NASSAU, BAHAMAS- Margaritaville at Sea is charting a broader course this fall with the launch of new three-night “Bahamas Duos” cruises that will call at both Nassau and Freeport, Grand Bahama.
The itineraries, operated by the 1,680-guest Margaritaville Paradise, will depart from the Port of Palm Beach on Friday evenings and return Monday mornings, offering a two-port weekend product that industry observers say strengthens the brand’s short-cruise niche. The program debuts in October, with voyages aligned to the company’s seasonal “Sail the Haunted Seas” theme.
The move marks a notable evolution for Margaritaville at Sea, which has built its model around quick getaway cruises catering largely to the Florida market. By expanding to include two Bahamian destinations on a single itinerary, the line is positioning itself to capture a wider audience seeking both convenience and variety. The strategy also underscores the Bahamas’ continued role in the cruise line’s operations.
Margaritaville at Sea, originally founded as Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line in 2014, rebranded in 2022 through a partnership with Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville brand. The shift gave the company a stronger lifestyle identity, anchored in Buffett’s laid-back Caribbean image, while allowing it to compete more aggressively in the short-voyage segment of the cruise industry.
For the Bahamas, the addition of Nassau alongside Freeport reinforces the destination’s centrality to the line’s growth plans. Cruise industry analysts note that weekend trips are a competitive market, with major players like Carnival and Royal Caribbean also offering short itineraries, though typically from larger Florida ports such as Miami and Port Canaveral. Margaritaville’s use of Palm Beach allows it to serve a distinct niche while funneling consistent traffic into Bahamian ports.
Concerns were raised last year about whether Margaritaville at Sea might scale back its service to Grand Bahama. The company clarified that it was not discontinuing calls but restructuring its schedule, with varying frequencies month to month.
