Margaritaville at Sea

Margaritaville at Sea is a new travel brand and cruise line (founded in 2023 and inaugurated in 2024) that specializes in year-round voyages from Florida, USA to The Bahamas. The company operates under a long-term partnership with Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line (the shipowner), which has two ships chartered and branded as "Margaritaville at Sea".

The Margaritaville Cruise Line is independently owned and is not a subsidiary of Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville (founded in 1985, USA-based hospitality company managing and franchising a restaurant chain, retail stores, and hotels).

Margaritaville At Sea

In early December 2021, it was announced that Margaritaville Resorts & Hotels (a Florida-based hospitality group) signed a partnership deal with the shipowner Paradise Cruise Line Operator Ltd to create a new cruise brand (Margaritaville at Sea), with the inaugural cruise planned to launch with Grand Classica in 2022. The ship, renamed "Margaritaville Paradise," was initially scheduled to start service for "Margaritaville at Sea" on April 30, 2022, following an extensive wetdock refit at Grand Bahama Shipyard (Freeport).

• The Margaritaville cruise line is expected to expand its fleet, with Margaritaville Paradise being the first ship.
• The partnership agreement was signed by John Cohlan (Margaritaville's CEO) and Oneil Khosa (Bahamas Paradise's CEO, who will also serve as CEO of Margaritaville Cruise Line).
• Margaritaville Paradise continues the regular 2-night cruise schedule from Palm Beach to Freeport. The shipowner remains the same (Paradise Cruise Line Operator Ltd).
• After supply chain disruptions affected the ship's wetdocking, the Margaritaville at Sea brand's inauguration was postponed by two weeks (from April 30th to May 13th, 2022).

On October 16, 2023, Carnival Corporation (as the shipowner) officially confirmed the sale of the 23-year-old Costa Atlantica (via its subsidiary Adora Cruises Ltd) valued at USD 64.6 million (~EUR 61M). The new shipowner (yet to be revealed) will charter the vessel to Margaritaville at Sea/Bahamas Paradise and operate it under the new name "Margaritaville at Sea Islander" (Margaritaville Islander).

On December 4, 2023, the company confirmed that Costa Atlantica officially joined the fleet (under the name "Margaritaville At Sea Islander") and is scheduled to start Caribbean voyages, departing roundtrip from Tampa, Florida on June 14, 2024 (Maiden Voyage).

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line (bahamasparadisecruise.com) is a travel brand owned by the Bahamas-based company "Paradise Cruise Line Operator Ltd", which changed ownership on December 22, 2016. Among the new owners is Kevin Sheehan, former CEO and President of NCLH ("Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings"), who resigned from NCL in January 2015.

The company is the successor to the Imperial Majesty Cruise Line (founded in 1999, ceased operations in 2009). Imperial Majesty Cruise Line was a budget travel company specializing in mini-cruises (2-3-day roundtrips from Port Everglades) to Nassau. The company owned one ship, Regal Empress (IMO 5262835, built in 1953, scrapped in 2009), and officially ceased operations on March 9, 2009. Its shipping business and schedule were replaced by Celebration Cruise Line (Bahamas Paradise).

The company's current CCO (since 2021) is Francis Riley, a former employee of Thomas Cook UK, British Airways' Avios Group Ltd, NCL-Norwegian, Tourico Holidays, EMEA Recruitment, and Traveltek. In 2019, Riley joined Bahamas Paradise as Senior VP of Sales. The company's CEO (and co-owner) is Oneil Khosa (former Royal Caribbean employee, founder of "Blue World Voyages"/India, and an investment banker).

In August 2016, Kevin Sheehan became CEO and President of Las Vegas-based Scientific Games Corporation, a leading developer of technology products and services for the global gaming and lottery industries. The other owner (with a 50% stake) is Oneil Khosa (CEO and Managing Director of India-based "Blue Ocean Cruises"). Until 2014, Blue Ocean operated short breaks (1-, 2-, and 4-night itineraries) departing from Mumbai and Mormugao in Goa.

In mid-November 2020, it was unofficially announced that the ship Grand Celebration had been sold for scrap metal (for an undisclosed price). The vessel left Freeport, Bahamas on November 15th, allegedly heading to India's Alang Shipbreaking Yard (the world's largest), with an estimated arrival on January 3rd, 2021. On January 2nd, the 34-year-old liner arrived and anchored off Alang, and on January 14th, was beached for scrapping.

As the only cruise line operating roundtrips out of Palm Beach, Florida, Bahamas Paradise offers its customers expedited boarding (30-minute embarkation/disembarkation) and valet parking (at the cruise terminal).

• Cruise passengers are also offered Bahamas "cruise and hotel" packages at Bahamian hotels. These deals offer 2-, 4-, and 6-night stays that can be combined (booked together) with Palm Beach roundtrip voyages.
• MS Grand Celebration is a former Carnival Cruise Lines vessel, operated under charter (leased), while the fleet-mate MS Grand Classica (formerly Costa neoClassica) is fully owned. Classica was purchased in December 2017 and entered service in April 2018.
• In 2017, the company booked around 250,000 passengers, about half of whom were from South Florida.
• MS Grand Classica became available for booking in February 2018, with promotions like "Buy One - Get One Free" for one week only, available on both liners.
• "Sail Away Your Way" promo deals offered free cruises for kids aged 12 and under (when traveling with two full-paying guests) and free entertainment for adults. The offer was valid for cruises through February 12, 2019, if booked by December 12, 2018. Additional bonuses of USD 25 per person were also offered, as casino, spa, photo, or onboard credits (to be used for drinks, dining, or shore excursions).

The regularly scheduled Florida-Bahamas short-breaks are very popular among both American and Bahamian citizens as they provide a cheap shopping travel alternative. Bahamas Paradise estimated that these tourists spend approximately USD 4.5 million annually.

From both ships, Port Palm Beach projected between USD 54-63 million in net income over a period of 10 years (2018-2028), depending on the number of passengers handled. The liners' combined passenger capacity is nearly 1.3 million per year. The company's monthly dockage fees (for both ships) are USD 50,000.

In early February 2019, the company began offering (upon request) 6 new themed food menus (2 Chinese, 2 Indian, and 2 Vegan cuisine specialties) available for groups fleetwide, year-round. The new Chinese menus include Sichuan Eggplant, Hunan Style Crispy Whole Red Snapper, and Crispy Tangerine Beef. Vegan dishes include Coconut Soup, Crispy Hearts of Palm Cakes, Caramelized Parsnip, Zucchini Lasagna, and Potato-Mushroom Burgers. Indian dishes include Tandoori Chicken, Pan-Seared Prawns, Paneer Tikki Masala, Kheer, and Warm Gajar Halwa (pudding). These new menus are also available upon individual request (must be made in advance at booking or onboard at the ship's Reception).

Margaritaville Bahamas Cruise Deals

Margaritaville's cruise deals include onboard accommodations, roundtrip transportation, all onboard meals (excluding specialty dining), select beverages, onboard entertainment (excluding the ship's adults-only comedy show in the evening), and three kids' programs (supervised fun activities for children).

• Cruise booking customers must be 18 or older. "Cruise and Resort Stay" booking customers must be 21 or older. Minor passengers (under 18) must be in a cabin with an accompanying adult (parent or legal guardian).
• Not included in the cruise tickets/fares are transfers (to and from the ship), valet parking (at Port Palm Beach), shore excursions, bar drinks, soft drinks, specialty dining, onboard casino gaming, adults-only comedy shows (at the Theater in the evening), phone calls, photos, and onboard shopping.
• Additional charges to the cruise fares include government taxes (USD 67.52 per person), gratuities/tipping (USD 12.95 per person per night), and a USD 1 per person "Palm Beach Cruise Terminal Infrastructure Fee".
• Onboard gratuities are charged to the passenger's onboard account (card) at USD 12.95 per person per night. This charge covers all onboard food and cabin services provided by stewards, waiters, busboys, and Maitre d'. An 18% service charge is added to all onboard bar beverages, drink packages, specialty dining, and Spa-Beauty Salon tabs.
• To use cell phones onboard, passengers must first activate the roaming service with their cellular provider. The network activates when the ship is at sea, and out of reach from land. When the service is available, cell phones display either MCP or 901 12. Onboard cell phone service is charged by the passenger's cellular provider.
• Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line offers 2 internet packages (Wi-Fi access) priced USD 15 per device per day, or USD 25 per device for the full cruise.

Each cruise passenger can bring (complimentary) 2 pieces of luggage, not exceeding 50 pounds (22.7 kg) per piece. Overweight luggage incurs a charge of USD 25 per bag (automatically charged to onboard accounts). All luggage must be stored in the stateroom.

Passengers with disabilities (requiring wheelchair use) must bring their own wheelchairs.

Since June 2018, Bahamas Paradise ship crew and staff have enjoyed free Wi-Fi internet access in ports and at sea. High-speed connections (up to 1 gigabit per second) allow live video streaming from any location throughout the ship, including all crew areas.

Also in June 2018, the company eliminated its single supplements on all oceanview staterooms. This decision was based on Booking.com studies of solo travel, showing that over 40% of baby boomers booked solo cruises in 2017, and 21% planned solo cruise travel in 2018. No single supplement daily cruise rates start at USD 149 per person.

In September 2018, the company signed a partnership deal with Fit Bodies Inc., offering free workout classes (Zumba, Yoga, and fitness) led by certified instructors to passengers aged 16 and older. This new program was introduced on Grand Celebration (Sept 2018) and on Grand Classica (since January 2019).

Ultimate Paradise Pass

In March 2023, Margaritaville at Sea introduced the industry's first seasonal pass, the "Ultimate Paradise Pass". It allows pass holders to embark on an unlimited number of non-consecutive 2-night cruises to the Bahamas (Freeport), leaving roundtrip from Palm Beach, Florida on Margaritaville Paradise.

The pass prices started at USD 899 (per person based on double occupancy), exclusive of taxes/fees/port expenses, which are due at booking.

The "Ultimate Paradise Pass" cruises can only be reserved 24-72 hours in advance.

With several limited blackout dates, passes expired on December 31st, 2023.

In addition to unlimited Florida-Bahamas roundtrip voyages, the Ultimate Paradise Pass offers onboard perks including welcome amenities, behind-the-scenes access, and exclusive sneak peeks of new activities (on select voyages). Pass holders can also book shore excursions, upgrades, and packages at a 10% discount.

Shore Excursions and Tour Package Prices

The company offers a variety of beach activities, land tours/excursions, and "cruise and resort" deals in The Bahamas.

• Snorkel Adventure (duration 2 hours) plus GRAND LUCAYAN RESORT package is priced USD 59 (adult), minimum age 10 years old.
• Dolphin Close Encounter (duration 2 hours) plus GRAND LUCAYAN RESORT package is priced USD 125 (adult), complimentary for kids under 4.
• Parasailing (duration 10 minutes) plus GRAND LUCAYAN RESORT package is priced USD 89 (adult).
• Swim with Dolphins (duration 2 hours) plus GRAND LUCAYAN RESORT package is priced USD 221 (adult), minimum height restriction of 55 inches (140 cm).
• Freeport City Tour (duration 1 hour) plus GRAND LUCAYAN RESORT package is priced USD 39 (adult), complimentary for kids under 4.
• Glass Bottom Boat Tour (duration 1.5 hours) plus GRAND LUCAYAN RESORT package is priced USD 59 (adult), complimentary for kids under 4.
• Jeep Adventure (duration 7 hours) is priced USD 95 (adult) and USD 75 (children ages 4-12), with a capacity of 4 persons per Jeep.
• Inland Blue Hole Snorkel Adventure (duration 5.5 hours) is priced USD 79 (adult) and USD 75 (children ages 10-12).
• Bottom Reef Fishing Tour (duration 3 hours) is priced USD 94 (adult) and USD 73 (children ages 4-12), with a capacity of 4 persons per Jeep.
• Deep-Sea Fishing Tour (duration 3.5 hours) is priced USD 151 (adult) and USD 83 (spectator).
• Luxury Day Sailing Tour (duration 2.5 hours) is priced USD 79 (adult).
• Pelican Lake Kayaking Tour (duration 6 hours) is priced USD 79 (adult) and USD 77 (children ages 10-12).
• Garden of the Groves / Freeport City Sightseeing and Shopping Tour (duration 4 hours) is priced USD 50 (adult) and USD 41 (children ages 4-12).
• Best of Grand Bahama Island Tour (duration 4 hours) is priced USD 49 (adult) and USD 39 (children ages 4-12).
• Viva Wyndham Resort (All-Inclusive) package is priced USD 79 (adult) and USD 65 (children ages 4-12).
• Grand Lucayan Resort package is priced USD 42 (adult) and USD 35 (children ages 4-12). Lunch is not included.
• The Beach Getaway package is priced at USD 37 (adult) and USD 30 (children ages 4-12). The Open Bar and Lunch are not included but can be purchased separately at USD 69 (adult) and USD 59 (children ages 4-12).
• For June 2018, the company offered a "kids sail free" promotion for families with children up to 16 years of age. Kids cruise for free in staterooms with two paying parents. Onboard, there are complimentary age-specific clubs for kids' activities supervised by certified youth counselors. These exclusive lounges cater to kids aged 3-6, 7-12, and teens. Activities include gaming consoles, watching movies, a mini rock climbing wall, jungle gyms, a ball pit, an outdoor pool with mini-slides, and interactive games.

Bahamas Resort and Hotel Deals

The company partners with some of The Bahamas' most popular resorts to accommodate any budget and vacation style.

In October 2019, the company announced its "Nassau Cruise and Stay" program. In addition to Grand Bahama Island, cruisers can now extend their Bahamian resort vacations with premium all-inclusive leisure properties like Melia Nassau Beach Resort, SLS Baha Mar Hotel, and Comfort Suites Paradise Island. The cruise line offers a travel option from Florida to Nassau on the 2-night cruise (Grand Classica), combined with the "Nassau Cruise and Stay" (up to a 6-night hotel package extension).

Shipboard Casino Gaming

The cruise ship's Casino lounge offers 13 table games, including Blackjack, Three Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold'em, Roulette, and Craps. Free gambling lessons are available to players. Slot machine options include Wheel of Fortune, Back to the Future, Jenga, Breeders Cup, Cash Spin, and Quick Hits.

Passengers can sign up for the FREE "Par-A-Dice Casino Players Card," which allows them to collect and redeem gaming points. Points can be used for slots, onboard dining, shopping, spa treatments, and shore excursions.

Drink Packages

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line currently offers the following beverage packages:

• "Unlimited Soda Package" (cost USD 21 per person), includes a souvenir cup.
• "Alcoholic Drink Coupons" (10 coupons for USD 70), with a retail value of USD 120.
• "Non-Alcoholic Drink Coupons" (10 coupons for USD 30), with a retail value of USD 50.

An additional 18% service charge is automatically added when purchasing the beverage package.

According to the company's alcohol policy, passengers are not allowed to bring their own alcohol aboard the ship during embarkation. Such beverages will be confiscated. The ship's legal drinking age is 21 in US waters and 18 at sea and on Grand Bahama Island. Serving alcohol onboard requires valid photo IDs.

Wedding Packages

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line weddings are package deals requiring at least 8 booked staterooms (at double occupancy) to accommodate 16 full-paying passengers. Fresh flowers and photo packages cost extra. For detailed information and package prices, follow the above link.

NEW "Cruise and Stay" Packages

In September 2018, the company introduced 4- and 6-night cruise and resort packages, allowing customers to book a one-way voyage from Palm Beach to Grand Bahama, stay on the island for 2 or 4 nights at one of its partner resorts, then cruise back to Palm Beach.

Resort options include several premium all-inclusive properties like Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach and Lighthouse Pointe (Grand Lucayan). The new packages include food and beverages, a 2-night oceanview cabin, and a 2-night all-inclusive resort room. Optional hotel-only packages are available at Pelican Bay Hotel or Marlin (Taino Beach Resort).

Prices for the 4-night packages start from just USD 469 per person (fares based on double occupancy). Package prices also include bus transfers (ship-resort-ship).

The US to Bahamas Cruise Travel Documents (Visas, Passports)

US citizens must have valid proof of citizenship. A passport is highly recommended, but not mandatory, as US passengers can travel with original birth certificates. However, these certificates must be issued by a government agency (not a hospital) and accompanied by valid (government-issued) photo IDs in place of passports.

Passport cards and driver's licenses are also acceptable forms of documentation.

Children aged 15 and under need birth certificates. Children aged 16 and over need a government-issued photo ID (state ID or driver's license) and an original birth certificate (issued by a government agency).

Puerto Rican citizens must have US passports or government-issued photo IDs, along with original birth certificates. Birth certificates issued prior to July 1, 2010, are not accepted by US Customs and Border Protection.

US citizens born outside the USA require valid US passports or original naturalization certificates, along with valid government-issued photo IDs.

US Permanent Residents require valid Green Cards, with valid government-issued photo IDs or valid passports from their country of citizenship.

Non-US citizens or residents require valid passports, multiple entry visas, or a Resident Alien Card for re-entry to the USA. Passengers from other countries must have valid passports.

Port Palm Beach Cruise Terminal Parking

Palm Beach port's cruise terminal is an exclusive facility for Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line ships only. It offers valet parking priced lower in comparison to other Florida cruise ports. The company's parking attendants meet passengers upon arrival at the terminal.

Parking prices are USD 19 per vehicle per night.

Payments can be made in cash or via bank cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover) and traveler's checks.

The cruise terminal's address is "Port of Palm Beach, 1 East 11th Street, Riviera Beach, FL 33404".

Driving directions to Palm Beach Cruise Terminal from the north: From Interstate-95 South, take Exit 76, Blue Heron Boulevard, proceed east to Highway 1 (Broadway), turn right onto Highway 1, proceed approximately 1 mile (1.5 km) south, and turn left onto East 11th Street (at the Skypass Bridge's north end).

Driving directions to Palm Beach Cruise Terminal from the south: From Interstate-95 North, take Exit 74, 45th Street, proceed east to Highway 1 (Broadway), turn left onto Highway 1, proceed approximately 1 mile (1.5 km) north over Skypass Bridge to East 11th Street (at the bridge's north end) and turn right.

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Ship Menus (Food and Beverages) Prices

Latitude Bar is an à la carte-priced specialty coffee bar (counter-style cafe/patisserie) with opening hours from 6:30 am to 12:00 pm (Cruise Day 1) and 6:30 am to 1:00 am (Cruise Day 2). Along with gourmet coffees, the bar's menu also offers smoothies, hot chocolate, snacks, and other popular treats. Specialty coffees are served with complimentary fresh-made pastries and gelato ice creams.

Stellar Prime Restaurant (MAIN DINING ROOM) Menu

"Stellar Prime" restaurant is the ship's Main Dining Room (complimentary), also serving steakhouse and seafood specialties. Here, waiter-served freshly prepared entrees and chef-crafted main dishes include Slow Roasted Prime Rib and Honey Glazed Salmon. Stellar Prime also serves buffet breakfast (with a breakfast bar). Different menus are offered for each day of the voyage.

• Fixed / Assigned dining (dinner hours) - early seating (6:15 pm) or late seating (8:30 pm)
• Your Choice Dining is available until 9 pm. Online-made reservations must be confirmed on board.
• Reservations are required for dinner, but not for breakfast.
• Dining is complimentary (ticket price inclusive).

Ocean View Buffet Restaurant

"Ocean View Buffet" is the ship's complimentary casual dining restaurant/cafeteria with panoramic window seating and a centrally located buffet station. The buffet restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Late-night buffet options include Mediterranean mezze (on Night 1) and Mexican dishes (on Night 2), as well as made-to-order pizzas. In addition to classic breakfast foods, made-to-order omelets are also available. Food selections include a salad bar, pasta, and carving stations.

Plunge Grill (Pool Bar)

Plunge Grill is a complimentary alfresco dining venue (outdoor food and drinks bar) located poolside midship on Lido Deck. The food menu includes hamburgers, fries, hot dogs, sausages, and other grilled favorites. Late breakfast buffet (10-11 am) and an omelet station are also offered. The Plunge Grill serves lunch menu items throughout the afternoon. The Plunge Bar serves beer and refreshing drinks.

Admiralty Club Restaurant (STEAKHOUSE and SEAFOOD) Menu

Admiralty Club (formerly "Admiral's Steak and Seafood") is a specialty restaurant (at a surcharge) also serving Champagne Breakfast.

Sommelier Food and Wine Pairing

• Domaine Carneros Brut, Taittinger, California
• Anna de Codorniu Pinot Noir Brut Rose Cava, Catalonia, Spain

White Wines

• Chateaus Les Tuilleries Sancerre, Michel Redde, Loire Valley, France
• Hartford Court Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California

Red Wines

• Gevrey-Chambertin - Maison Louis Jadot, Cote de Nuits, Burgundy, France
• Cabernet Sauvignon Oldenburg, CV Stellenbosch, South Africa

Admiral's Restaurant "CHAMPAGNE BREAKFAST" Menu

Note: Admiralty Club Restaurant is open for breakfast between 7:00 am - 9:30 am.

The Bull (Burger Bar) Food and Drinks Menu Prices

In the evenings, Plunge Grill transforms into "Rock Grill" - an interactive cooking, alfresco dining experience with full bar service available for dinner on Lido Deck. Passengers can cook their meats tableside on lava rock natural gas mobile grills. They can also order "The Bull" specialty burgers (chef-created pairings) and a variety of drinks.

Handcrafted Premium Burgers (10 oz) are made with Angus Beef, Turkey, Tuna, Salmon, or Veggie (meatless). All burgers are served with coleslaw and special-recipe house dressings. An 18% service charge is automatically applied to each order.

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line Spa Menu Prices

The ship's Spa & Salon complex provides professional services by well-trained staff skilled in the latest massage techniques and spa treatments.

(Coronavirus Crisis) Passenger Shipping Pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, Bahamas Paradise suspended its fleet's passenger shipping operations (both vessels) by canceling all voyages with pre-scheduled departures between March 15, 2020, and May 31, 2021.

Grand Classica was planned to restart mini-cruises to Grand Bahama Island (Freeport) on December 18, 2020. Grand Celebration was scheduled to restart voyages to the Bahamas (Nassau) on March 3, 2021. However, these plans were canceled, and both vessels remained out of service, with Grand Celebration later being scrapped.

Bahamas Paradise ships were intended to operate at 60% max passenger capacity, by closing two cabin decks on each liner. All affected bookings received a full (100%) monetary refund, including on pre-purchased cruise company packages and services. A 125% refund in FCC (future cruise credit) was offered with rebooking.

The company resumed the USA-Bahamas service on July 8, 2021, with Grand Classica.

MAS Islander’s 2027 schedule features longer itineraries (ranging from 4 to 10 nights) and introduces new destinations in the Western Caribbean.

• The 8-night "Mardi Gras Overnight & Mexico Cruise" includes an overnight stay in New Orleans during Mardi Gras and also visits Mexico's Progreso and Cozumel.
• The 8-night "Jamaica and Western Caribbean Cruise" visits Cozumel, Belize City, Montego Bay (Jamaica), and Georgetown (Grand Cayman).
• The 7-night "Key West and Mexico Cruise" visits Key West, Cozumel, and Progreso.
• The 5-night "Bahamas Duo Cruise" visits Freeport and Nassau.
• The 5-night "Key West and Grand Bahama Cruise" visits Key West and Freeport.

These special voyages opened for booking in March 2025.

In May 2018, Grand Classica (formerly Costa neoClassica, now Margaritaville Paradise) joined MS Grand Celebration as the second ship in the fleet of the Florida-based company "Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line". At the end of August 2017, the Port Palm Beach District Commission signed a 10-year agreement for the former Costa cruise ship to service the Florida-Bahamas route between West Palm Beach and Freeport.

Margaritaville Paradise follows a regularly scheduled itinerary of 3-day / 2-night Bahamas cruises to Freeport, returning to Palm Beach, FL.

On December 4, 2023, the company confirmed that the former Costa Atlantica (2000-built, 23 years old) officially joined the fleet, chartered as "Margaritaville At Sea Islander".

Starting in June 2024 (inaugural cruise date June 14), Margaritaville Islander is scheduled for Caribbean voyages, departing roundtrip from Tampa, Florida. MAS Islander's itinerary program is based on year-round homeporting at Port Tampa Bay, with 4-night and 5-night cruises visiting Key West (Florida) and Mexico's ports Cozumel and Progreso/Merida.

On April 26, 2024, Margaritaville at Sea opened bookings for MAS Paradise ship's 4-night voyages visiting Key West (Florida) and Freeport (Grand Bahama). The schedule includes departure dates from September to December 2024. Fares start at US$169 per person, based on double occupancy. Departures are on Mondays with returns on Fridays. Available dates include September 16-20, September 30-October 4, October 14-18, November 25-29, and December 9-13.

On August 28, 2024, bookings opened for a new 4-night itinerary (MAS Paradise ship) visiting Grand Bahama and Nassau, with a sea day. Starting in January 2025, Margaritaville Paradise will offer 2- to 4-night roundtrips from Palm Beach, visiting Nassau as a key destination. These voyages complement the company’s existing routes to Grand Bahama.

In 2017, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line signed a 3-year agreement (through 2020) with The Bahamas to bring both vessels (Celebration and Classica) to Grand Bahama Island on 2-night itineraries. With both ships, the company now has an annual passenger shipping capacity of over 500,000.

The Grand Celebration itinerary program offered 2-night / 3-day Bahamas cruises departing from Palm Beach (Riviera Beach), Florida. The ship sailed mini-cruises to Freeport 3 or 4 times weekly. Sadly, in January 2021, the vessel was beached and scrapped at Alang, India.

Since Hurricane Matthew (September-October 2016) damaged Freeport, the Grand Celebration was diverted to Bimini Islands, but it resumed calling at Freeport on January 3, 2017.

Port Palm Beach receives around USD 4 million annually from the ship in port fees and cruise parking. Port commissioners signed the agreement with the new shipowner (Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line) on December 15, 2016. With an LOA length of 223 m (733 ft), MS Grand Celebration was the largest ship that Port Palm Beach could handle. Its fleet mate, MS Grand Classica, measures 220 m (722 ft).

2-night / 3-day Bahamas cruise itinerary

• Day 1 (embarkation at Port Palm Beach, Florida, USA) - check-in at 11 a.m., boarding at 12 noon. Passengers must be aboard by 4 p.m. Departure is at 5:30 p.m.
• Day 2 (Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas) - arrival in Freeport at 8 a.m. Departure from Freeport at 5 p.m. Passengers must return to the ship by 4:30 p.m.
• Day 3 (disembarkation at Port Palm Beach) - arrival back at port at 7 a.m. Disembarkation between 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.