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These affordable holiday theme cruises are perfect for a quick getaway

March 04, 2025
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3 min read
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These affordable holiday theme cruises are perfect for a quick getaway
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Have you ever wanted to try a theme cruise or sail during a holiday but found it too expensive? One cruise line has just added new voyages — featuring everything from themed menus and activities to drink specials — that might be perfect for you.

Margaritaville at Sea has revealed its 2026 schedule of short, themed sailings, most of which take place during various holidays. All range from just two to four days in length, ideal for travelers who are short on time.

Plus, Margaritaville’s fares are some of the most affordable in the industry, which means these voyages are also great for anyone who’s on a budget.

Here’s a quick look at what the line is offering on its Port of Palm Beach-based Paradise cruise ship.

Note: Prices are for inside cabin accommodations and include taxes and fees. They were accurate at the time of publication but are subject to change without notice.

  • Big Game Getaway (Feb. 7): A three-night weekend sailing visiting Nassau in the Bahamas with Super Bowl festivities and game viewing on the pool deck’s giant screen, with prices starting from $279 per person ($93 per person, per night)
  • Valentine’s Day (Feb. 13): A three-night romantic weekend getaway to Nassau, perfect for sweethearts, from $619 per person ($206 per person, per night)
  • St. Patrick’s Day (Mar. 16): A three-night voyage to the beaches of Freeport in the Bahamas, complete with beer specials, themed menus and more, from $260 per person ($87 per person, per night)
  • Cinco de Mayo (May 3): A four-night cruise to Cozumel for a Cinco de Mayo celebration, starting from $333 per person ($83 per person, per night)
  • Jimmy Buffett Day (Aug. 28): A four-night sailing to Key West and Freeport, filled with Jimmy’s favorite music, memories and, of course, margaritas, from $328 per person ($82 per person, per night)
  • Key West Fantasy Fest (Oct. 15, 19, 23): Three different four-night cruises to join the party at Fantasy Fest in Key West, plus a call on either Freeport or Nassau, with fares starting from $328 per person ($82 per person, per night)
  • Very Merry Margaritaville at Sea (Dec. 24): A four-night cruise to both Freeport and Nassau (which will host a Junkanoo festival during the ship’s call on Dec. 26) to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, from $383 per person ($96 per person, per night)
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For a limited time, Margaritaville at Sea is offering 50% off cruise fares on all Paradise cruises departing through Dec. 31, 2026, and all Islander voyages setting sail through April 24, 2027, for the first and second passengers in each cabin. To sweeten the deal even more, kids sail free as the third and fourth passengers in a cabin.

Want to learn more about cruising or how to find deals? Check out these stories:

Featured image by 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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  • Intro Offer

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  • Recommended Credit

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.