Margaritaville at Sea ยท Sailed
Paradise
Compact ship running 2-3 night Bahamas sailings from Palm Beach. Built in 1992 as Costa Classica, rebranded in 2022 with Margaritaville theming.
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.
Reviews & guides
Cabin 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.
Cabin Cabins to Avoid on Margaritaville Paradise: The Ones to Skip and Why
Cabins to avoid on Margaritaville Paradise: engine noise, theatre bleed, lobby traffic and pool deck overhead, with what to book instead.
Decks Margaritaville Paradise Deck-by-Deck Guide: What's on Every Level
Margaritaville Paradise deck by deck: every restaurant, bar, pool and public space mapped, with the best decks to book a cabin on.
Dining Complete Dining Guide for Margaritaville Paradise: Every Restaurant Reviewed
Every restaurant on Margaritaville Paradise reviewed: main dining, specialty, buffet and room service, with prices and booking tips.
Itinerary Margaritaville Paradise Itineraries 2026: Where It Sails and When
Margaritaville Paradise itineraries for 2026: every route, the homeport, the Cozumel Express sailing, and which one is worth booking.
Cruise Solo Cruising on Margaritaville Paradise: What to Expect
Solo on Margaritaville Paradise: single supplement, no-supplement offer, cabin options, how to meet people, and my verdict for solo travellers.
Vibe check What's the Vibe on Margaritaville Paradise? Who Sails and What to Expect
What Margaritaville Paradise is actually like: the passenger mix, real dress code, pool deck energy, and who the ship is not for.
Ship review 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.