Not long after launching the Margaritaville at Sea brand last year, the line is already upgrading and enhancing its Margaritaville at Sea Paradise ship. The multimillion-dollar updates will first be showcased on the June 2 voyage to the Bahamas.
“We’ve been listening to our friends and fans and have invested in the kinds of new offerings passengers said will best enhance their sailing experience,” said Kevin Sheehan, Jr., president and CEO of Margaritaville at Sea. “The venues we’ve added and enhancements we’ve made are going to take our experience to the next level and will surprise and delight new guests and returning cruisers alike."
What's Coming to the Ship
Entirely new to the ship will be a Cheeseburger in Paradise Burger Bar — serving complimentary custom-topped burgers at the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill — as well as the Keys on the Water Dueling Piano Bar, a high-energy venue for nightly tickling of the ivories by a pair of ace pianists with a side of craft cocktails.
Rounding out new entertainment will be two newly added Stars on the Water Production Shows. “Caribbean Heat” will combine music, dance and acrobatics, plus seven costume changes, for "a musical trip around the islands of the Caribbean,” according to the line. And “Radio Margaritaville: Live! At Sea” will be named after the Sirius XM station to “tune into the rhythm of the islands,” while featuring live bands and artists, other collaborations and musical narratives befitting the Margaritaville brand.
Guests can also expect Paradise Pickleball at Sea from a newly installed regulation pickleball court and outdoor lounge at the ship’s forward deck. The Fins Up! Fitness Center powered by Echelon Fitness will also get Touch Smart Fitness Mirrors for yoga, in addition to connected bikes and rowing equipment, as well as connected mirror equipment in Suite Cabins.
Also receiving an update are the Fin City Arcade with the latest games; rejuvenated Jolly Mon Kid’s Club (ages 3-6) and Parakeets Kid’s Club (ages 7-12); enhanced Hemisphere Nightclub with a new cocktail menu, bottle service and live DJ; and Fins Dining, now with a fresh, island-inspired menu and featured dishes, cocktails and wines from the main restaurant.
Every one of the ship’s 658 staterooms is also getting enhanced “to ensure cool, comfortable and chic surroundings for passengers.”
Shoreside, Ultimate Party Boat and Snorkeling Experience and Grand Bahama Cycling Adventure tours are being added to the roster.
First-Ever Season Pass
The shipboard improvements follow the line’s other recent news of introducing the cruise industry’s first-ever season pass. The Ultimate Paradise Pass permits passholders and a guest of Margaritaville at Sea to board an many non-consecutive, two-night cruises to the Bahamas as they like through 2023 with limited restrictions, such as blackout dates, starting at $899.
“This is completely new to the cruise industry,” said Sheehan, Jr. “Now, passengers can buy a season pass to paradise and enjoy long walks on the beach throughout the year. Thanks to our unique two-night itinerary, the groundbreaking Ultimate Paradise Pass will give avid cruisers a new way to experience unlimited getaways to the Bahamas. It’s perfect for a quick escape after a stressful work week or for a whole new adventure at sea."
Additional benefits of the pass include welcome amenities, sneak peeks at new onboard activities, behind-the-scenes access on select sailings and a 10% discount on upgrades, packages and shore excursions when booking. Note: Ultimate Paradise Pass sailings can only be reserved 24 to 72 hours in advance, and pricing does not include taxes, fees and port expenses, which must be paid per guest when making a reservation.
