Palm Beach (for Paradise), embarkation took us 1 hour 45 minutes total. It’s a smaller terminal but the queues were long. Disembarkation was faster for passport holders (vs birth certificate holders).
At Fort Lauderdale or Tampa (for Islander), the larger terminals are designed to handle crowds, even if embarkation is a bit more complex because of the destinations that Islander goes to. Disembarkation can take longer too.
Compared to smooth running operations like Virgin Voyages at PortMiami or Royal Caribbean at Vancouver, don’t expect Margaritaville’s disembarkation procedures to be a breeze. Of the two, Islander’s bigger terminals are a bit better at handling the crowds.
Who Should Choose Paradise
Paradise is the perfect introduction to cruising, especially if you’re nervous about committing to a week-long voyage or unsure whether you’ll enjoy the cruise experience at all. As a first-timer myself, I found the 2-day format ideal for testing the waters without paying very much or investing too much time.
The ship’s small size means it feels intimate without the overwhelming size and numbers of bigger lines.
Who Should Choose Islander
Islander suits slightly more experienced cruisers who already know they enjoy cruises and want a more traditional Caribbean experience, but with a Jimmy Buffet, laid-back vibe.
The Islander will be better for you if you’d prefer updated amenities and if you’re willing to pay a bit more for a longer Caribbean holiday.
The Bottom Line: Which Ship Wins?
| Your Priority | Choose Paradise If… | Choose Islander If… |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | You want affordable cruise introduction | You’re willing to pay more for upgrades |
| Time | You have 2-3 days available | You can commit to a full week |
| Experience Level | You’re a complete cruise beginner | You know you enjoy cruising |
| Destinations | Bahamas day trip is sufficient | You want multiple Caribbean ports |
| Amenities | Basic facilities are fine | You prefer modern, upgraded features |
| Dining | Simple options work for you | You want variety and specialty restaurants |
| Ship Size | You prefer smaller groups | You like lots of space and activities |
There’s no universal winner here… it completely depends on your cruise goals and experience level. Here’s a wee table to help you compare:
For first-time cruisers: Paradise wins hands down. The 2-day format lets you experience cruising without overwhelming commitment, the pricing is accessible, and you’ll get that authentic Margaritaville vibe that people love.
For experienced cruisers: Islander offers a longer, slightly higher-end experience you’re probably looking for. Better amenities, more dining options, proper itineraries, and the space to really enjoy a week-long cruise.
My Personal Recommendation
Having sailed Paradise as my first ever cruise, I’d recommend it to anyone new to cruising or wanting a quick, affordable getaway. The experience convinced me that I’d enjoy longer cruises, which would make Islander an appealing next step.
If you’re torn between the two, consider this: Paradise is perfect for discovering whether you like cruising, whilst Islander is ideal for when you know you do. Both ships have the chirpy Margaritaville spirit, but if you’re not sure you’ll like cruising, just choose Paradise! If you’re already a cruiser, you’ll enjoy Islander!
The best part? You can always try one first and sail the other later!
Planning your Margaritaville cruise? Check out my complete Paradise review for a detailed review, or read about the 5 things I wish I’d known before booking Margaritaville at Sea!
Feature image of the Islander, courtesy of: Bassfish22, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. All other images copyright Patrick Hughes.
