Jimmy Buffett's cruise line shares itineraries rivals don't offer
Margaritaville at Sea gets creative with its schedule to attract new cruisers.
Margaritaville at Sea started out as a single-ship cruise line, offering two-day Bahamas cruises on its Paradise ship out of Palm Beach, Florida.
Of course, these worked out great for locals. The cruise fares were usually very cheap, compared with other major cruise lines, and it’s much easier to get away for a couple nights than a longer vacation. On the other hand, a two-night cruise on a very old (but renovated) ship that goes to the same Bahamas port every time was a tough sell for anyone who wasn’t in a short driving distance.
Related: Margaritaville at Sea beats big cruise lines for coveted award
The cruise line’s second ship, Margaritaville at Sea Islander, changed that when it launched last year. A renovated ship formerly owned by Carnival subsidiary Costa Cruise Line, Islander sailed 4- and 5-day itineraries out of Tampa, which featured stops in places like Key West, Cozumel, and Progresso, Mexico. Soon after, Paradise started offering slightly longer itineraries, and with some variety in its ports (it is regularly seen in Key West, for example).
Over the past few months, Margaritaville at Sea, or MAS for short, has released some even longer itineraries with new ports. For example, there’s one itinerary the ship sails several times in 2026 that stops in Montego Bay, Jamaica, as well as in Grand Cayman. There’s a six-night itinerary that includes stops in Belize and Roatan, Honduras.
Other six- and seven-night itineraries feature stops in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, New Orleans, and Costa Maya, Mexico.
Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. Image source: Margaritaville at Sea
The most unusual itineraries are still rolling out
MAS is definitely stepping up its game when it comes to its itineraries, and not just on its Islander flagship.
In March, the cruise line announced a series of themed sailings on Paradise, including a Super Bowl getaway, a Cinco de Mayo voyage to Cozumel, and three different sailings that coincide with Key West’s Fantasy Fest, the island’s biggest event of the year.
However, the cruise line just announced a couple of 8-night itineraries on Islander, including one that is arguably the most unique Margaritaville at Sea itinerary yet.
The “8-Night Mardi Gras Overnight & Mexico,” which leaves on Feb. 7, 2027, features an overnight stay in New Orleans during the Mardi Gras celebration, in addition to stops at both Cozumel and Progresso in Mexico. Guests arrive in New Orleans at 8am on the third day of the cruise, and can enjoy the Mardi Gras nightlife well into the night before returning to the ship…and then can get off the next morning and enjoy the city some more.
More cruise news:
- Margaritaville at Sea expands its cruise offerings from Florida port
- Margaritaville at Sea offering new ship-to-resort experience
- Margaritaville at Sea Paradise getting massive overhaul
Additionally, there’s another 8-night itinerary available on Islander that includes four stops (Cozumel, Belize, Montego Bay, Grand Cayman). And although it was previously announced, there’s a 10-night sailing in Sep 2026 that visits Grand Cayman and Ocho Rios, in addition to stops in Aruba and Curacao.
MAS has good deals to be found
In addition to the unique itineraries being offered, there are some financial incentives available, such as a 50% off sale. Margaritaville at Sea is one of several cruise lines to offer a “kids sail free” promotion, which lasts until April 30.
While the Margaritaville brand might be more closely associated with adult fun, I can tell you firsthand that the cruise line’s ships are more kid-friendly than you think. My two young children had such a great time in the pools and kids club, they told us they preferred sailing on Islander to their most recent Carnival cruise.
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
