If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping to a tropical paradise with endless piña coladas, frozen margaritas, and good vibes, chances are Margaritaville at Sea has caught your attention. This cruise line, inspired by Jimmy Buffett’s laid-back island lifestyle, promises a vacation filled with sun, sea, and spirits. But one of the most common questions travelers ask before booking is: Does Margaritaville at Sea have unlimited drinks?
The short answer is — yes, but not automatically. Margaritaville at Sea does offer drink packages that allow guests to enjoy unlimited beverages throughout their voyage, but there are important details, terms, and price factors to consider. Whether you’re planning your first cruise or you’re a seasoned sailor looking to switch up your experience, understanding how Margaritaville’s drink system works will help you make the most of every sip.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Margaritaville at Sea’s drink options, from what’s included to how to choose the best package for your budget and preferences.
Before diving into the drink details, it helps to understand what Margaritaville at Sea is all about. The cruise line is a partnership between Margaritaville Holdings and Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, offering short voyages from the Port of Palm Beach, Florida, to Freeport in Grand Bahama Island.
The experience blends the laid-back Margaritaville resort atmosphere with the excitement of a cruise vacation. Think vibrant décor, tropical tunes, relaxed dining, and of course, plenty of bars serving signature cocktails like the classic margarita, Bahama Mama, and boat drinks galore.
The ship, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, is relatively small compared to the giant ocean liners from major cruise lines. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in character. The cruise offers various entertainment options, casual and specialty dining, and an array of bars and lounges — each offering its own drink selection and ambiance.
When you book your Margaritaville at Sea cruise, the base fare includes accommodation, meals at complimentary restaurants, and entertainment. However, drinks are not unlimited by default.
Here’s what you can expect without purchasing a drink package:
Complimentary beverages: Water, coffee, tea, lemonade, and select juices are included in your fare.
Alcoholic and specialty drinks: These are charged separately. Every cocktail, beer, glass of wine, or soft drink will appear on your onboard account if you do not opt for a beverage package.
So, if you plan on indulging in more than a few drinks each day, purchasing an unlimited drink package might be worth considering.
Margaritaville at Sea offers several beverage options, designed to suit different drinking preferences and budgets. These packages can be pre-purchased before your cruise or added once you’re onboard. Let’s take a detailed look at the main packages and what they include.
This is Margaritaville at Sea’s unlimited drink package — perfect for guests who want to sip freely without worrying about the bill.
What’s included:
Unlimited cocktails, beer, and wine by the glass up to a certain price limit (usually around $12 per drink).
Premium spirits and signature Margaritaville cocktails like “Who’s to Blame” margarita, “5 O’Clock Somewhere” rum punch, and “Incommunicado.”
Non-alcoholic beverages such as soda, mocktails, and bottled water.
Discounts on wine bottles and certain specialty drinks.
Cost:While prices can vary slightly, the package typically costs around $99 per person per day. Every adult sharing a cabin who wishes to drink must purchase the package.
Restrictions:
It cannot be shared between guests.
There is a daily drink limit (usually around 15 alcoholic beverages per person per day).
It applies only to drinks ordered for personal consumption.
This package is ideal for travelers who enjoy multiple cocktails throughout the day — by the pool, at dinner, or during evening entertainment.
Not everyone on board is looking for unlimited alcohol, and Margaritaville at Sea caters to that. The Soda and Refreshment Package is perfect for kids, teens, and adults who prefer non-alcoholic beverages.
What’s included:
Unlimited soft drinks such as Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, and Diet Coke.
Lemonade, iced tea, juices, and mocktails.
Bottled water or sparkling water depending on package level.
Cost:Usually ranges between $20–$25 per person per day.
This package is a great way to save money if you plan to consume several sodas or non-alcoholic beverages daily.
Many travelers wonder if they can bring their own alcohol or drinks to avoid paying onboard prices. Unfortunately, Margaritaville at Sea enforces a strict no-alcohol policy for carry-on beverages.
You cannot bring wine, beer, or spirits onboard with you. However, exceptions are made for non-alcoholic drinks like bottled water or soft drinks, usually limited to 12 cans or bottles per cabin.
Attempting to sneak in alcohol may lead to confiscation or even penalties, so it’s best to purchase drinks through official channels.
If you decide not to purchase a drink package, you can still enjoy a wide variety of beverages — just pay as you go. Here’s a general idea of what individual drink prices look like onboard:
Cocktails: $9–$14
Beer (domestic/imported): $6–$9
Wine by the glass: $8–$12
Liquor shots: $7–$10 (standard brands), up to $14 for premium options
Soft drinks: $3–$4
Bottled water: $2–$4
If you plan on having more than a few drinks a day, these charges can add up quickly. That’s where the unlimited package starts making financial sense.
Margaritaville at Sea Paradise features several bars and lounges, each designed to match Jimmy Buffett’s iconic beach-party vibe. Exploring them all is part of the fun — and if you have the drink package, you can sample your way through every bar without hesitation.
Here are some of the most popular spots onboard:
1. 5 O’Clock Somewhere BarA lively open-air bar perfect for afternoon cocktails by the pool. Expect tropical favorites like rum punch, mojitos, margaritas, and frozen concoctions.
2. License to Chill BarA relaxed spot where you can unwind with a cold drink and enjoy live music. It’s a great place to start or end your evening.
3. LandShark Bar & GrillOne of the cruise’s signature venues, featuring draft beers, margaritas, and casual bites. If you love craft beer or specialty cocktails, this is your go-to.
4. Piano BarFor those who prefer a quieter, more intimate setting, the Piano Bar offers classic cocktails and a chance to sing along to your favorite tunes.
5. Casino BarIf you’re feeling lucky, you can enjoy your favorite drinks while playing slots or table games.
Having an unlimited drink package means you can enjoy each of these venues without thinking twice about your tab.
Margaritaville wouldn’t be Margaritaville without its world-famous cocktails. Here are some of the top drinks to order on your cruise:
Who’s to Blame Margarita: The classic signature drink, made with premium tequila and Margaritaville’s special mix.
License to Chill: A smooth coconut-infused rum cocktail perfect for beach vibes.
Boat Drinks: A fruity, colorful blend of rum, pineapple, and citrus flavors.
5 O’Clock Somewhere: A rum-based tropical drink that tastes like vacation in a glass.
Incommunicado: A delicious punch with multiple spirits and fruit juices — it’s strong and flavorful.
Bahama Mama: A sweet tropical favorite with coconut rum and orange juice.
Most of these drinks are included in the unlimited beverage package, and bartenders are known for their generous pours and friendly island energy.
Whether the Margaritaville at Sea unlimited drink package is worth it depends entirely on your drinking habits and vacation goals.
Let’s break it down with an example. Suppose the package costs $99 per day. If you order:
3 cocktails ($12 each = $36)
2 beers ($8 each = $16)
2 glasses of wine ($10 each = $20)
2 sodas or bottled waters ($4 each = $8)
That’s already $80 in drinks for one day — and that’s before dinner or late-night entertainment. If you typically enjoy several beverages throughout your day, you’ll easily reach or exceed the package cost, making it a solid deal.
However, if you’re a light drinker — maybe just one cocktail or a beer with dinner — paying per drink might be more cost-effective.
If you decide to go for the unlimited drink package, here are a few insider tips to make the most of it:
Purchase in advance: Buying the package before boarding can sometimes save you up to 10%.
Start early: The package is valid from the moment you embark, so you can begin enjoying drinks right away.
Try everything: With unlimited access, experiment with different cocktails and ask bartenders for recommendations.
Stay hydrated: Mix in some bottled water and mocktails to stay refreshed under the sun.
Know your limits: Remember the daily drink limit and pace yourself — it’s about enjoying the experience, not overindulging.
For those who don’t drink alcohol or are traveling with family, Margaritaville at Sea has plenty of refreshing alternatives. Some of the most popular include:
Freshly squeezed fruit juices
Virgin piña coladas and daiquiris
Iced coffees and frappes
Smoothies
Soft drinks and energy beverages
Many of these are included in the Soda and Refreshment Package, making it easy to stay hydrated and energized throughout the trip.
If you plan to dine at Margaritaville’s specialty restaurants — such as JWB Prime Steakhouse or Frank and Lola’s Pizzeria — your drink package still applies. You can order cocktails, wines, or beers from the main menu as part of your package, making your dining experience more complete.
Some restaurants even offer recommended pairings where you can try specific wines or cocktails that complement your meal, enhancing the culinary experience.
Compared to larger cruise lines, Margaritaville at Sea’s beverage package is relatively simple and straightforward. Here’s how it stacks up:
Carnival Cruise Line: Drink package around $65 per day, includes similar limits.
Royal Caribbean: Around $85–$100 per day, with more cocktail variety.
Norwegian Cruise Line: Often included in promotions but priced higher individually.
Margaritaville at Sea’s package fits neatly within this range, offering good value for a short cruise with a relaxed island vibe.
So, does Margaritaville at Sea have unlimited drinks? Yes — if you choose the right drink package. Whether you’re sipping margaritas by the pool, enjoying a sunset mojito, or raising a glass at the piano bar, the cruise offers plenty of ways to embrace the carefree spirit of the islands.
The unlimited beverage package is designed for those who want to let go, relax, and not worry about drink tabs adding up. If your idea of vacation bliss involves a steady flow of tropical cocktails, cold beers, or fine wines, then this package is absolutely worth it.
However, for those who drink lightly or prefer to focus on sightseeing and relaxation, paying per drink or opting for the non-alcoholic refreshment package can be a better choice.
At the end of the day, Margaritaville at Sea isn’t just about unlimited drinks — it’s about unlimited fun, relaxation, and island-time attitude. Every guest, whether holding a margarita or mocktail, gets to experience the same easygoing joy that defines Jimmy Buffett’s world.
So grab your sunglasses, kick off your flip-flops, and prepare to sail away. Because on Margaritaville at Sea, it’s always five o’clock somewhere — and that’s reason enough to raise a glass.
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