Margaritaville at Sea Set to Launch in April 2022

Parrot heads around the world delight. Starting April 2022, there will be a new way to experience the Jimmy Buffett lifestyle with Margaritaville at Sea. Calling itself an “offshore resort experience,” the Margaritaville at Sea will be a rebrand of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, which will sail its last cruise in February.  

BPCL’s current ship, Grand Classica will go into wet dock for a full transformation. It will re-emerge as Margaritaville Paradise in time to start cruising on April 30.   

“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.” 

The ship's 5 O'Clock Somewhere Bar. Photo Margaritaville 

Margaritaville Paradise 
Margaritaville Paradise will serve as Margaritaville at Sea’s flagship when the brand launches at the end of April. More ships are expected to be added to the fleet over time.  

Prior to launch, the 658-cabin ship will undergo a multi-million-dollar refurbishment that will touch every cabin and all the public spaces onboard in order to bring Margaritaville’s signature casual-luxe atmosphere onboard.  

Highlights onboard will include several restaurants and bars Jimmy Buffett fans are familiar with including JWB Prime Steak & Seafood, Frank and Lola’s Pizzeria, the LandShark Sports Bar, and the 5 O'Clock Somewhere Bar. The line hasn’t yet announced restaurant pricing, but it’s unlikely that a spot like JWB Prime Steak & Seafood will be included in the cruise fare.  

Other food and beverage spots onboard will include the Port of Indecision Buffet, Margaritaville Coffee & Pastry Shop, Euphoria Lounge, and Sunset Bar.  

Additionally, the ship will offer myriad onboard leisure activities and entertainment including the Par-A-Dice Casino, the Stars on the Water Theater, St. Somewhere Spa, and Fins up! Fitness Center. A retail shop will sell everything any true Jimmy Buffett fan might want.  

Paradise Stateroom. Photo: Margaritaville. 

Bahamas Itinerary 
Margaritaville Paradise will launch with the same itinerary Grand Classica currently sails: two-night cruises to Grand Bahamas Island. Lead-in pricing for a two-night cruise onboard Margaritaville Paradise starts at $169 per person and is commissionable to the trade at 15%.  

Guests can also choose to do a cruise & stay package, which adds on either a two- or four-night stay to their cruise.  

“We’re excited about his new partnership as we launch Margaritaville at Sea out of the Port of Palm Beach,” said 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.” 

At Sea History & Future Growth 
This is not the first time the Margaritaville brand has expanded to the oceans. In 2015, the brand launched a 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar and Margaritaville restaurant onboard Norwegian Encore. The brands later expanded their partnership, adding both venues to other ships including Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway. The partnership expired at the end of 2019. 

Finding a new way to return to the oceans was a natural move for the company. 

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

According to Francis Riley, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s chief commercial officer, who will hold the same position with Margaritaville at Sea, there’s more to come. “Clearly there’s a huge opportunity to expand this brand well into the future with additional ships and destinations. Watch this space!” 

 
Paradise Suite onboard. Photo: Margaritaville

The End of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line  
Though much will remain the same behind the scenes, officially, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line will cease to exist at the end of April.  

“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,” Khosa said. “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 travelers.” 

Cruisers currently booked on BPCL sailings after February are being given the opportunity to apply their booking to a sail date on a future Margaritaville at Sea cruise or receive a full refund.  

For more information, visit margaritavilleatsea.com.