By: Walt Rouxel
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By: Walt Rouxel
After 96 cruises, you could say my wife and I know our way around a cruise ship. We’ve been on everything from budget-friendly cruises to high-end luxury lines, but something about the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise keeps us coming back. We’ve sailed on Paradise 15 times, and as much as we love the Margaritaville vibe, the number one reason is the crew. The people on this ship are not only friendly—they’re practically family.
One thing that sets Margaritaville at Sea Paradise apart is the crew’s sincerity. We’ve made lifelong friends with so many of them. They know us by name, and we know them—Rio and Novi from Bali, for example, who we met at Fins Dining and Euphoria Lounge. They’re not just servers or bartenders; they’re folks we genuinely care about. Every time we board, there’s this warm, familiar welcome, like, “Hey, Walt! Welcome back!” The crew makes each voyage feel less like a trip and more like a reunion.
People sometimes mistake me for a crew member because I know so many of the staff! I’ve learned the ship’s layout so well that I can give directions with my eyes closed. My wife and I love staying in touch with the crew, even helping a drink server from Russia mail her letters home from Florida since she doesn’t have easy access to a post office on board. It’s these bonds that make every trip feel like coming home.
I’m a Parrothead through and through, and hearing that the Grand Classica was being rebranded as Margaritaville at Sea Paradise felt like fate. I’ve followed Jimmy Buffett’s music for over a decade, so when Margaritaville invited us to the inaugural sailing of Paradise, we jumped at the chance.
As a special treat, Jimmy Buffett himself performed a mini-concert on the License to Chill deck. He appeared with his guitarist and drummer, and there he was, 20 feet away, singing classics. My wife nudged me afterward, wondering why I hadn’t been more outwardly excited. But honestly, I was just mesmerized, standing so close to the man whose music I’ve listened to for years. I had heard rumors he might appear, but seeing him up close was surreal. The best part? He just walked off after the set and went back to his Palm Beach house nearby. You don’t get an experience like that every day.
We’d been on the Grand Classica before it became Paradise, and the transformation has been impressive. They took an older Costa Cruises ship and gave it a relaxed, island-inspired overhaul. Every time we’ve returned, we’ve noticed new touches that make the ship feel even more Caribbean. Early on, the decor still had remnants of the Costa vibe—statues and paintings that didn’t quite fit the island theme. But each sailing, the ship got more “island-y,” with little touches like the bright, beachy paint and the iconic License to Chill Bar.
The decor now has a strong Jimmy Buffett vibe, with a Caribbean feel that instantly sets the tone for a relaxed getaway. It’s an ongoing project, too—sometimes we see contractors on board making new upgrades. The result? Paradise feels like an escape to an island retreat, without needing to leave the ship.
When it comes to accommodations, Paradise does not disappoint. We typically book an Ocean View cabin, complete with a big, round window that brings in plenty of natural light. Compared to other major cruise lines like MSC, Royal Caribbean, and NCL, these cabins are spacious—plenty of room to move without bumping into each other. And the island-themed decor, like a map of the Caribbean on the wall and Jimmy Buffett’s lyrics here and there, makes it feel like a true escape.
The beds and pillows were brand new, adding a touch of luxury, and I’d say the Ocean View cabins on Paradise are more comfortable than what you find on the newer ships of many big-name lines. The comfort rivals some of the high-end lines, making each stay as relaxing as possible.
Our go-to for dinner is Fins Dining, the main dining room. It’s included in the cruise and offers Caribbean-inspired dishes like Jimmy’s Jammin’ Jambalaya (my favorite!) and fresh salmon, which my wife loves. The dining experience at Fins Dining has been nothing short of exceptional. There’s no wait time when we go later in the evening, and the staff goes above and beyond—like having a bottle of hot sauce waiting on the table because they know I love it.
One memorable connection we made was with Rio, a server at Fins Dining, and his wife, Novi, who bartends at Euphoria Lounge. We discovered they were married, which added a whole new layer of connection. When Novi became pregnant, we even got them a teddy bear as a baby gift, a gesture that meant as much to us as it did to them. It’s this personal touch that makes dining here more than just a meal.
We’ve also tried the specialty dining on board, like JWB Steakhouse, which rivals any steakhouse on land in quality, and Frank and Lola’s Pizzeria, which serves pizza as good as what you’d find on Italian-based cruises. While these require an extra fee on Paradise, they’re worth every penny.
The entertainment on Paradise is as vibrant as you’d expect. The production shows rival anything on the larger lines, with talented singers and dancers who bring the stage to life. Music is constant around the ship, whether it’s live bands by the pool or Jimmy Buffett concerts replayed on the big screen. Even though there’s a mix of genres, everyone eventually finds a tune they can get into.
On the pool deck, the License to Chill stage sees live performances, and even when there’s no live music, they keep the mood alive by replaying Jimmy Buffett’s concerts. It’s never just one type of music either; there’s always a mix so everyone on board can enjoy something they love.
One of the perks of living in Jupiter, Florida, is how easy it is to hop on the ship. With just a 20-minute drive, my wife and I are at the Port of Palm Beach. We usually buy the Express Pass, which makes embarkation and disembarkation a breeze. From the moment we get on board, our vacation begins. On the last day, we’re off by 7:45 a.m. and home by 8:15 a.m.—it doesn’t get more convenient than that!
The Margaritaville at Sea attracts people who just want to have a good time. Most of the passengers are here to relax, celebrate an occasion, or simply unwind. It’s not uncommon to see folks celebrating birthdays or anniversaries, often with a bit of flair. I’ve seen people walking around wearing crowns or sashes that say “Birthday Girl” or “Anniversary,” adding to the fun, lively atmosphere. It’s a place where people are celebrating life, and there’s a friendly, laid-back vibe that makes it easy to join in and enjoy.
There’s a friendly, laid-back atmosphere, with Parrotheads and like-minded people who just want to escape the daily grind and enjoy life.
The Margaritaville at Sea Paradise isn’t just a ship; it’s a community. From the crew’s warmth and genuine hospitality to the unforgettable moments like Jimmy Buffett’s surprise concert, Paradise offers an experience that’s hard to match. We’ve already recommended this cruise to so many of our friends, and I can’t see us stopping anytime soon.
As for improvements? Maybe opening Frank and Lola’s Pizzeria for lunch on embarkation day would be a nice touch. But that’s just a minor wish. For us, this ship, and the crew that makes it special, make every trip feel like we’re part of something extraordinary—an 11 out of 10, hands down.
Find your fun and get into the Margaritaville state of mind, at sea.
Whether you want to wind down, stop by the spa, chill by the pool, or kick back in your stateroom, every second aboard Margaritaville at Sea is a chance for adventure.