Should you try a new cruise line when you don’t know if they’re viable? Solid question. But let me help you with one that I’ve tried and LOVE.
Margaritaville at Sea, the cruise line built around the Margaritaville/Jimmy Buffett brand, is hands down one of the most satisfying vacations I’ve taken in a long time! Join me for a thorough evaluation.
Like most experienced travelers, I booked my cruise online rather than going through an outside agency or waiting to talk with a customer service representative. I know that’s outside the comfort zone for some travelers, and while an agent can be incredibly helpful, I’m just used to booking travel on my own.
I will say that I did contact their customer service line a couple of times, and in speaking with different reps, they all seemed aligned with their information. That sounds like a no-brainer, but it’s not always a given.
I received multiple emails (based on my notification preferences) with plenty of opportunities to add on excursions and extras such as dining or beverage packages. I rated this as good, not great, because I was struggling a bit to understand what WAS included and why I would need to add on any of these packages.
Obviously, excursions would be additional and not included, but dining should have been included, so why was I getting the opportunity to add this?
Turns out, yes, all of the meals and food were included—and there was plenty available all day long.
The options to add on were for their signature JWB Prime Steakhouse, a select, quiet, upscale dining room, and additional special meals such as their Sparkling Brunch.
We opted for the Sparkling Brunch, and it was definitely the best meal of the cruise. The service was beyond outstanding, and the food was fantastic. My only complaint was that, for the price, the mimosas should have been unlimited.
Typical bubbly me, right?
Here’s where I didn’t choose an add-on and should have—and I definitely would in the future.
We sailed in July from the Port of Tampa. The port is not well air-conditioned. It was beyond sweltering.
Before we could even enter the port (at our strictly designated time), passengers had to wait outside the port. Outside. In the heat.
The whole embarkation process took about 2½ hours.
Did I mention it was hot?
Yeah.
There’s an option to add a fast pass to speed up the embarkation process, and whatever the cost, it would be well worth it.
There was also some miscommunication with the cruise line and the port regarding bringing alcohol on board. We didn’t think to do that, but some other travelers we got to chatting with did have some wine with them, which was rapidly confiscated by security.
So, be forewarned: don’t bring your own alcohol on board.
Where Margaritaville did excel in this process was the staff.
Every single person we encountered was attentive, friendly, happy, and having a grand old time. I’ve not seen a staff quite that happy—not even at Disneyland.
The exec team at this cruise line must be doing something very right to have such pleasant staff.
Every. Single. Person.
This was the nicest ship that I’ve ever sailed on, by far.
It wasn’t the most elaborate and certainly not the biggest, but it was IMMACULATE. Sparkling clean—everywhere.
There were absolutely no signs of wear and tear that we could see. It felt new, fresh, clean, safe…everything you want a cruise ship to feel like. It was just great.
That’s an issue for many travelers (including myself) post-pandemic. I’ve heard so many people say they’d never cruise again after COVID because of the fear of getting sick and stuck on a ship with a virus. Valid point.
While nothing is out of the realm of possibility, Margaritaville at Sea did everything possible to ensure we were in an exceptionally clean and well-maintained environment.
The decor was just “themey” enough, too. You definitely feel like you’re on a Jimmy Buffett-inspired ship. Every clock is stuck at 5:00, there were the appropriate number of flip-flops, and just enough parrots, but nothing was overkill.
Even the music.
We heard maybe 2–3 Jimmy Buffett songs every hour.
Design crew—well done!
Perfect.
I couldn’t have asked for more. But, in all fairness, this is where most cruise lines excel. The experience, right?
There were ample announcements about what was going on. There were clear daily bulletins in the cabin. The staff was friendly, informed, and helpful. Signage was clear and plentiful.
There were plenty of activities every day – even when we were in port. How on earth can anyone think they’d be bored on a cruise ship?
Games, food, shopping, gambling, shows, bands, dancing—and when that gets to be too much, there are just enough quiet spaces to retreat to and gather some peace and quiet for a few minutes & relax with some bubbles.
Excursions were orderly and simple. We had no issues getting on or off the ship throughout the journey. Again, the staff was super helpful with all of our questions.
Seriously, don’t hesitate to try this cruise line for your next voyage.
They have a good customer loyalty program that I’ve already joined, which should tell you something.
Would you be willing to try a new cruise line?
Margaritaville at Sea was only established in 2022, so it’s still very new, but thus far, it’s doing everything right.
And honestly? I went into this cruise wondering whether a newer cruise line could really deliver the kind of experience I’ve come to expect from cruising.
