What is included in a Margaritaville at Sea fare, and what costs extra

A cruise fare covers a lot, but not everything. Knowing the line between included and extra is the single best way to budget a trip honestly. This is how it works on Margaritaville at Sea, based on the cruise line's published information.

What your fare includes

• Your stateroom for the length of the sailing.
• Included dining. Every ship has a main dining room (Fins), casual spots such as Cheeseburger in Paradise and Mexican Cutie Cantina, and a market-style food hall or buffet, depending on the ship.
• Entertainment. Production shows, live music, and theme nights around the ship.
• The pools and pool-deck fun.
• Kids' clubs, though some activities may carry a fee.

What costs extra

• Bar drinks and soft drinks, unless you add a beverage package.
• Specialty dining, such as JWB Prime Steakhouse and Far Side Sushi, plus in-room dining.
• Wi-Fi, with plans from light social use to business-grade.
• Shore excursions, spa treatments, casino play, and photos.
• Parking at the port, paid directly to the port.
• Gratuities and service charges, on a standard fare. Many promotions, including some of the deals listed on this site, include gratuities, so read what your specific fare says.

Packages worth knowing about

• Drinks: the Ultimate Beverage Chill package, or an Unlimited Soda Package.
• Dining: prime and specialty dining packages, or single JWB Prime dinners.
• Wi-Fi: the Coconut Telegraph plans.
• Priority boarding: Express Pass and Signature Packages get the earliest arrival windows.
• Cabanas, spa, and photos: private cabana rentals, spa packages, and photo sessions.

The cruise line notes that buying packages before you sail is usually less expensive than buying them onboard, so decide what you will actually use and add it ahead of time.

Taxes, fees, and the fuel supplement

Always compare fares on the same footing. Some fares quote the cabin price before taxes and fees, and some, like many group rates, include them. Ask for the total for your party. A fuel supplement can also apply by ship: as of June 1, 2024 it was $0 per person, per night on Islander and $15 on Paradise. Confirm the current amount for your sailing.