Margaritaville at Sea Cruises

Passengers will be people who have cruised before and those who have not, with a lot of crossover with the Margaritaville resorts on land. Expect to see couples, groups of friends, international travelers, families with children and local people on weekend getaways.

During the day the attire will be very casual, so don't be surprised to see a number of people wandering the ship in their swimsuits (although technically the dress code requires shirts and shoes). Most passengers dress up a bit in the evenings, with women often appearing in sundresses and men wearing long pants for dinner and entertainment.

No. On Margaritaville at Sea, passengers pay for shore excursions, onboard gratuities, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, spa services, soft drinks and alcohol and some room service items. Included in the cruise fare is dining in the main dining room, the buffet and live entertainment.

Whether just getting on the ship or coming back from the island, passengers hit the bars and lounges, the pools and spa, the salon and fitness area. This is fun cruising, and the tie-in with the late Jimmy Buffet means that there is an emphasis on live music, althought the entertainment goes far beyond Caribbean-style music. The casino has traditionally been popular on this ship. All venues have Buffett-themed names such as Landshark Sports Bar and the 5 O'Clock Somewhere Bar. Kids enjoy the various activities offered by the designated kids' clubs, available for cruisers ages 3 to 17.

Best for: People who love easy, breezy, tropical fun and a short Caribbean and Bahamas escape.

Not for: Anyone looking for a week-long cruise, or zip lines, skating rinks, and other add ons.