Margaritaville at Sea, the Jimmy Buffett-inspired cruise brand known for short, getaway sailings to the Bahamas and Caribbean, rolled out a set of longer itineraries that will debut in 2027, including the first to feature an overnight stay in port, in this case, New Orleans.
The new cruises will be aboard the Florida-based line’s 2,650-guest Margaritaville at Sea Islander, based at the Port of Tampa on Florida’s west coast. Five new itineraries were announced on April 2, 2025, and are open for booking.
As an added incentive, new reservations made by April 30, 2025 will reflect a 50% fare discount, and free fares for children.
The Big Easy itinerary is likely to be a big hit, since the 8-night cruise will operate from February 7 to 15, 2027, and call at the Port of New Orleans on February 9 — opening day of Mardi Gras. The ship will arrive at 8 a.m. that day and remain overnight, giving guests plenty of time to join the festivities ashore.
Islander will depart the destination in the afternoon of February 10, 2027, continuing on to other port calls featured on the “Mardi Gras Overnight & Mexico” cruise, including Progreso and Cozumel, Mexico.
Aside from Mardi Gras activities, New Orleans is a hot spot for cruise tourists, offering lots of sightseeing options. Some are Mardi Gras-focused, such as Mardi Gras World, where visitors can see where the parade floats are designed and built, and learn about the history of Carnival in the Big Easy.
Other top sites to visit are the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, situated on the Mississippi River, and the Riverwalk, a spacious, riverside retail and dining area next to the port’s cruise terminals.
New Orleans is a growing cruise port, and in 2024 had a record-breaking year with more than 1.2 million cruise arrivals. Its two cruise terminals are located within walking distance of the city’s famous French Quarter.
Besides the new Mardi Gras cruise, another 8-night itinerary, “Jamaica & Western Caribbean,” was announced. It departs on January 30, 2027, and will bring guests to Cozumel; Belize City, Belize; Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Georgetown, Grand Cayman.
One 7-night itinerary will make its debut: The “Key West & Mexico” sailing calls at Florida’s popular Key West plus Cozumel and Progreso.
Read Also: Must-Know Things About the New Orleans Cruise Terminal
The cruise line will also operate two 5-night cruises, both featuring the Bahamas. The “Bahamas Duo” sailing is slated to call at Freeport, on Grand Bahama Island, and at Nassau. With just the two port visits, guests will have plenty of time to enjoy the ship’s onboard amenities.
Ditto for the 5-night “Key West & Grand Bahama” sailing, which offers calls at Freeport and Key West.
Guests Can Immerse in Cruise Brand’s Caribbean Vibe
Margaritaville at Sea Islander has multiple opportunities for guests to experience sun and fun with a Caribbean vibe, including the ship’s three pools plus the Hot, Hot, Hot Night Club, the Bubbles Up Lounge, and the Champagne Bar.
Entertainment features musical stage shows, and there are six dining venues, including the LandShark Bar at Sea, Far Side of the World Sushi Bar, Mexican Cutie Cantina, Island Eats, The Flip Flop Atrium, JWB Prime Steakhouse, and Cheeseburger in Paradise.
Islander underwent a major renovation in 2024, just prior to entering service for the Margaritaville at Sea brand. The ship formerly sailed as Costa Atlantica for Costa Cruises until she was sold to Margaritaville in 2023.
The cruise brand also operates the 1,680-guest Margaritaville at Sea Paradise. Based out of Palm Beach, Florida, the ship sails 2- to 4-night Bahamas and Key West cruises. Paradise, which also formerly sailed under the Costa Cruises brand, as Costa Classica, began sailing for Margaritaville at Sea in 2022.
