Margaritaville Paradise

The 1991-built cruise ship Margaritaville At Sea Paradise (MAS Paradise, formerly "Grand Classica", originally "Costa Classica") was operated as "Costa neoClassica" between 2014 and 2018. In April 2018, neoClassica was renamed "Grand Classica" and joined the fleet of the Florida-based Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. Until 2020, the company’s fleet consisted of two vessels — Grand Classica and Grand Celebration (1987-built, scrapped in 2020). In 2023, the fleet expanded with a second ship, the 2000-built Costa Atlantica/MAS Islander.

The vessel (IMO number 8716502) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311000969) and registered in Nassau.

In December 2021, Margaritaville Resorts & Hotels (Florida-based hospitality group) announced a partnership with Bahamas Paradise to launch the new cruise brand “Margaritaville at Sea.” The brand’s inauguration was scheduled for May 13, 2022, with the Maiden Voyage of Margaritaville Paradise. The renamed Grand Classica began service for Margaritaville at Sea following an extensive wetdock refit at Grand Bahama Shipyard (Freeport).

• Margaritaville Cruise Line plans to expand its fleet in the coming years, with Margaritaville Paradise as the first vessel.
• The long-term ship charter was signed by John Cohlan (Margaritaville CEO) and Oneil Khosa (Bahamas Paradise CEO, also serving as Margaritaville Cruise Line’s CEO).
• The shipowner remains Paradise Cruise Line Operator Ltd.

Margaritaville Paradise continues to operate the regular 2-night cruise schedule between Palm Beach and Freeport, restarting service on May 10, 2022.

History – construction and ownership

In 2018, Grand Classica joined Grand Celebration as the fleet’s second vessel. In 2017, the shipowner Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line signed a 3-year agreement with The Bahamas (valid until 2020) to deploy both ships (Celebration and Classica) on 2-night roundtrip Florida–Bahamas itineraries to Grand Bahama Island (Freeport). Combined, both vessels offered an annual passenger capacity exceeding 500,000.

On August 2, 2017, Costa Cruises announced that neoClassica would leave the fleet in March 2018. Her final Costa voyage was scheduled for March 4, 2018 (a 7-day “India and Maldives” itinerary from Mumbai, India to Malé, Maldives). Last refurbished in 2014, neoClassica was Costa’s oldest vessel. The decision followed Costa’s order for four new ships scheduled for delivery between 2019 and 2022. These new vessels measure 183,000 GT, have over 2,600 cabins, and a maximum capacity of approximately 6,600 passengers.

The 1,680-passenger Grand Classica was inaugurated in 1991. A proposed ship-stretching project in 1999 was abandoned in favor of a USD 20 million refit in 2000.

The ship features an impressive onboard art collection of sculptures, original paintings, murals, and handcrafted artworks.

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line announced the vessel’s purchase from Carnival Corporation (Costa’s parent company) on December 13, 2017. The 2017 drydock refurbishment (October) also included upgrades requested by the new owner, Paradise Cruise Line Operator Ltd.

On December 4, 2023, the company confirmed the addition of a second ship, the Costa Atlantica/Margaritaville Islander, to operate Caribbean voyages roundtrip from Tampa, Florida.

Decks and Cabins

Margaritaville Paradise has 13 decks (10 passenger-accessible, 5 with cabins) and a total of 658 staterooms in 5 categories. These include 12 Suites (Balcony and Junior), 430 Oceanview cabins, and 216 Inside cabins. Costa neoClassica also had 10 single cabins. Only the Suites feature private step-out balconies.

All public areas are located on Decks 8–14. The largest accommodations are the Grand Terrace Suites (525 ft² / 49 m², with 150 ft² / 14 m² balconies).

Originally, Grand Classica’s decks were named after Italian Riviera cities. After acquisition, Bahamas Paradise renamed them after Bahamian islands.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

Grand Classica offers eight dining venues (restaurants and food bars):

• Yellow Elder – main dining room (complimentary) with two fixed seatings plus “My Time Dining.”
• Ocean View Buffet – complimentary breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks.
• Admiral’s Steak & Seafood – dinner restaurant serving five-course gourmet meals.
• Rock Grill – gourmet burgers and meats cooked on a lava rock grill.
• Crow’s Nest Bar & Grill – sports bar/pub offering casual fare, beers, and cocktails.
• A Slice Above – Italian pizzeria serving traditional and custom gourmet pizzas by the slice.
• Grand Cafe – patisserie/café offering specialty coffee, gelato, and desserts.
• Fins Dining – specialty restaurant.
• Hemisphere Nightclub – discotheque with DJ entertainment.

Room service is available at an additional charge.

The ship features various lounges and bars, a casino, live entertainment venues (theater and Regal Room), wellness facilities (spa, gym, and salon), and two swimming pools.

Additional amenities include an 80-seat conference center, Jolly Mon Kids’ Club (ages 3–17), retail shops, card room, and Internet lounge.

The complete list of Grand Classica lounges, clubs, and entertainment venues for guests of all ages includes:

• Legends Grand Theater – two-level main theater with comedy, song, and dance shows.
• Para-A-Dice Casino – offering table games and 101 slot machines, including blackjack, craps, roulette, three-card poker, and Ultimate Texas Hold ’em.
• Encore Lounge – live music venue with a central stairway connecting to the Grand Cafe and A Slice Above.
• Regal Room – bar and stage for live entertainment.
• Main Pool – large pool with adjacent Plunge Bar serving cocktails and beverages.
• The Oasis – adults-only area with an aft pool, two whirlpools, and a private bar.
• Jogging Track – located one deck above the main pool.
• Indulgence Spa, Fitness Center & Salon – offering massages, facials, and skin treatments; the ocean-view gym includes free weights and modern fitness equipment.
• Kruzers Kids’ Club – complimentary youth program for ages 3–17.
• Internet Lounge & Card Room.
• 80-person conference room.
• Retail outlets and photo gallery.

Margaritaville Paradise introduced several new venues, including JWB Prime Steak & Seafood, Frank & Lola’s Pizzeria, Port of Indecision Buffet (Lido), LandShark Sports Bar, Margaritaville Coffee & Pastry Shop, Stars on the Water Theater, Euphoria Lounge, Par-A-Dice Casino, Sunset Bar, and 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill (featuring Cheeseburger in Paradise). The redesigned wellness complex includes St. Somewhere Spa and the Fins Up! Fitness Center, alongside new entertainment options and expanded retail areas.

In January 2023, Margaritaville at Sea partnered with Tipsy Scoop (New York City-based ice cream shop specializing in liquor-infused flavors). Guests can now enjoy five Tipsy Scoop boozy ice creams, including two exclusive flavors: Blue Margarita Sorbet (with Margaritaville Silver Tequila) and Bahama Mama Ice Cream (with Margaritaville Coconut Rum).

In 2025, MAS Paradise introduced new onboard experiences, upgraded dining, and enhanced amenities. Additions included the Hemisphere Dancer Craft Spirits piano bar (serving signature cocktails), Far Side Sushi (specialty restaurant offering sushi rolls, rice and ramen bowls), Frank & Lola’s Pizzeria (part of the Lido Buffet), and upgraded poolside bars — License to Chill and 12 Volt Bar (with new menus, ping-pong tables, and billiards). JWB Prime Steakhouse also introduced wine pairings and seasonal menu highlights.

Drydock refurbishment 2023 review

During the 2023 drydock (May, at Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport), several new venues were added and many facilities were redesigned or renovated.

The project introduced Paradise Pickleball at Sea (certified pickleball court with an open-air lounge), Keys on the Water (dueling piano bar), Cheeseburger in Paradise (complimentary fast food venue at 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill), Jolly Mon (indoor kids’ playground), Fin City Arcade (gaming lounge), Hemisphere Nightclub, and Fins Dining.

Two new theater productions premiered — “Caribbean Heat” and “Radio Margaritaville: LIVE! At Sea.”

All staterooms were renovated, and all Suites received Internet-connected workout mirrors.

The Fins Up! Fitness Center was redesigned and equipped with new gym machines, including Group Cycle Connect bikes, rowing machines, treadmills, steppers, and Touch Smart Fitness Mirrors for yoga.

Margaritaville at Sea itineraries

Like Grand Classica, Margaritaville Paradise offers exclusive Bahamas cruises roundtrip from Florida.

In August 2017, the Port Palm Beach District Commission signed a 10-year agreement for the former Costa neoClassica to operate the Florida–Bahamas route West Palm Beach–Freeport. The liner maintains a regular schedule of 3-day/2-night cruises between Palm Beach and Freeport.

Previously, Costa neoClassica operated roundtrips from Dubai and Mediterranean voyages from homeports such as Barcelona, Savona, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Departing August 17, 2019, from Port Palm Beach, the ship operated Bahamas Paradise’s first-ever Panama Canal transition cruise. The 9-night voyage called at Key West (Florida), Grand Cayman, and the Panama Canal, ending in Puerto Caldera/Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Prices started at USD 500 per person (double occupancy, inside cabin). Early-booking discounts (before May 31, 2019) offered reduced fares for 3rd and 4th guests (USD 300 pp).

After the 2020–2021 Coronavirus shutdown, Grand Classica was scheduled to be the first large cruise ship to resume US-based operations. The first post-COVID voyage (Palm Beach–Freeport) was set for July 2, 2021, but later rescheduled to July 8. In August, the vessel was chartered by “Entergy New Orleans” to accommodate relief workers in Port NOLA (New Orleans) following Hurricane Ida.

The renamed Margaritaville Paradise inaugurated the Margaritaville at Sea brand with her Maiden Voyage departing Palm Beach on May 13, 2022 (rescheduled from April 30).

On August 28, 2024, bookings opened for a new 4-night itinerary on MAS Paradise visiting Grand Bahama and Nassau, with one sea day. Beginning in January 2025, Margaritaville Paradise will offer 2-, 3-, and 4-night roundtrips from Palm Beach to Nassau, complementing existing Grand Bahama routes.

Ultimate Paradise Pass

In March 2023, Margaritaville at Sea launched the industry’s first seasonal pass — the “Ultimate Paradise Pass.” It allows holders to embark on an unlimited number of non-consecutive 2-night Bahamas cruises (Freeport) roundtrip from Palm Beach aboard Margaritaville Paradise.

Prices started at USD 899 per person (based on double occupancy), excluding taxes, fees, and port charges due at booking.

“Ultimate Paradise Pass” cruises can be reserved 24–72 hours in advance, with limited blackout dates. Passes expired on December 31, 2023.

In addition to unlimited Florida–Bahamas roundtrips, the pass includes onboard perks such as welcome amenities, behind-the-scenes access, and exclusive previews of new activities (on select voyages). Pass holders also enjoy a 10% discount on shore excursions, upgrades, and packages.

When serving Costa Cruises, the ship (Costa Classica) was christened by godmother Emilia Costa (born 1967, Italian actress). For the Margaritaville cruise line, Margaritaville Paradise was christened by Shaquem Alphonso Griffin (born 1995, American NFL football player and linebacker).

Margaritaville’s naming ceremony was held on May 13, 2022, at Port Palm Beach. The event was attended by Margaritaville at Sea executives (John Cohlan/CEO, Oneil Khosa/COO, Kevin Sheehan Jr./President) and numerous VIP guests, including company partners and travel agents. The Maiden Voyage of Margaritaville departed Palm Beach on May 14. The special sailing to Freeport featured a live concert by Jimmy Buffett (James William Buffett, 1946-born American musician, singer, songwriter, author, actor, and businessman).

Grand Classica joined the Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line fleet on April 13, 2018 (Friday), when she docked at Port Palm Beach. The 2017 drydock refurbishment improved the ship’s systems and onboard infrastructure. All wetdocks and drydocks (including those in November–December 2021 and April–May 2022) were completed at Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport.

During the October 12–14, 2018 cruise, the liner hosted PalmCon — Palm Beach’s 8th annual Comic-Con convention. The event was themed around superheroes, anime, and sci-fi movies and games (video, role-playing, and fantasy card games). This themed cruise was the first Comic-Con at sea and featured numerous pre-planned onboard activities, including celebrity guests, workshops, original art, comics, toys, contests, and live entertainment.

On January 21, 2019, Bahamas Paradise announced a partnership with Viva Travel, resulting in a special Cuba cruise roundtrip from Palm Beach, Florida. The 4-night itinerary aboard Grand Classica was scheduled to depart on February 14, with calls in Havana (Feb 15, 10-hour stay), a sea day (Feb 16), another stop in Havana (Feb 17, 8-hour stay), and return to Palm Beach (Feb 18). The voyage featured Cuban cuisine, entertainment, and open-deck concerts (on Feb 16) with live performances by Los Cuatro, Laritza Bacallao, and La Pantoja.

Deck plan changes and refurbishments review

The first drydock refurbishment of Margaritaville Paradise took place in April–May 2022 at Grand Bahama Shipyard (Freeport, Bahamas). The project modernized all staterooms and renovated public spaces with new soft furnishings and carpeting.

The list of upgrades and renovations during the 2014 drydock refit (Nov 8 – Dec 18, in Genoa, Italy) included:

• Hull repainting, engine room upgrades, and renovation of all hotel areas.
• Refurbishment of public areas and all passenger cabins (including new furniture in all balcony Suites).
• Addition of new cabin amenities, such as Illy coffee machines and Elemis bath products.
• Upgrades to Tivoli Restaurant, adding more 2- and 4-seat tables and a new sea-day brunch option.
• Creation of a new TRX training area within the SPA on Deck 11.
• Enhanced menu at Dolce Amore Bar (Deck 9) with a new pizza dinner option.

The refurbishment project cost Costa Cruises approximately USD 28 million.

During the 2013 drydock in Genoa (Nov 12 – Dec 21), the ship underwent routine maintenance (hull, engine, and hotel systems), as well as public area and cabin refurbishments, new Suite furniture, Tivoli Restaurant upgrades, and SPA enhancements (including the new TRX area).

neoClassica’s last Costa Cruises drydock took place in October 2017.

Costa neoClassica ship review

• Total number of cabins: 654 (including 10 Suites, no Balconies, and 210 Inside cabins) across 5 grades.
• Main Dining Room: Tivoli.
• Restaurants and food bars: La Trattoria (buffet), La Tavernetta (pizzeria).
• Lounges & Bars: Colosseo (theater), Galileo (nightclub), Colosseo (lobby), Piazza Navona, Dolce Amore (patisserie), Puccini (ballroom), Squok Club (kids), poolside (Positano, Tiveri pizza).
• Amenities: complimentary 24-hour room service and babysitting, supervised children’s program, Internet access, laundry, and onboard weddings.
• Facilities: San Remo Casino, Promenade (Deck 8), Caracalla Spa, 4 Jacuzzis, 2 pools (Fountain, Capri), jogging track, Mondo Virtuale (arcade).

neoClassica was Costa’s first Classica-class liner, alongside her sistership Costa neoRomantica (1993-built/2021-scrapped).

In 2000, Costa Crociere conducted an extensive renovation of the Classica liner. During drydock, sound issues in the dining room were resolved, new leather chairs and wood paneling were added, and the lobby décor was updated by removing the old nude figures.

After a major refurbishment in 2014, the ship was renamed from "Costa Classica" to "Costa neoClassica." Among her most popular amenities were 2 swimming pools, 4 large Jacuzzis, 9 bars, and 2 main restaurants.

Most Costa neoClassica staterooms were 175 ft² Oceanview rooms (428). The ship had a total of 654 staterooms in 5 main categories, including 6 wheelchair-accessible cabins. The largest were the Balcony Suites (505 ft²).

The Tivoli Dining Room served continental cuisine, while La Trattoria was a self-service buffet. Casual dining was available at the Alfresco Café. International cuisine and Italian specialties were offered across all onboard restaurants. The complete list of Costa neoClassica restaurants and food bars included:

• Ristorante Tivoli (aft dining room, complimentary; open-seating breakfast and lunch, two fixed dinner seatings at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.)
• La Tavernetta Pizzeria (Italian pizzeria restaurant and bar)
• Ristorante Buffet La Trattoria (self-service buffet; serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea 4–5 p.m., and dinner)
• Piazza Tiveri (complimentary pizza by the slice, poolside)

The two-deck-high Colosseo Show Lounge (main theater) hosted cabaret shows, dancers, and specialty acts. The ship offered a wide variety of bars and lounges, including the 360-degree Galileo Disco and the Puccini Ballroom. Following the 2014 refit, Costa neoClassica introduced the Stargazer experience — an exclusive neoCollection activity allowing passengers to use high-quality telescopes on deck, guided by experts. On Deck 11, guests could enjoy 2 swimming pools and 2 large Jacuzzis (aft pool area), plus 2 additional Jacuzzis in the Spa & Fitness Center. The gym featured Technogym equipment, while the Spa complex included an authentic Roman bath and a full range of Steiner-managed spa treatments.

The following is a complete list of Costa neoClassica lounges, clubs, and entertainment venues for guests of all ages:

• Teatro Colosseo (2-level main theater hosting musicals, concerts, ballets, and circus shows)
• Bar Colosseo (foyer bar with seating area; serves Ferrari sparkling wines)
• Piazza Navona Grand Bar (lounge and bar with stage and dance floor; offers entertainment programs, dance lessons, and trivia games)
• Il Dolce Amore Pasticceria (coffee and pastry bar serving specialty coffee, tea, shakes, and pastries; doubles as a pizzeria in the evening)
• Sala Carte (cards room)
• Casino San Remo (with its own bar)
• Sala da Ballo Puccini (grand lounge and ballroom with dance floor, stage, and ample seating)
• Biblioteca & Internet Point (library and Internet room)
• Ponte Vecchio and Negozi Shops (duty- and tax-free boutiques offering jewelry, perfumes, fashion, Costa merchandise, and gifts)
• Galleria Foto (photo gallery and shop)
• Mondo Virtuale (video arcade)
• Cappella (wedding chapel, also used for religious services)
• Alfresco Café (outdoor seating with live trees)
• Squok Club (kids’ lounge with Mini Club (ages 3–6) and Maxi Club (ages 7–11), offering complimentary supervised activities and babysitting)
• Caracalla Spa & Fitness (wellness center with beauty salon, gym, aerobics room, Turkish bath, massage rooms, spa shop, and juice bar)
• Fountain Pool area (main pool with cascading water)
• Capri Pool area (with two whirlpools)
• Bar Positano (serves the pool areas)
• Galileo Disco (nightclub and observatory located atop the ship)
• Pista da Jogging (power walking/jogging track)

Costa neoClassica India cruises 2016–2017

Costa Cruises deployed neoClassica in India, offering regular departures from Mumbai.

The company’s new India cruise program (winter 2016–2017 season) featured 7-day (one-way Mumbai–Malé and vice versa) and 14-day (roundtrip Mumbai) itineraries visiting ports in the Maldives (Malé), Sri Lanka (Colombo), and India (Cochin, Mangalore, Mormugao–Goa).

Itineraries were available for booking through the company’s Italian website (costacrociere.it).

Previously, neoClassica operated 7-day roundtrip itineraries from Dubai, UAE.