Since launching in 2022, Margaritaville at Sea has carved out a niche for itself by offering affordable getaways with a laid-back vibe inspired by Jimmy Buffett’s lifestyle.
However, as one of the newest cruise lines at sea, the company lacks decades of history, and the fleet is small, comprising just two ships. They are rapidly expanding, though.
Margaritaville's first ship, the Paradise, set sail in 2022, followed by the Islander in 2024. Recently, they announced that a third ship, which is still unnamed, will join the fleet in 2026.
Although its ships aren't the largest in the world, Margaritaville at Sea focuses on delivering a unique experience that you won't find on any other cruise line. Onboard, guests can expect tropical décor, casual poolside dining, themed shows, and more.
Here's a look at Margaritaville's ships by size, as well as insight into what we know about the line's largest vessel yet — debuting in late 2026.
Unnamed third ship
Gross tonnage (based on Costa Fortuna's current ship statistics): 102,669
Length: 893 feet
Number of passengers (maximum occupancy, based on Costa Fortuna's current ship statistics): 3,470
Margaritaville at Sea has announced plans to expand its fleet with a third vessel set to launch in 2026. The company acquired the Costa Fortuna, a ship operated by Costa Cruises that initially set sail in 2003.
Before joining the Margaritaville fleet, the vessel will undergo an extensive refurbishment to reflect the brand’s tropical style and carefree atmosphere.
While the line hasn't released many details about the ship and new homeport, the vessel will be the largest in Margaritaville's small fleet.
"Over the last three years, we have been incredibly focused on building Margaritaville at Sea by delivering more of what our guests love – a uniquely laid-back island attitude with award-winning hospitality," said Christopher Ivy, C.E.O. of Margaritaville at Sea.
"With the acquisition of our third ship in three years, we are proud to once again invite guests to step into the Margaritaville state of mind on the open ocean."
Read more: Jimmy Buffett's cruise line reveals plans to expand fleet with brand new ship
Margaritaville at Sea Islander size
Gross tonnage: 85,619
Length: 960 feet
Number of passengers: 2,650
Margaritaville at Sea Islander is Margaritaville's newest ship that set sail in 2024. Like the unnamed third vessel, Islander was a former Costa Cruises ship. She was transferred to Carnival's Chinese entity but never entered service and was eventually sold to Margaritaville at Sea in 2023.
The vessel underwent a four-month dry dock in Belfast and embarked on her maiden voyage from Tampa, Florida, on June 12, 2024.
Margaritaville at Sea Islander now offers 4 to 10-night cruises from Tampa to the Bahamas, Florida Keys, and Western Caribbean.
Onboard, guests will find refreshed staterooms, updated dining venues, dedicated entertainment, and more, all designed to reflect the company's Buffett-inspired island lifestyle, at sea.
Margaritaville at Sea Paradise size
Gross tonnage: 52,926
Length: 723.6 feet
Number of passengers: 1,680
Margaritaville at Sea got off to a rocky start with its first ship, the Paradise. However, they've quickly turned things around, earning accolades like #1 Cruisers' Choice Cruise Line by Cruise Critic and #1 Best Cruise Line for Solo Travelers in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.
Less than two years after entering service for Margaritaville, Paradise underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation to enhance its onboard offerings. These changes played a key role in reshaping the line's reputation and helped position Margaritaville at Sea as a serious contender in the short-cruise market.
During the dry dock, Paradise received a new pickleball court, dueling piano bar, arcade, better stage shows, refreshed staterooms, and more.
Paradise isn't a brand-new ship by any means, having launched as Costa Classica in 1991, but the extensive renovations have helped bring it up to more modern standards.
Today, Paradise sails on 2 to 4-night getaways from Palm Beach, Florida, to the Bahamas, Florida Keys, and Mexico.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
