By: Amy Russell
By: Amy Russell
My husband and I have always been ocean lovers. Living in Key Largo, Florida, we spend our time scuba diving, boating, and anything else that gets us out on the water. When we heard about the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise cruise, it was a no-brainer for us to try it. After all, we’re both die-hard Parrotheads. Jimmy Buffett has been a huge part of our lives, and this cruise seemed like the perfect fit.
Our journey with Jimmy Buffett began long before the cruise. In fact, we credit our relationship to him! We both lived in Pennsylvania at the time and had a mutual friend who invited us on a road trip to the Florida Keys. It was a 24-hour drive, and my future husband warned, “I hope you like Jimmy Buffett.” I laughed and told him, “Of course I do!” We listened to Jimmy’s music the entire way down. That trip was the start of our relationship, and Jimmy’s music has been with us ever since. We even had a Jimmy song at our wedding and attended his celebration of life.
When the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise cruise launched, we couldn’t wait to go. Although we missed the inaugural cruise, we booked our first trip shortly afterward in June 2022 for my birthday. Since then, we’ve sailed on the Paradise nine or ten times. The two-night, three-day cruise fits perfectly into our schedules, and the short drive to West Palm Beach makes it even more convenient. Every trip has been a tropical escape, living up to the high expectations we have for the Margaritaville brand.
The ship's design and atmosphere felt like a true tribute to Jimmy Buffett's world. From the Stars on the Water Theater to the Euphoria Lounge, every corner of the ship is filled with references only true Parrotheads would understand. Walking through the ship, we noticed posters of Jimmy hanging on the walls, videos playing throughout the spaces, and tropical décor that immediately made us feel at home. It was the little details that really made it special. For example, one of our favorite experiences was "Jimmy's Ship Show," a production based on characters from his books. The show tied together his music and stories with the cruise, creating an unforgettable experience.
One of the things we appreciated most was how each area of the ship had a different vibe. The 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar, which has the Burger Bar attached to it, became one of our go-to spots. What made the bars even more fun was that each had its own signature drink. Moving around the ship meant discovering something new at every stop, which added to the overall experience.
Another favorite spot of ours was the JWB Steakhouse. The intimate Stars on the Water Theater also deserves a shoutout. Its small size makes every seat a good one, perfect for watching shows or enjoying live music. The Euphoria Lounge, however, was the main hub of the ship. This is where we registered upon arrival, got our drink bands, and signed up for massages at the St. Somewhere Spa. The lounge hosts various activities, from game shows to dance lessons, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere at the center of everything.
We always book the Ocean View rooms because we love gazing out at the water. The rooms are just right for a two-night cruise, and they’re decorated in true tropical escape style. There’s a map of the Caribbean on the wall and parrots on the comforters, adding to the overall island feel. The bed is a queen size, and there’s enough room to walk around. A small shelf and a couple of chairs are next to the window, making the space functional. While the bathroom is on the smaller side, as cruise bathrooms tend to be, it has ample closet space for our belongings.
The staff really go above and beyond to make you feel at home. During one of our trips, the concierge, Anna Banana, remembered it was my birthday and surprised us by decorating our room with balloons and a birthday banner. It’s gestures like this that make each cruise feel so special.
When it comes to dining on the ship, we’ve tried it all: the Port of Indecision Buffet, Cheeseburger in Paradise Bar, Fins Dining Room, and the JWB Steakhouse. We always go for the "License to Chill" package, which includes a meal at JWB. I have to laugh because my husband teases me about it, but I’m serious when I say they have the best mashed potatoes I’ve ever had in my life! I don’t know what magic they use in the kitchen, but it works. Everything at JWB is delicious, but the mashed potatoes are the real standout for me.
The buffet offers a variety of options, including more vegan and vegetarian dishes than they had when we first started cruising. You’ll find a mix of Indian, American, Italian, and other international cuisines. Although we enjoy the buffet, JWB is our hands-down favorite.
With the "License to Chill" package, we also get priority seating at Fins Dining Room. The servers there are always attentive, and we’ve never had to wait long for our meals. For breakfast, the JWB Steakhouse serves up a great spread with bottomless mimosas – the perfect way to start the day.
The entertainment on the Paradise has always been phenomenal. The Jimmy Ship Show, was our absolute favorite. The show featured characters from his books and tied everything back to the cruise. It was a great way to immerse ourselves in the world of Margaritaville at sea. The other shows they have now, including comedy acts and acrobatics, are fun and entertaining. The comedians usually do two shows: a family-friendly one and a later, not-so-family-friendly version that’s hilarious when you’re already a bit delirious from all the fun.
One of the things that always impresses me is the piano bar. The musicians are incredibly talented and can play almost any song you request. They also know how to keep the crowd laughing, making it a must-visit spot on every cruise. Apart from the piano bar, they also have a guitar trio, various game shows, bingo, karaoke, and even a nightclub that’s packed every night. We’re never bored on the ship!
We’ve participated in a variety of onboard activities, and they’re always a blast. One time, my husband and I joined a scavenger hunt that had us swapping clothing, doing weird dances, and searching for items in people's purses. It was a bit crazy, but so much fun! My husband’s parents even participated in the "Love and Marriage Show," which is a riot. They take the couple married the longest, the shortest, and one in between and ask them questions like a newlywed game. The cruise director at the time, Orlando Majic, was hilarious, and we were all in tears laughing.
We also enjoy spending time in the casino, the sail-away party, and dancing at the nightclub. The variety of activities keeps things interesting, and the energy onboard is always high.
I can't say enough about the service on the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise. It’s absolutely outstanding, and it’s one of the main reasons we keep coming back. The crew remembers us, our names, and even small details. For instance, my husband loves his buckets of beer, and one of the crew members always comes up to him as soon as we board and asks, "Ready for that bucket?" Even though it might have been months since our last cruise, they remember us. It’s those personal touches that make it feel like a second home.
The concierge is fantastic and takes care of everything we need. The bartenders are friendly and quick to share stories. It feels like we’re part of the family every time we step onto the ship. The masseuses at the St. Somewhere Spa are top-notch (well, "phenomenal"!), and their kindness always stands out. Whether it’s the entertainers, bartenders, or spa staff, they all seem to have boundless energy and an unwavering dedication to making sure we have an incredible time.
Embarkation and disembarkation are a breeze, especially with the "License to Chill" package. Having our passports speeds up the process, and once on board, everything runs smoothly. With the priority boarding and priority disembarkation included in our package, we’re on and off the ship in about 5 to 10 minutes.
The ship’s location in West Palm Beach is very convenient for us, being just a two-and-a-half-hour drive away. We usually stay in a nearby hotel the night before, and there are plenty of options at reasonable prices. If you arrive early, there’s a beach about 20 minutes away to explore. It’s a great way to start the cruise on the right note.
The onboard account management is easy to use, and any charges we make show up on the TV in our room almost instantly. Wi-Fi is available, and while we don’t use it much because we’re hardly ever in our room, it works well whenever we need it.
They also provide plenty of information through digital screens around the ship, along with a QR code to access the schedule and itineraries. For excursions, they even slide the information under our door the night before, which is very convenient.
The mix of passengers on the Paradise is great. We’ve made lifelong friends through the wine tasting experience, where they seat you with other guests. You’ll definitely spot fellow Parrotheads by their outfits! There’s also a nice blend of couples, singles, and small groups of friends who are there for a quick getaway.
There are families with kids, but there’s always a lively atmosphere. We’ve even seen groups make their own T-shirts for birthdays or bachelorette parties. It’s a fun, inclusive environment where everyone seems to be having a good time.
Find your fun and get into the Margaritaville state of mind, at sea.
Would I recommend the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise? Absolutely, and I do all the time. The accessibility, price, and overall experience make it a fantastic getaway. You get a short cruise to the Bahamas packed with fun, relaxation, and most importantly, a staff that’s unmatched by any other. It truly feels like our second boat, and we plan to keep coming back. In fact, it’s been a couple of months since our last trip, so we’re already talking about going again in the next few months!
The one thing I’d love to see is a Jimmy Buffett trivia session! That would be the icing on the cake!
Overall, the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise is one of our favorite places. It’s a little escape to paradise and a true Parrothead experience at sea, just as Jimmy would have intended.
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.