This Margaritaville resort day pass could cost you more than a cruise to get there

Jimmy Buffett-inspired cruise line Margaritaville at Sea has partnered with the land-based version of the brand, offering passengers a chance to visit a Margaritaville resort in Nassau, Bahamas — for twice the price of the cheapest cruise that will take them there.

But that's because the line's sailings are super affordable. You can book a room on a two-night Bahamas voyage from $49 per person (less than $25 per person, per night), and that includes accommodations, all meals and daily entertainment.

Beginning in January 2025, the line's flagship, Paradise, will offer two-, three- and four-night sailings to Nassau for the first time. With the related "Sail & Splash" packages, passengers who book a sailing can tack on a visit to Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau from $110 per adult ($55 per child).

It seems expensive comparatively, but that's because the cruises are such a great deal. Plus, the resort passes are actually less pricey than cruise fares when you add in the taxes and fees you'll pay to sail, and the cost is comparable to what you might pay for other shore excursions in the area when spending just a few hours ashore. Ultimately, whether or not the price is a good value depends on each cruiser and their preferences.

The $110 day pass in Nassau will allow you day-use access to the resort for four hours. It doesn't include food, drinks or a room to use while you're there, but it does include some fun amenities.

Passengers will gain access to the property's Fins Up Water Park, which features a lazy river, a zero-entry pool, a FlowRider surf simulator (boogie boarding only) and complimentary Wi-Fi, lounge chairs, umbrellas and towels. You'll also have access to the resort's beach area. Margaritaville at Sea passengers receive priority when booking day passes, too. (They're able to prebook them, while passengers on other lines' ships can only buy them the day of their visit if there's any availability remaining.)

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"In addition to this great new port of call, we're offering guests a unique ship-to-resort experience, making it the ultimate quick getaway to paradise," said Christopher Ivy, CEO of Margaritaville at Sea, in a press release. "Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau has exceptional amenities, including private access to a spectacular beach on turquoise waters ... lazy river, multiple pools, and a variety of restaurant and bar options."

But fans of Freeport need not worry; the line won't give up its calls on Grand Bahama Island and will continue to offer them as usual in addition to the new itineraries that include Nassau.

Prices for two-night sailings to either Freeport or Nassau in early 2025 start at $49 per person (less than $25 per person, per night). If you want to visit both ports, you're in luck: There are a few sailings that include both stops in the same voyage. Four-night cruises that stop at Freeport and Nassau start at $100 per person ($25 per person, per night). Plus, during the line's Black Friday Early Access sale, passengers can add third and fourth passengers to their cabin for free, snag up to $300 in onboard credit, and grab a Nassau resort pass from $99 per adult instead of $110.

In mid-2024, Margaritaville at Sea doubled its fleet size by adding a second ship, Islander. It also expanded its footprint to Tampa, marking the first time the line has sailed from a home port other than the Port of Palm Beach. Islander runs four- and five-night departures to Key West, Florida, and the Mexican Riviera from the Port of Tampa Bay, starting at $199 per person (less than $50 per person, per night).

Learn more about cruising with these TPG resources:

• Packing for a cruise? These items aren't allowed on board
• Man overboard: Cruise ship overboards and how they happen
• What is baked Alaska, and why is it paraded around cruise ships?
• What are the largest cruise ships in the world?
• What is the Jones Act, and how does it affect cruise ships?
• What is a lido deck on a cruise ship?
• What's a cruise cabin guarantee — and will it save you money?
• What's the difference between a cruise ship concierge and a butler?