Margaritaville at Sea: Fares, Fees and Rules Explained

Where these numbers come from

Margaritaville at Sea is a budget-priced, short-cruise line that sails from Florida, Texas and, on some itineraries, Mexico or the Bahamas. It markets itself with low nightly from-prices. The catch is the same as on any entry-level cruise: the headline fare is a base, and taxes, the nightly gratuity and any drinks are added afterward.

The home page advertises fares from $49 per night, $149 for weekend Bahamas getaways and $279 for a Tampa to Mexico trip, on cruises of 2 to 10 nights. Because those are promotional floors, a 7-night equivalent of $343 is only arithmetic on the $49 figure, not a quoted price. Put the fare you actually find into the cruise cost calculator.

Here is a worked example for two adults on a 4-night stateroom sailing using the $49 per night floor. Fare: 2 x 4 x $49 = $392. Gratuity at $22 per person per night: 2 x 4 x $22 = $176. Subtotal: $568 before taxes, fees and drinks. Add the Islander Ultimate Beverage Chill at its $49.99 from-price for both adults: 2 x 4 x $49.99 = $399.92. The total is $967.92. The gratuity calculator and drink package calculator show other splits.

The ticket contract adds a fuel clause. If oil passes $40 a barrel, the carrier may add up to $15 per person per day. The contract also says specialty drinks, alcohol and sodas are not part of the base fare and carry service gratuities. The drink packages page shows a soda package and a bundle, but package terms are sold per ship, so read the Islander and Paradise pages before you buy.

Cancellation terms depend on trip length. On 6 to 7 night cruises, nothing is charged beyond nonrefundable deposits until 90 days out. Then the charge rises to the larger of the deposit or 50% of the cruise price, then 75% at 60 to 31 days, then 100% in the last 30 days. On 8-plus night trips, penalties start earlier, at 120 to 91 days. Final payment follows length: 76, 91 or 121 days out.

Who is it best for? Groups who want a short, casual island-themed getaway and treat the cruise as a long weekend. The kids programs cover ages 3 to 17, and under-18 guests must travel with a person 25 or older in the room. Next, read the Margaritaville gratuity page and the drink package page, or start with the which cruise line quiz.

Sources

• Margaritaville at Sea home page
• Margaritaville at Sea FAQ
• Margaritaville at Sea cancellation policy
• Margaritaville at Sea ticket contract
• Margaritaville at Sea Cruise+ bundle
• Margaritaville at Sea Islander packages

Figures checked on September 30, 2026.

This page is general information, not legal, insurance or travel-agent advice. Fees, rules and limits change, so confirm the figures with the official sources listed above before you book or travel.