Margaritaville at Sea inaugural sailing delayed 2 weeks
Tarah Chieffi is a family travel writer for TPG. Whether she’s sharing tips for planning the perfect theme park trip or finding a kid-friendly hotel, her goal with every story she writes is to inspire families to get out and explore the world.
April 12, 2022
•
3 min read
Margaritaville at Sea inaugural sailing delayed 2 weeks
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Jimmy Buffett fans hoping to get a taste of the island life the acclaimed musician so often sings about will have to wait a bit longer for their cheeseburger in paradise.
Buffett's latest foray into the cruise industry – Margaritaville at Sea – was scheduled to set sail on April 30 but, as a result of shipping delays, has been pushed back two weeks to May 14.
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The sailing will take place on board the Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line's Grand Classica, a 30-year-old, 1,680-passenger ship that is being rebranded as the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise.
Related: Bahamas cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do
In fact, the Grand Classica's final sailing leaves the Port of Palm Beach in Florida on April 16 and returns April 18. That leaves less than two weeks to overhaul the ship and hit the original April 30 launch of Margaritaville at Sea. Even without delays, that's a tight turnaround.
COVID-19-era cruise ship delays are not unheard of, but most have been new-builds, not dry dock remodels. Oneil Khosa, CEO of Margaritaville at Sea, said in a statement, "Due to global shipping delays and in an effort to ensure the very best onboard experience, we have made the decision to postpone our first passenger sailing until May 14." Khosa also apologized for the inconvenience caused to guests and thanked guests and Margaritaville at Seas's business partners for their patience.
The ship will receive the full Parrothead treatment, with a multimillion-dollar refurbishment including Margaritaville-themed bars, nautical-inspired cabin decor and the phrase "Where it's always 5 o'clock" emblazoned on the hull.
As a result of the delay, six sailings in early May were canceled. Affected guests were given the opportunity to cancel and receive a full refund or rebook on any future sailing and receive a complimentary cabin. Any money held on the original booking for the stateroom charge will be provided as an onboard credit.
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Each trip on Margaritaville at Sea is a two-night, three-day "offshore resort experience" from the Port of Palm Beach to Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. Pricing begins as low as $169 per person for an interior cabin (based on double occupancy) and includes all meals (excluding specialty dining), select nonalcoholic beverages, live entertainment and supervised kids programs. Shore excursions, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and Wi-Fi require an additional fee.
Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville-themed businesses also include hotels, timeshares, all-inclusive resorts, bars and restaurants.
Featured image by (Rendering courtesy of Margaritaville at Sea)
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Why We Chose It
Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip.Pros
- The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. TPG values it at $1,600.
- This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. (Enrollment required for select benefits.)
- The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway.
Cons
- The high annual fee is only worth it if you’re taking full advantage of the card’s benefits. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost.
- Outside of the current welcome bonus, you’re only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories.
- The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards.
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups are excluded.
- American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. There are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline.
- $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
- Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. Enrollment required. Learn more.
- Breeze through security with CLEAR® lanes available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your membership when you use your Card. Learn more.
- $695 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees