By: Tammi Seder
Final Days To Score Free Kids & Upgrades!
By: Tammi Seder
In January 2023, we set sail on the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise for the first time, and what started as a quick getaway turned into a series of trips that left us yearning for more. We chose this cruise because it was affordable and had a short itinerary—perfect for a quick break with our two sons and their friends while they were on school vacation. Despite hearing some mixed reviews, we approached the experience with an open mind, eager to enjoy a few days of relaxation and fun. Looking back, I can confidently say that this cruise delivered much more than we expected, becoming a family favorite and a go-to destination whenever we need a break from reality.
The main reason we decided on the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise was practicality. With two sons, aged 18 and 20, and their friends joining us, we needed something affordable that wouldn’t break the bank, especially since we were paying for five people. The short itinerary was ideal for a quick vacation while the kids were on a school break. We figured, “Why not give it a try?”
Like many, I had seen the name Margaritaville before and knew it was tied to Jimmy Buffett, but I hadn’t paid much attention. I knew there were land-based resorts and that Jimmy Buffett fans, affectionately known as Parrot Heads, were a big part of the culture. However, my husband and I wouldn’t consider ourselves die-hard fans. We enjoyed his music casually, but we weren’t following him around the world or collecting every piece of Margaritaville merchandise. That said, this cruise changed all of that—by the end, we left the ship with a new appreciation for Buffett’s music and lifestyle, and our Sirius XM was set to the Radio Margaritaville channel!
Before this cruise, my knowledge of Jimmy Buffett’s music was fairly limited. I knew the classics, like “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” but not much beyond that. However, once we were onboard, I quickly realized how much Jimmy’s music was woven into every aspect of the cruise. It was playing throughout the ship, and various entertainment acts covered his songs in different styles, adding to the tropical, laid-back vibe that Margaritaville at Sea is known for. By the end of the cruise, I found myself humming along to songs I had never heard before and developed a newfound respect for Buffett’s musical legacy.
In fact, this experience had such an impact that Radio Margaritaville is now one of my favorite stations on Sirius XM. I listen to it regularly, and it’s become the soundtrack for my drives, bringing a piece of that vacation spirit into my everyday life. My husband and I may not have started as Parrot Heads, but after several trips on the Paradise, we definitely felt more connected to the lifestyle.
The moment we stepped onto the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, we were greeted by an atmosphere that perfectly encapsulated the carefree, island vibe that Jimmy Buffett’s brand is known for. From the tropical decor to the lively, welcoming staff, the ship immediately made us feel like we were on vacation, even though we had just left the port.
The ship itself is beautifully themed with tropical accents, palm trees, and vibrant colors that create a relaxed, “island getaway” ambiance. Whether you’re walking through the atrium or lounging in one of the bars, you can feel the influence in every corner of the ship. Even the small details, like Jimmy Buffett concert videos playing in the background, enhanced the experience, making it feel like we were stepping into a little piece of paradise.
One of the things I loved most about the ship was its size. Unlike the massive ships you find on other cruise lines, the Paradise offers a more intimate experience. It’s easy to find your way around, and after a day or two, we felt like we knew the layout well. This smaller size also created opportunities to form personal connections with both the staff and other guests—something I’ll dive into more in a bit.
If there’s one thing that Margaritaville at Sea Paradise does exceptionally well, it’s entertainment. My family and I were blown away by the variety and quality of the shows and live performances onboard. One of our favorite spots on the ship was e Keys on the Water, a relaxing, laid-back venue where we spent several evenings unwinding and enjoying the entertainment. The lounge often played Jimmy Buffett concert videos, which was a perfect way to sit back and soak in the atmosphere.
The Paradise offers a range of entertainment options, from big production shows to more intimate experiences, but our personal favorite was the sing-along piano bar hosted by John Massey. My boys, who are 18 and 20, absolutely loved this. We found ourselves returning to the piano bar on multiple nights, belting out classics like Billy Joel’s Piano Man, Elton John hits, and, of course, some Jimmy Buffett songs. The energy was contagious—everyone in the room was singing along, and it felt like a big family gathering.
What made it even more special was the personalized touch. On the second night, John Massey recognized us from the night before and invited my 20-year-old son to sit right next to him at the piano. It was those little moments of connection that made this cruise unforgettable.
Beyond the piano bar, the larger production shows also exceeded our expectations. When we set sail in April, they had put on Radio Margaritaville: Live at Sea and Caribbean Heat, which were phenomenal. The talent onboard was incredible, and we actually became friends with several members of the cast. In fact, we still keep in touch with them today—something that has never happened to us on any other cruise.
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 dining experience on the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise was another highlight of our trip. We typically ate breakfast and lunch at the Port of Indecision Buffet, which offered a great variety of dishes, and had a complimentary dinner at Fins Dining Room, where we were consistently impressed with both the food and the service. While the buffet provided a relaxed, easygoing atmosphere, Fins felt more like a fine-dining experience, with dishes that wouldn’t be out of place at a high-end restaurant.
One of the standout dishes for me was the shrimp and grits. I had never tried grits before, but our waiter, Isworo, recommended them, and I’m so glad he did. The dish was delicious, and it was just one of many culinary delights we enjoyed during our time onboard. Another favorite was the key lime sponge cake—light, refreshing, and the perfect way to end a meal.
Isworo, our waiter, was a big part of why we kept coming back to Fins each night. We first met him during our January cruise, and each time we returned, he was there waiting for us with a big smile and our table ready. It felt like dining with an old friend rather than just being another guest at a restaurant. In fact, on our anniversary, the maitre d’ even sent chocolate-covered strawberries to our room—a thoughtful gesture that added an extra touch of magic to our trip.
Even the buffet exceeded our expectations. It wasn’t just a standard “help yourself” affair—it was filled with high-quality, well-prepared dishes. My favorite at the buffet was the vegetarian lasagna, which had layers of delicious eggplant and other fresh ingredients. It was the kind of meal you’d expect to find in a specialty restaurant, not at a buffet.
While we enjoyed plenty of downtime on the ship, we also made sure to take part in some of the onboard activities. One of our favorite activities was karaoke. My husband and son are big karaoke fans, so we made sure to hit the Sing Along Piano Bar several times. It was a blast, with everyone singing their hearts out and having a great time. Another fun experience was participating in music trivia. My husband loves trivia, and we ended up winning the game, walking away with a margarita as our prize—something we were more than happy to claim!
We also participated in a dance class led by the entertainment cast, where they taught us part of a routine from one of their shows. During the performance, they even called us out for not standing up and dancing—adding another layer of personal connection to the experience. It’s these little touches that make the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise feel more intimate and engaging than other cruises.
I can’t say enough about the service on the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise. From the moment we stepped onboard, the crew went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed. Whether it was bringing extra towels to our room or offering recommendations on what to order at dinner, they were always attentive and eager to help.
The personal connections we made with the staff are something that really sets this cruise apart from others. It’s not just about the service—it’s about how much the crew truly cares. By the end of our first cruise, we felt like we were part of the Margaritaville at Sea family. Our waiter, Isworo, remembered us on each subsequent cruise, and even the bartenders knew our drink preferences after just one order. It’s that level of attention to detail and genuine warmth that makes this cruise line so special.
Embarkation and disembarkation were both smooth and hassle-free. The first time we sailed, I was in a rush to get on the ship as early as possible, but after a few cruises, I realized there’s no need to hurry. Now, we like to hang back and relax in the Euphoria Lounge, where they serve coffee and pastries while playing Jimmy Buffett concert videos. It’s the perfect way to start and end a cruise without feeling rushed or stressed.
Would I recommend the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise to others? Absolutely. Whether you’re traveling with kids, going with a significant other, or bringing grandparents along, this cruise offers something for everyone. It’s affordable, it’s fun, and it’s the perfect way to relax and unwind for a few days. You can choose to do as little or as much as you want, and either way, you’re going to have an amazing time.
For us, this cruise has become more than just a vacation—it’s a place where we’ve made lasting memories and built connections with people who feel like family. I can’t wait to sail again, and I encourage anyone who’s on the fence to give it a try. You won’t be disappointed.
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.