Margaritaville at Sea Paradise Resumes Service with New Features

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise Resumes Service with New Features

The Margaritaville at Sea Paradise resumed service with new and enhanced features after undergoing a drydock in Grand Bahama.

In a social media video update, Margaritaville at Sea shared a behind-the-scenes look at the work carried out onboard the 1991-built vessel.

According to Taylor Karr, the company’s senior director for strategy and operations, significant work was carried out in areas such as the Euphoria Lounge.

The space was refreshed with new carpets, new upholstery, new wall coverings, and new light fixtures, he explained.

“We removed the flooring all the way down to the bare steel, laid some incredible-quality underlay and added a really incredible woolen carpet that looks good and feels really nice to walk on,” Karr added.

The ship’s Margaritaville Casino was also updated with a new look and updated features, he continued.

“In the casino, we’ve done a tremendous amount of work. All of our tables have been freshly refinished including new upholstery and new felts,” Karr said.

Other changes to the casino included a black-painted ceiling, as well as a new tropical-themed vinyl wrap across the lights.

“(We also added) new carpets throughout the whole venue and tons of new games for our guests to enjoy,” Karr continued.

One of the highlights of the drydock was the addition of the new High Tide Market, which replaces Paradise’s traditional self-service buffet.

Karr described the venue as Margaritaville at Sea’s new food hall concept, noting that the restaurant offers a range of stations serving different kinds of cuisine.

“We painted the entire thing in the most beautiful shade of blue, we took all of the floors down to nothing and we laid brand new carpet,” he said. The venue was also equipped with new lighting and a new ceiling.

The ship’s main pool deck now offers new cabanas with what Karr described as “high-quality furniture.”

Paradise’s 12-Volt Pool underwent a major update with a new synthetic flooring replacing the original deck floor, as well as new pool loungers and new paint.

“We took the tiles around the pool, we took it all out, and replaced it with a material called Life Floor,” Karr said.

The Margaritaville at Sea Paradise also got a Permanent Reminder Tattoo Studio as part of its refurbishment.

After first debuting onboard the Margaritaville at Sea Islander, the space was added to Paradise’s Deck 8.

Maiden Season Preview: Margaritaville at Sea’s Beachcomber

Maiden Season Preview: Margaritaville at Sea’s Beachcomber

Set to become the largest ship in Margaritaville at Sea’s fleet, the Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber will mark the company’s debut in PortMiami when she launches service in early 2027.

Cruise Industry News takes a closer look at the inaugural deployment of the 2,720-guest vessel, which was acquired from Costa Cruises.

Inaugural Cruise and Eastern Caribbean
Dates: January 9, 2027, followed by four additional sailings through April
Length: 7 nights
Homeport: Miami (United States)
Itinerary: St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands); San Juan (Puerto Rico); and Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic)

The Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber will welcome its first guests on Jan. 9, 2027, embarking on a seven-night cruise to the Eastern Caribbean.

With four additional departures scheduled through April, the weeklong cruise features visits to destinations in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, including St. Thomas, San Juan and Puerto Plata.

Mexico and Western Caribbean
Date: January 23, 2027
Length: 7 nights
Homeport: Miami (United States)
Itinerary: Cozumel (Mexico); Belize City (Belize); and George Town (Cayman Islands)

The ship’s inaugural season also features weeklong itineraries to the Western Caribbean, including the Jan. 23, 2027, departure.

Sailing to Mexico, Belize and the Cayman Islands, this seven-night cruise features visits to Cozumel, Belize City and George Town, in addition to three days of cruising.

Short Cruise to the Bahamas, Florida and the Dominican Republic
Date: February 9, 2027
Length: 4 nights
Homeport: Miami (United States)
Itinerary: Key West (United States) and Bimini (Bahamas)

The Beachcomber is also set to offer a series of short cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas during its maiden season. This four-night cruise, for example, sails from Miami in early February and features visits to Key West and Bimini.

Other short cruises available include four-night cruises to Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas, or to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, as well as five-night cruises to Puerto Plata and either Nassau or Freeport.

ABC Islands and Southern Caribbean
Date: April 16, 2027
Length: 8 nights
Homeport: Miami (United States)
Itinerary: Oranjestad (Aruba); Kralendijk (Bonaire); and Willemstad (Curaçao)

In April, the Beachcomber offers the only longer cruise of its inaugural season, an eight-night itinerary to the Southern Caribbean and the ABC Islands.

Sailing round-trip from PortMiami, the cruise is highlighted by visits to Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao, as well as four days cruising the Caribbean.

Florida, Bahamas and Western Caribbean
Date: March 27, 2027
Length: 7 nights
Homeport: Miami (United States)
Itinerary: Key West (United States); George Town (Cayman Islands); Nassau (Bahamas); and Montego Bay (Jamaica)

In late March, the 2003-built vessel also offers a seven-night cruise to Florida and the Western Caribbean.

The one-time sailing features visits to Key West, George Town in the Cayman Islands, Nassau in the Bahamas and Montego Bay in Jamaica.

Port Tampa Bay Announces Re-Opening

Port Tampa Bay Announces Re-Opening

Port Tampa Bay has resumed vessel operations and our port’s shipping channels are officially re-opened, with vessel movements restricted to daylight hours, the port announced on Saturday.

Throughout the storm, Port Tampa Bay coordinated with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as the maritime community, to respond to the impacts of Hurricane Milton.

In coordination with the Port Heavy Weather Advisory Group, and following detailed assessments of the port, waterways, and channels, the U.S. Coast Guard has reopened the port and set the port condition to normal, with a daylight hour restriction and one-way travel. Port staff fully assessed the docks, wharves, and terminals for safety.

Some of the first vessels to return will be fuel tankers, cruise ships and vessels carrying perishable cargo.

There will be changes to the following cruise schedules: Carnival Paradise, Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas, Royal Caribbean Grandeur of the Seas, Royal Caribbean Enchantment of the Seas and Margaritaville at Sea Islander.

Margaritaville at Sea Launches ‘Three Sail Free’ Sale

Margaritaville at Sea Launches ‘Three Sail Free’ Sale

Margaritaville at Sea launched “Three Guests Sail Free” allowing paying passengers to add up to three additional guests for free, depending on the stateroom capacity.

The company’s biggest offer yet applies to all sailings and itineraries on both the Paradise and Islander ships in 2024, according to a press release. 

Guests also have the option to pay monthly via uplift with 0 percent interest for up to nine months.  The offer is valid for bookings made between January 9 and Feb. 12, 2024.

“There is nothing better than sailing the open ocean and exploring new destinations with friends or loved ones, and our new offer lets our guests bring up to three of their favorite people along for the journey,” said Christopher Ivy, CEO. “And with two ships, four ports of call, and two- to 5-night itineraries, there has never been a better time to bring your entire crew aboard Margaritaville at Sea.”  

 

Meet 5 New Cruise Brands

While the major corporations continue to dominate the cruise market, there are several new brands entering service over the next few years. With their new products and ships, they’re adding a fresh perspective to the business. Cruise Industry News has looked at the plans of five of the new cruise lines.

Swan Hellenic
First ship: SH Minerva
Built: 2021
Capacity: 152
Inaugural Cruise: December 29, 2021
Region and Itinerary: Antarctica and South Shetland Islands

Swan Hellenic is returning to the market after a four-year hiatus with new management at the helm. The new cruise line is about to launch service in Antarctica and will be operating in the expedition cruising niche.

It aims to offer “cultural expedition cruising” to remote parts of the globe with its three new purpose-built expedition ships. Sailing areas include the polar regions, where the first ship Minerva will debut on Dec. 29.

According to the company, the vessel and its sister ships were designed with “state-of-the-art features” meant to provide “guests with an elegant, intimate and personal onboard experience delivered by 120 warm, friendly and knowledgeable staff.”

The SH Vega will follow the Minerva, entering service next April, while a third – yet unnamed – vessel will debut in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Ambassador Cruise Line

First ship: Ambiance
Built: 1991
Capacity: 1,590
Inaugural Cruise: April 6, 2022
Region and Itinerary: Northern Europe

Ambassador Cruise Line claims to be the first new British cruise line since 2010. The brand launched in 2021, announcing its plans to offer a “premium-value, authentic cruise experience, sailing for the British market from its homeport of London Tilbury.”

With a program of no-fly itineraries, Ambassador is focusing on the over-50s market looking for a traditional cruising product.

Ambassador’s first ship, the 1,590-guest Ambiance, was built in 1991 and is currently undergoing a major refurbishment in Croatia. Among the vessel’s main features are five restaurants, nine lounges, a swimming pool and a spa.

After the refit, the Ambiance is set to debut on Apr. 6, with an inaugural short-break cruise to Hamburg, before embarking on a mixed itinerary program with sailings to the Norwegian Fjords and the British Isles planned throughout spring.

Margaritaville at Sea
First ship: Margaritaville Paradise
Built: 1991
Capacity: 1,308
Inaugural Cruise: April 30, 2022
Region and Itinerary: Short cruises to Freeport, Bahamas

After doing a deal with Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, the Margaritaville Resorts & Hotels group will operate a new cruise brand in 2022.

Called Margaritaville at Sea, the company will operate the Margaritaville Paradise on short Bahamas getaways beginning Apr. 30.

Currently sailing as the Grand Classica, the 1991-built vessel is expected to undergo an extensive refit at Grand Bahama before entering service for the new brand.

Margaritaville at Sea will sail from the Port of Palm Beach and is set to offer two-night cruises to Freeport in Grand Bahama Island. The product will provide guests with Margaritaville’s authentic culture, entertainment and food, the company said.

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
First ship: Evrima
Built: 2022
Capacity: 298
Inaugural Cruise: May 6, 2022
Region and Itinerary: Western Europe and Mediterranean

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is launching its luxury mega yacht service in 2022. The brand is planning an upscale boutique product, focusing on dining and wellness features, onboard its purpose-built first ship Evrima.

The vessel – set to enter service in 2022 – will offer 10 different dining experiences. Those range from steaks and seafood to fully customized lunches and dinners. Other features on the ship include spa treatments and a marina-style platform with sundecks ensuring direct access to water.

The Evrima also has some of the nicest accommodations at sea, including duplex suites and a 160-square-meter Owner’s Suite with its own private terrace and whirlpool.

The ship’s first cruise is scheduled for May 6 and departs from Lisbon, Portugal. The 11-night itinerary visits seven ports in the region – including Tangier in Morocco – before it arrives in Barcelona, Spain.

Explora Journeys
First ship: Explora I
Built: 2023
Capacity: 922
Inaugural Cruise: May 31, 2023
Region and Itinerary: Europe - Western and Eastern Mediterranean

When it launches service in 2023, Explora Journeys will mark MSC Group’s debut in the luxury market. The new brand will sail global itineraries on mid-sized purpose-built vessels and currently has four ships on order.

According to MSC, Explora Journeys will offer the “highest level of service and amenities,” while utilizing the latest technology to provide “journeys of discovery” through destinations “on and off the beaten path.”

The brand’s first ship Explora I’s first cruise is scheduled to depart on May 31, 2023. For its debut season, the 922-guest vessel is offering a program in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe before crossing the Atlantic for a series of itineraries in North America, the Caribbean and South America.

Margaritaville To Operate Cruise Brand; Does Deal with Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line

Margaritaville Resorts & Hotels will operate a cruise brand in 2022, and announced a partnership with Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line.

The Margaritaville Paradise, the former Grand Classica, will launch service on April 30 after what is expected to be an extensive refit at Grand Bahama.

The Florida-based hotel group has long been rumoured to be looking at entering the cruise industry and now gets in with an existing marine and hotel operations base that can be mixed with its hotel and resorts brand and client database.

The vessel will sail under the Margaritaville at Sea brand, and the hotel group anticipates adding more ships, referring to the Margaritaville Paradise as its first vessel.

The company said the Margaritaville Paradise will continue operating two-night sailings from the Port of Palm Beach to Freeport, Grand Bahama Island.

“To me, the only thing better than being on a beach by the ocean is to be on the ocean. Now you can follow in our wake,” said singer, songwriter and best-selling author, Jimmy Buffett, in a prepared release. 

“Margaritaville at Sea will be a new, exciting, and fun way for guests to escape and vacation in Margaritaville,” said John Cohlan, CEO of Margaritaville. “From oceans to lakes, Margaritaville has an organic tie to the water and with Margaritaville at Sea, we’re able to put our iconic lifestyle, resort experiences, and elevated service directly on the sea. We look forward to seeing guests on, and in, Paradise.”

“We’re excited about this new partnership as we launch Margaritaville at Sea out of the Port of Palm Beach. We are incredibly proud of what we’ve built at Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line and are appreciative of our loyal customers and trade partners who have stood by us through so much. We’re excited about this next phase of our evolution, rebranding as Margaritaville at Sea. The collaborative concept will add a different dimension to the cruising industry, appealing to a new audience of travellers,” added Oneil Khosa, CEO of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, who will serve as CEO of Margaritaville at Sea.

“Margaritaville at Sea will provide guests with Margaritaville’s authentic culture, entertainment, and food en route to a beautiful destination in Grand Bahama Island. The experience will be complemented by an unmatched, personalized approach to guest service from start to finish via valet service and exclusive cruise terminals for smoother embarkation and disembarkation. It’s the perfect partnership in paradise," Khosa said.

While multiple sources in the industry told Cruise Industry News earlier this week that Margaritaville bought the cruise line, Bahamas Paradise denied this and in a statement said the ownership was "100% still the same."

Norwegian and Margaritaville Expand Partnership

Photo credit By Dave Jones

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) passengers will have more opportunities to declare, “It's Five O'Clock Somewhere” in true Parrothead fashion as the cruise line is expanding its exclusive partnership with Margaritaville — a multifaceted brand masterminded by music legend Jimmy Buffett.

Margaritaville at Sea is opening onboard Norwegian Getaway Sept. 18, then on Norwegian Breakaway Oct. 9, as revealed by Andrew Stuart, NCL’s President & Chief Operating Officer, during a press event at Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort in Hollywood Beach, FL.

In addition to these ship-based venues, Stuart also announced that two Landshark Bar & Grills — another Margaritaville brand — will be opening on NCL’s private Caribbean islands. Harvest Cay’s location is opening Nov. 16 and Great Stirrup Cay’s during summer in 2017.

These expansions are part of NCL’s $400 million “Norwegian Edge” program, which has transformed the company’s ships, its private destinations and culinary offerings.

“When we first launched Margaritaville at Sea, on Norwegian Escape, it absolutely blew us away. The demand for that venue, was beyond anything we’d ever seen. So we knew we had a partnership that made sense,” Stuart said. “So we’re super-excited to be talking about how we’re expanding the partnership.”

Norwegian Breakaway sails year-round from New York to Caribbean destinations and Getaway sails from Miami to the Caribbean as well. 

What makes Norwegian Escape unique?

What makes Norwegian Escape unique?

Visit https://flic.kr/s/aHsknU5bR4 for more photos of the Escape

Above Photos by Dave Jones
Article By  orlandosentinel.com
Follow this link for our Review of the Escape

Norwegian Cruise Line debuted its newest and biggest ship last month when Norwegian Escape began sailing out of Miami.

"She showcases with her beautiful finishes, her decadent suites and her out standing design how the company that began almost 50 years ago as Norwegian Caribbean line out of Port Miami has truly evolved," said line president and COO Andy Stuart at the ship's christening ceremony in November. "Every element of the on board experience has been elevated."

The 4,200-passenger vessel is part of the new Breakaway Plus Class of ship, which is a little bit bigger, but also very similar to the Norwegian Breakaway and Getaway. There are several facets of the ship, though, that set it apart.

The biggest Guy Harvey painting ever

The noted artist and marine conservation activist has a growing empire of merchandise, hotels and more. He's now got 31,700 gallons of paint across 1,100 feet showcasing 12 marine species in his signature style.

Images of the Norwegian Cruise Line ship Norwegian Escape, which debuted in October 2015 and sails year-round from its home in Miami. The hull art is by Guy Harvey.

"The Norwegian Escape is now the largest billboard for the conservation of marine life bringing new awareness not only for all of those who set sail on her but also for those who just look at her," Harvey said at the christening. "Healthy oceans make all of this beauty that you see in my artwork possible."

Margaritaville at Sea

A new partnership with Jimmy Buffet brings the first Margaritaville at Sea as well as a Five O'Clock Somewhere Bar. Since it's one of the free dining options on the ship, it proved extremely popular on the ship's first sailing, meaning crowded with more than hour-long wait times, but over a seven-night cruise, there should be time for everyone to waste away at sea and eat their Cheeseburger in Paradise.

Children of the '80s embraced on Norwegian Escape

The Miami connection

There are a lot of South Florida touches on board Norwegian Escape that you can't find on any other ship. Perhaps the most iconic is the re-created space that pays homage to Tobacco Road, Miami's oldest bar, which closed its doors in 2014. The neon sign with the missing "5" in "til 5 a.m." makes the space stand out. Two decidedly more modern Miami touches are the presence of Wynwood Brewing Company in the District Brew House. The 3-year-old microbrewing company that has taken South Florida taps by storm of late now offers three of their creations on board including the popular La Rubia Blond Ale. The bar has 24 beers on tap and dozens more in bottle. It's a brand new space, taking the place of what are cabins on Norwegian Getaway and Breakaway.

"It's a beautiful space," said Wynwood founder Luis G. Brignoni. "I think the concept of having a lot of craft beer...it was a big undertaking and I think Norwegian has done an excellent job, the way they treat the beer, the way they take care of it."

It pairs nicely with another Miami-inspired space, the Food Republic, a new dining concept from the 5-year-old Pubbelly Group, which has opened several restaurants across South Florida. This restaurant is about fast food, small plates, a shared dining experience and modern touches, like ordering on an iPad. Certain plates can be ordered from the Food Republic and served over in the neighboring District. There's a bacon-wrapped chorizo date that when consumed with the Wynwood group's Pop's Porter is lights-out good.

"It's a fast-paced restaurant," said Jose Mendin. "You sit down, you share with your friends. It's the way we like to eat. It's an amazing experience for us to present to you. ... I like to eat from my friends, take a little bit from here, a little bit from there and that's what we want you to do. We want you to pass the dishes around the table, have fun and just enjoy the flavors we have to provide to you."

An Iron Chef

Iron Chef and James Beard Award winning chef Jose Garces has two venues on board. The marquee space is Bayamo, a seafood restaurant with Spanish flair named after a Cuban city. It's an extra-cost dining space and with price points that put it among the more expensive premium dining spaces at sea. For a lower price point, Garces also offers up Pincho Tapas Bar with smaller plates. Bayamo and Food Republic are the two new restaurants amid a mix of 28 dining options on board that are part of Norwegian's freestyle concept of cruising, in which passengers choose when and where they want to have dinner. Some are free, but most cost you a little extra.

The entertainment

The ship has three major shows. Two of them performed in the main theater are adaptations of Tony Award-winning Broadway shows. Paying homage to the '20s and '30s is "After Midnight," with an on-stage jazz ensemble and the big-band music of Duke Ellington based around Harlem's Cotton Club. The '50s and '60s get their due in "Million Dollar Quartet," a dramatic version of the time Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins spent a night recording together at Sun Records. The last show, performed in the ship's supper club, highlights the music of the 1980s through a melded story of John Hughes films like "The Breakfast Club" and "Sixteen Candles."

The largest ropes course at sea

The adventure quotient on board has been raised on Escape with an expanded three-story ropes course that features ziplines and pioneering obstacles plus the ship's fear-inducing ability to walk the plank. There are two "planks" that jut eight feet out over the side of the ship and allow those on the ropes course who can brave it to walk out over the open water. There are multiple ziplines, and one of them also goes out over the side of the ship.

The largest Aqua Park at sea

Norwegian Cruise Line has a good handle on water slides across its fleet, and Escape features four. The Family Slide is the tame one with lots of twists. The twin Free Fall slides are the extreme ones featuring bomb-bay doors that open up and send you down on what Norwegian bills as the fastest slides at sea. New to Escape is a slide called the Aqua Racer, which allows for single or tandem riders going through a trippy, multicolored tube that at one point also juts out over the open see, visible through a stretch of clear acrylic. It's on the tame side, but a visual treat. It's all part of the Aqua Park, which has a giant area dedicated to younger children with spouts and buckets and the like.

The Mondavi family's wine bar

Wine fans can check out some serious legs at The Cellars, a Michael Mondavi Wine Bar. If you have the wherewithal, try the M red wine. It's a $200 bottle produced from 13 acres of land in northern California. Whether you get that or one of the more reasonably priced glasses, be sure to compare the wine's bouquet to the vases of soil at the venue that are taken from the land on which the wine's grapes were grown. There's a fun, black glass game to be played as well, challenging you to guess whether you're drinking red or white.

The biggest Haven ever

The Haven is Norwegian's ship-within-a-ship concept, and Norwegian Escape's Haven is the biggest in the line. Those who pay the premium price to stay in The Haven's suites get their own restaurant, own pool and own lounge. It's definitely got a solitude feel to its spaces, a welcome respite from the calamity that's going on at the water park and sports areas on the other end of the ship.

Snow

As part of the ship's Mandara Spa, there's a tiny little room filled with Snow. It's part of the largest Thermal Suite at sea, which also includes a steam room, salt room and several other rooms designed to open and close pores and/or bloodflow. The Snow Room features real snow and it's meant to stimulate blood circulation.

The new features mix well with venues that can be found on Norwegian Cruise Line's other ships such as Cagney's Steakhouse and O'Sheehan's Bar and Grill. Sailing year-round out of Miami on seven-night Caribbean cruises, Escape is the largest ship to ever call PortMiami home.

"What you will find once you spend time on board is she truly epitomizes the Norwegian Cruise Line experience," Stuart said. "She brings to life the freedom and flexibility that only a Norwegian cruise can provide with a decidedly premium experience from bow to stern."

Norwegian Cruise Line Confirms Margaritaville at Sea Will be a la Carte

Norwegian Cruise Line Confirms Margaritaville at Sea Will be a la Carte
Dawn at Margaritaville at sea and waitress Agthea Ragina photo by Dave Jones

Article by CruiseCritic.co.uk

Norwegian Cruise Line has confirmed that Norwegian Escape's Margaritaville at Sea -- a previously complimentary dining venue in partnership with musician Jimmy Buffett -- will now operate as a speciality a la carte restaurant, a month after opening.

Margaritaville at Sea has proved a huge hit from the moment the ship debuted in Southampton, U.K. on October 27.

By the time the ship officially launched in Miami on November 9 we reported waiting times of more than an hour -- prompting President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Frank del Rio to hint that a fee would be introduced.

In a press conference onboard Norwegian Escape on November 10, Del Rio said: "for business and crowd-control reasons [introducing a la carte pricing is] always a possibility".

Vanessa Picariello, Sr. Director, Public Relations at Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed: "The first Margaritaville at Sea aboard Norwegian Escape has proven to be extremely popular. We have listened to our guests' feedback regarding the overwhelming demand and, in an effort to deliver the highest quality experience, we will be implementing a la carte pricing at the restaurant as of the ship's November 28 sailing".

The possibility of a charge first came to light on the Cruise Critic Message Boards when TracyE stated that "while this venue was free on the TA, beginning November 14th, there will be a la carte pricing".

In a subsequent thread, the decision to charge has angered many members, including Lily815 who complained that "they are changing the rules… again. It is beyond frustrating" and MalervyC who stated that "[Margaritaville at Sea] was a big draw for us to book this cruise".

Sample prices from the menu (pictured below) include burger and fries at $9.98 and fish tacos at $6.99, excluding an 18% gratuity.