If you’re unsure about cruising and want to try it out, take this short budget cruise. It was our first family cruise, and we weren’t sure if the girls or I would enjoy it since it’s been about 20 years since my last cruise as a kid. We booked online and snagged the Hero’s Sail Free offer, it was too good to pass up!

What is Margaritaville at Sea 

This is a new venture, and they’ve tested the waters with the ship we sailed on. It might look familiar because it was previously operated by Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. Margaritaville now owns the vessel and operates a cruise itinerary to the Bahamas.

The boat was previously named Grand Classica, and the major switch happened in April 2022. Last year (2023) marked its first full year of service under the new operator Margaritaville at sea.

Aboard Margaritaville at Sea Paradise

The Decor and Vibe of the Cruise Ship

The boat’s decorations and visual accents are everywhere, and they scream Jimmy Buffett at every turn. From the Cheeseburger in Paradise Burger Bar to the staterooms, the island laid-back lifestyle theme is present throughout. With all the decor, the ship’s inviting atmosphere immediately puts you in vacation mode as soon as you step on board.

Pools and the Promenade Deck

There was plenty of space to spread out on the promenade deck. Covered in turf, it had a unique look that definitely gave it a less workboat vibe. They had seating in select areas, making it a nice spot to relax and watch the sunset.

There were two pools and two hot tubs. I hate to say it, but the small pools didn’t look enticing to me, though I’m not a pool person anyway. They’re great for cooling off, but unfortunately, they were quite small.

The hot tubs looked big enough to fit around 6-8 people, but a sign stated a maximum of 4 people at a time. Since it was warm outside, the hot tubs didn’t seem appealing, so we skipped that opportunity.

Water Theater

We got to watch a nightly show every night at 9 PM. The live entertainment lasted until 10 PM and was a blast, featuring singing, dancing, and acrobatics. Here are the shows we enjoyed:

• Radio Margaritaville: Live at Sea 
• Caribbean Heat

The kids had a great time at each show. We were pretty worn out for the second show and almost missed it due to a quick power nap. But once the music started and the lights hit our faces, we were ready for another action-packed 45 minutes of entertainment.

Radio Margaritaville: Live at Sea

Is a show that is part live concert and part high-energy dance production, you won’t be able to resist bopping in your seat as you travel the decades to pay homage to music inspired by Margaritaville. This was offered the first night of the cruise.

Caribbean Heat Show Aboard Margaritaville at Sea Paradise

Is an immersive journey around the Caribbean where they celebrate the music of contemporary artists from the Islands, including Rihanna, Pitbull, Bob Marley and many more. We enjoyed the costumes of this one a lot.

St. Somewhere Spa and Fitness Center

If you’re looking for a relaxing spa treatment while on your cruise to the Bahamas, they offer a variety of treatments. The offerings at the spa include St. Somewhere Swedish Massage, Himalayan Hot Stone Massage and a deep tissue option. 

There are plenty of add-on options available, including hot stone treatments, CBD oil massages, and scalp massages. Although Amanda considered a massage, we were too busy enjoying the nightly shows, sipping on alcoholic drinks, and capturing the perfect photos. 

While they do offer a fitness center with brand new Echelon equipment, we never found the time to experience it ourselves. But if you can’t go without your morning workout, it’s there for you to enjoy.

Casino Aboard Margaritaville at Sea Paradise

We didn’t play at all in the Casino this time. We did however check out the room and it’s suprisingly bigger than you’d think. There’s plenty of choices from slot machines to the classic table games. Everything is decked out in the Margaritaville theme and if you’re into gambling you’ll likely have fun spending time in here.

State Room Type Selection on Margaritaville Paradise 

Picturesque Ocean View Staterooms 

We were on deck 5 for both rooms, both with ocean views. Each room featured a large bed, an in-room bathroom, and Margaritaville decor, complete with a spacious round porthole window.

Being on deck 5 offers the advantage of experiencing less swaying while underway. This is particularly beneficial when crossing the Gulf Stream, as the ship may roll more. Lower decks help mitigate this sensation, providing a smoother ride for passengers.

Many passengers prefer deck 5 over deck 7 due to its minimal noise level. Deck 7, situated beneath the Water Theater and Euphoria Lounge, can be louder, affecting some guests’ comfort. Go here to view the deck layout for the passenger decks. 

Our Room in the Back of the Ship

The nicer room included two chairs and a table with decorative cushions. The space was really nice, and even though we spent only a short time there, it was very enjoyable and peaceful.

It was a fast 2-night cruise, and we stayed very busy, but the room was a perfect spot to take a quick siesta.

I think we (the adults) preferred the room in the back of the ship because it was close to the elevator and had easy access to the bars and restaurants. Most of the amenities seemed to be located midship to aft.

The downside of being in the back of the ship is the engine noise. I only noticed it when Audrey asked, “What is that?” as we were arriving at Grand Bahama Island. The ship was backing down to slow down, causing extra rattling, which she’d never heard before.

The noise isn’t crazy loud, but it’s noticeable if you’re not used to the sounds a big ship or boat makes. I noticed it, but it’s nothing like my experience working five years on a river towboat on the Mississippi River.

Our Room Towards the Bow of the Ship

The room at the front of the ship had the same layout and bed orientation, with you facing forward like in an airplane with your feet forward while laying in bed to sleep. It also came equipped with three life vests, a phone, and an ice bucket, just like the other rooms.

This room was special because it included a Murphy bed on the wall. The bed folded up into the wood paneling, creating extra space. The bed was a single and is a great option for smaller families of three.

All the rooms on the starboard side of the ship are the same size. I liked the room with the fold-up bed because it felt bigger overall, but when the Murphy bed is down, it doesn’t feel bigger at all.

The rooms in the front of the ship definitely had less engine and ship noise. It felt more like a hotel on the water. However, they were farther away from the buffet and the burger bar with the conjoined 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill.

The Grand Terrace Suites

We unfortunately were not lucky enough to see or be able to book this room type on the trip, but they do look amazing on the website. We did wave to a few people from the promenade deck while enjoying the sunset on the balcony of their Grand Terrace Suite. 

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise Reviews and Amenity Specifications  

• Free Wi-Fi Speed: There was no free wifi on the ship. The wi-fi package was an extra charge of $30 dollars for the 2-night getaway and was unlimited, with speeds averaging around 10 Mbps. 
• Early Check-in & Baggage Holding Available: With the License to Chill VIP package, you can enjoy early check-in and have your bags delivered straight to your room.
• Wall Sockets for Charging: The boat provided standard two-pronged American plugs and USB ports for charging your devices.
• Bed, Sheets, and Furniture Comfort Level: The bed felt similar to a Hyatt mattress in terms of softness and comfort. Overall, the bed and furniture comfort rated 4 out of 5 stars.
• Water Pressure & Water Temp: The water pressure was rated 2.5 out of 5 stars, while the water temperature received a perfect score of 5 out of 5, providing scalding hot water if desired.
• Shuttle Service: N/A
• Customer Service: All interactions with the front desk, restaurant wait staff, and the captain of the ship were fantastic. They were dedicated to ensuring the best experience possible for all passengers. 
• Bell & Maid service: On our quick 2-night cruise, interactions with housekeepers are usually minimal, but we had a great conversation with ours, Harry, from Jakarta, Indonesia. We swapped travel stories about our time in Bali for 2 months.
• Customer Complaint Resolution Experience: Throughout our time on the ship, we didn’t encounter any issues at all besides one room being reassigned for a maintenance issue. 

Things to Do For Kids & Teens Aboard Margaritaville at Sea Paradise 

Jolly Mon & Parakeets Kids Club

There are a few clubs offered for kids you decide to bring with you. The Jolly Mon Kids Club is for your kids. The Parakeets Kids Club is for ages 7-12 and the Teens club is 13+. An adult has to drop and pick-up for the Jolly Mon and Parakeets club as well as fill out a registration form. They offered a variety of video games to play, arts and crafts and other scheduled activities in the Parakeets Club. Audrey wanted to hang out for a few hours here and she said she really enjoyed it. 

The Teens Club on Margaritaville at Sea Paradise

The Teens Club is more relaxed allowing teens to come and go as they please without an adult needing to pick-up and drop off. You do still have to register your teen but it’s a one and done thing. In the teens club there are a variety of things to do. Addy enjoyed stopping in here too while we were underway. 

Hours of Operation for All the Kids & Teen Clubs Are as Follows:

• West Palm Beach – 3PM to 5:30 PM then 6:30 to 12 AM
• Grand Bahama Island – 3 PM to 5:30 PM then 6:30 to 12 AM

Clubs are free to go to until 10 PM then anything after that there is an hourly charge.

Fin City Arcade on Margaritaville at Sea Paradise

The ship also has an Arcade & Photo Booth. It’s actually a pretty decent size. Most games cost around $2 a play. The kids enjoyed hanging out in here trying to win an Xbox from one of the game machines.

Critique for Margaritaville at Sea Paradise and Recommendations

The only issue we faced was a room change upon embarkation; they moved one room from the 4th to the 5th deck. Our requested rooms were on the same floor and they were only a few rooms apart.

We specifically requested rooms two apart to ensure we remained close as a family for emergencies, and so our muster station would be the same.

We agreed to rooms that had different muster stations, which was unexpected but they gave us rooms on the same floor for the inconvenience of the situation. However, given the short duration of the cruise and the proximity of the route, the likelihood of an issue was minimal. That is the only thing that threw a curveball in our trip on the cruise ship. 

It would have been helpful to be informed in advance, but we managed to adapt. Flexibility is key in situations like these. The front desk staff were excellent in accommodating our request to be on the same floor as the other room.

The issue was made better by the cruise ship offering to correct the issue the best they could. It was a satisfactory resolution for us and they included free wifi for one device as an apology for the inconvenience. 

Purchase a Pass

I’d recommend purchasing the License to Chill package (Express Pass) if it’s in your budget. It offers perks listed on the website, plus some bonus surprises upon arrival. With a VIP bracelet included, the package provides excellent value, especially considering the complimentary room.

Faster Chill Includes:

• WiFi for two devices
• Express Check-In
• Priority Port Debarkation
• Priority Luggage Delivery
• Shore Excursion Booking Assistance
• 18% service gratuity included (added to the final package price)

License to Chill (Includes The Faster Chill Items Above):

• 1 Boat Drinks Package (10 drink wristband, $12 max each)
  • The beverage options included margaritas, wine and beer and you could pay for the difference on the more expensive drinks. 
• $150 St. Somewhere Spa credit
• Dinner for two at JWB Prime Steakhouse
• Sparkling wine breakfast at JWB Steakhouse 
• Two premium coffees & pastries at the Margaritaville Coffee Shop
• Wine tasting experience for two
• Margaritaville at Sea merchandise gift
• Margaritaville at Sea bathrobes to use during your stay

Things We Noticed After Being on the Ship and Made Our Life Just a Tad Bit Sweeter Below:

• Floor seating and front row to the Water Theater shows
• Being first to transit through customs back into the USA with your passport in hand can lead to a cheaper ride share rate, as there are typically fewer people at the pickup location.

Where to Eat at Margaritaville at Sea Paradise?

Fins Dining Aboard Margaritaville at Sea Paradise

This included dining experience was standard and open seating. This is different how other cruise ships operate. Usually you’re assigned early or late dining but here you have the option to go when it works best for you by showing up during the designated seating time.

We ate dinner here our first night. The menu featured a Cajun Flare with a pretty good variety of options to select from. You had the option to get drinks by using your Ultimate Paradise Pass here too. There was no show from the staff, but everyone was friendly and quick to attend to your order. During the dining experience there was also a camera dude walking around snagging photos, so if you’re dressed to impress you’ll be able to snag those photos from the retail store area.

JWB Prime Steakhouse

On the second day, after exploring Grand Bahama Island, we were eager to dine at the steakhouse. Keep in mind, it’s not included in your cruise package and typically costs $55 per person. This specialty restaurant offers a unique culinary experience aboard the ship. 

JWB Prime Steakhouse Dinner Package:

• One (1) Dinner Dining Experience at JWB Prime Steakhouse
• Dining experience includes your selection of one Appetizer, Entree, Side and Dessert

The menu offered enticing options, but we were drawn to the Wagyu beef short ribs. It’s not often we see Wagyu on menus in the Americas, so we had to try it. And it exceeded our expectations—the meat was tender, juicy, and perfectly complemented by their chimichurri sauce. Overall, it was an exceptional dining experience.

We had a fantastic meal and a great time at the steakhouse. I highly recommend trying the steakhouse for at least one meal while on the Margaritaville cruise.

The service was top-notch, which made it extra special. Don’t forget to make a reservation by the window so you can gaze out at the sunset while enjoying an amazing meal. If dinner isn’t on your list this time, they offer breakfast as well.

Port of Indecision Buffet

They offered a wide variety of breakfast options with all the fixings. Additionally, for lunch and dinner, they had a pasta station located on the port side of the ship just before the ice cream machine.

The highlight of the afternoon for the kids was the all-you-can-eat ice cream on a cone, a delightful treat after boarding the ship on Sunday.

The buffet was a bit chaotic in the morning before disembarkation for our excursion, but it was understandable given that we were in the Bahamas. But it’s a perfect place to grab a bite to eat during meal times. 

Cheeseburger in Paradise Burger Bar

The burger bar was impressively equipped, reflecting the American gold standard for a perfect burger. The short line consistently indicated it was the place to be.

They offered cheeseburgers and regular hamburgers with the option of fries. Toppings included lettuce, tomato, red onion, and jalapeños, with sauces like ketchup, mustard, mayo, and Tabasco hot sauce.

Indulge in the Jimmy Buffett hit song “Cheeseburger in Paradise” with their delicious offerings. Plus, enjoy amazing views off the back of the vessel while savoring your burger—an added bonus!

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise Shore Excursions

They have so many great excursions to choose from, making it hard to pick just one. We ended up choosing to swim with the pigs at Crystal Beach. We’ve pretty much done it all when it comes to ocean adventures, but one thing that was on the kids’ list was hanging out with the piggies in the Bahamas.

Swim With the Pigs at Crystal Beach Excursion Review

Hanging out at the beach for the day was something we hadn’t done in a while, so we chose this excursion. The kids and Amanda had been wanting this experience for a long time, and it was the perfect opportunity to make it happen.

I will say, it was a pretty nice experience feeding the pigs and getting candid photos with them. The whole adventure lasted around an hour.

Though we were happy with the pig encounter we were a little disappointed in the beach staff hosting this experience. We did notice that the bar staff was not very accommodating, and when we asked for a pineapple with a rum drink inside. We thought we’d get a typical tall pineapple aesthetic cocktail. Instead, they cut the pineapple in half and poured our Bahama Mama inside. It leaked and didn’t even come with a tropical umbrella for decoration. The drink was good, but the presentation gets 0 stars out of 5.

This location felt a tad tourist-trap-ish at the beach. We felt like we could have at least been given the pineapple inside for what the upgrade to have the drink in the pineapple cost. The beach also wasn’t very clean. I was worried one of the girls would step on something and need a hospital visit. There is absolutely no reason for the beach to not be cared for here in front of the restaurant. This combined with the pricing was unfortunately very off-putting. We enjoyed the pigs, just not the entire experience.

Other Excursions That Peaked Our Interest

The Taino Beach Resort excursion and the Pirates Cove Private Cabana and Resort day pass looked like great choices for us. We had a hard time deciding, but since we were looking for a beach day, these options seemed more our vibe for the day

The Taino Beach Resort has a pool with a big water slide and is located right on the beach. You can soak up the sun by the pool or head to the beach for some fun on the powdery white sand.

The Best Time to Visit & Things to Know About Visiting Margaritaville at Sea Paradise

The best time to visit depends on your weather preferences. If you enjoy cool, balmy days with warm afternoons, winter months are ideal.

If you prefer hot and sunny weather, the best time to visit is during the summer. Later in the summer, the water temperatures will be much warmer.

The best time to book a budget cruise is during hurricane season, with the busiest month for hurricanes being September historically. You can often find deals at 50% off or more during this time.

Should I Take My Family on the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise Cruise?

The cruise was a fantastic getaway, especially with the Heroes Sail Free offer. We found it to be a great deal and had a wonderful time. There’s plenty to do on the boat, and the staff member(s) were incredibly friendly and accommodating. While it has a bit of a booze cruise vibe, it didn’t detract from the overall experience. There is a Kids club and Teen Club that kids can enjoy as well as an arcade with a photo booth. We think they did a great job accommodating families on this cruise line.

The shows were fantastic, and swimming with the pigs was definitely a highlight for us. It was our first family cruise experience, and we’re already looking forward to trying out other itineraries in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions While Visiting Margaritaville At Sea Paradise

Are Drones Allowed? 

Drone usage on the cruise is allowed depending on where you are and if the captain permits it. We asked for permission to capture some aerial footage and were given a 10-minute window by the captain. This arrangement was made because we were working with the corporate office on some aerial video for them, and the trip was last minute. Generally, it’s best to leave drones and similar items in your room until you have clear permission to use them while onboard. You can make this arrangement in advance if you’d like to see if the company can accommodate the usage.

Where Does the Margaritaville Cruise Leave From?

The Paradise Cruise Ship departs from the Palm Beach Cruise Port.

The cruise departs from the Palm Beach Cruise Port, located at 1 E 11th St, Riviera Beach, FL 33404, United States. The point marked on Google Maps is correct. Using a Rideshare app to get to this location for drop-off is easy. There is a designated drop and pick-up point.

What Time Does The Margaritaville Cruise Leave?

The ship departed from the dock around 5-6 PM.

How Much Is the Drink Package on the Margaritaville Cruise?

The entry-level adult drink package costs $99, while the premium drink package is $119. They scan your wristband and room card to keep track of drinks used from the purchased package as well as for any cost difference in drinks ordered.

The kids also get an unlimited soda package for the two days, costing $20. On the morning before disembarking the ship, they reduced it to $10.

How Big Is the Margaritaville Cruise Ship?

The Margaritaville Paradise is a big vessel, it comes in at 722 feet long and 102 feet wide hosting 658 cabins and is Margaritaville’s first ship. 

Cruise Itinerary and New Ships / Routes for Margaritaville at Sea Paradise Cruise

The Margaritaville cruise in Palm Beach offers year-round 2-night Bahamas getaway cruises for you and your family. We had a blast on this cruise—it was a lot of fun! This is also the first cruise ship Margaritaville has acquired.

Margaritaville acquired a new ship or had a new cruise ship built and it is sailing out of the Port of Tampa Bay.  The second ship is named “Sea Islander”  and it will navigate the Gulf of Mexico, with stops in Progreso and Cozumel, Mexico, and visiting Key West, South Florida, it will return to Port of Tampa Bay. We hope to take this cruise soon in the near future, so stay tuned.