I was visiting my friend Ronan in Fort Lauderdale when he suggested I’d love cruising and should try one while I was there. I was a complete cruise virgin. The problem? Everything available during my trip was either too long for the time I had available or already completely booked out.
That’s when Ronan had a brainwave: what about the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise? Just 2 days, 2 nights from nearby Palm Beach to the Bahamas. Perfect for testing the waters without a major commitment.
As someone who had literally never set foot on a cruise ship before, I wasn’t sure what to expect. After experiencing it firsthand, here’s my honest review of whether this short cruise delivers on its tropical promises, and whether it’s the right introduction to cruising for other first-timers.
Quick Summary: Margaritaville Paradise at a Glance
- Ship: Margaritaville at Sea Paradise
- Route: Palm Beach, FL to Freeport, Grand Bahama
- Duration: 2 days, 2 nights
- Best For: First-time cruisers, budget travelers, Jimmy Buffett fans
- Embarkation Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (plan accordingly!)
- Drink Package: $89 advance/$99 onboard for 10 drinks (recommended)
- Overall Rating: 3.5/5 stars
- Would I Cruise Again? Yes, but possibly not this specific ship unless discounted
The Bottom Line
Margaritaville at Sea Paradise offers a solid introduction to cruising, especially for first-timers. While the ship shows its age in places and embarkation takes way longer than expected, the food exceeded my expectations and the overall experience provides good value for a quick getaway. Just don’t expect luxury, this is casual, budget-friendly cruising with a Jimmy Buffett soundtrack.
Margaritaville At Sea Paradise — is it as bad as they say?
Hint: it’s not bad at all!
About Margaritaville at Sea Paradise
As someone from Ireland, I’ll admit I knew virtually nothing about Jimmy Buffett or the whole Margaritaville concept before Ronan suggested this cruise. For those equally unfamiliar, it’s all based around the laid-back, tropical lifestyle from Buffett’s famous song “Margaritaville” and his broader musical brand.
The Paradise is an older ship, once called the Grand Classica, that Margaritaville took over and refitted with their signature laid-back look and feel. The aqua-themed decor carries throughout the ship, from cabin wallpapers featuring nautical maps to artwork encouraging you to “chill.” It’s clearly designed to embody the Margaritaville lifestyle, though at times the execution feels more budget-conscious than premium.
Where to Stay
Staying near the port can save you stress and time. Here are two solid options at different price points:
Luxury: The Breakers Palm Beach — 15 minutes from port, an iconic oceanfront resort with a private beach. Check prices ->
Mid-Range: Best Western Plus Windsor Gardens — <3 miles from the cruise terminal, pool & free breakfast. Check prices ->
Embarkation: Expect Long Lines
We took an Uber up from Fort Lauderdale to the Port, and our veteran cruiser, Ronan, told me stories about the best and worst lines for embarkation. Let me be blunt about embarkation at Palm Beach port… it took us 1 hour and 45 minutes total. That’s 40 minutes waiting outside the building, then over an hour inside for security, document checks, and getting stateroom keys.
The security process felt surprisingly lax, with guards who weren’t particularly thorough. They were having too much fun with us passengers! Once inside, you’ll go through passport verification and receive your room keys before finally boarding the ship. Note: after you get your room key, there’s a table where you can sign up for the drinks packages on offer and this is your last chance for a discount!
Pro tip: Build extra time into your arrival schedule. This wasn’t a quick process.
Ocean View Stateroom: Small but Functional
Our ocean view cabin (7142) was compact but perfectly adequate for a 2-day cruise. Here’s what stood out:
The Good:
- Large porthole with actual ocean views of the terminal and water
- Two surprisingly comfortable and supportive chairs
- Relatively new carpeting in the aqua theme
- Functional storage including drawers, hanging space, and a safe
- Hair dryer and basic amenities like shower gel included
- You can request the queen bed be turned into twins, even after arrival.
The Not-So-Good:
- Very small bathroom with a stand-up shower
- 1970s-style plastic hangers
- Safe wouldn’t fit a modern laptop
- Bathroom mirror had seen better days
- Mini fridge was empty (water costs $4.95 per bottle)
The room felt clean and the aqua-themed decor with nautical maps was charming, even if clearly budget-focused. But, let me be clear! For a short cruise, it provided everything we needed.
Food: The Pleasant Surprise
I’ll admit it… I had low expectations for the food given some of the negative commentary I had read about older ships. But lunch at the Port of Indecision buffet on our first day genuinely impressed me. The fried chicken and fried plantains hit the spot perfectly when we were hungry after that long embarkation process.
We also dined at Fins, the ship’s main dining room, which was far more successful than expected. The dinner quality was comparable to an upscale chain restaurant… not fancy, but definitely tasty and good enough for a short cruise. We also treated ourselves to JWB Steakhouse (the speciality restaurant), which has a $49 per person fee but offered a more upscale atmosphere.
There is a dress code for the main dining room. On our first night, a couple was turned away because the husband was wearing flip-flops and a cut-off tee-shirt fresh from the pool area. They weren’t pleased :)
In summary, it was the variety that impressed me for a 2-day cruise: buffet options, sit-down dining, and even Frank & Lola’s Pizzeria for late-night snacks (individual slices are free, whole pizzas cost $14.99).
Service: Staff Made the Experience
The staff were absolutely amazing and really made the cruise special. There was one particular lady from Jamaica who was clearing tables at the Port of Indecision buffet… she was just hilarious and incredibly friendly. What struck me was how she kept such an upbeat, positive attitude even though the buffet was constantly busy and chaotic. Her energy was infectious and really embodied what we came to understand as the Margaritaville spirit.
Throughout the ship, I really felt the crew’s genuine hospitality, especially considering how hard they work to keep everything running smoothly on such a short turnaround cruise.
Drink Package: Worth It
We booked the beverage package for $89 in advance (it’s $99 if you book onboard). Note: the drinks package price might be very different depending on your route and time of booking. Given the drink prices, like $4.95 for bottled water, this package pays for itself quickly. You get 10 drinks included, and that frozen pina colada I enjoyed while watching us leave Palm Beach was absolutely delicious.
Atmosphere and Social Vibe: It’s a Party Ship
I’ll be honest… I had heard a lot of negative commentary about Margaritaville At Sea Paradise because it’s not the newest ship and some people don’t think the Bahamas route is the most glamorous (though it’s really added some great routes!). I wasn’t sure what to expect as a first-timer.
The reality? Our room was super clean and well-decorated, and whilst the ship clearly isn’t brand new, it felt well-maintained throughout. Yes, it’s definitely a party ship, which isn’t always my vibe, but it wasn’t a negative experience at all. When we ran into (more than one) group of tipsy passengers, they made me laugh more often than not, and there was something refreshing about the unpretentious, fun atmosphere.
There’s a giant flip-flop display when you first board… very Jimmy Buffett, as I quickly learned… and you’ll constantly hear people humming or singing “Margaritaville” throughout the ship. The Margaritaville theming is everywhere… from Jimmy Buffett sayings on the walls to his music playing throughout the ship, creating that signature laid-back island atmosphere. Even without knowing the songs beforehand, the vibe is infectious.
Freeport, Grand Bahama Experience
The port offers several excursions, including swimming with pigs and beach resort visits. We opted to explore Freeport independently, taking a shared taxi into town for $14 per person return.
The taxi system involves waiting until enough people gather to fill a minibus, which was definitely an interesting local experience as we prayed for enough people to join us and fill that bus! Downtown Freeport includes the Straw Market, which serves as a decent starting point for exploring the area.
We did choose to go to a beach all-inclusive in the end-up as there wasn’t so much open to keep us occupied for a few hours. The beaches offer beautiful clear water, and the day we visited was sunny and hot! We managed some swimming and enjoyed a margarita in honour of Jimmy on our sun loungers!
Shore Excursions
If I were doing this cruise again, here are the excursions I’d seriously consider booking in advance:
Swimming with Pigs — The unique Bahamas experience everyone talks about. Half-day tours include transportation and often lunch. Read more ->
Paradise Cove Beach Day Pass — All-inclusive day at a beautiful beach resort with food, drinks, and water sports included. Check the pick-up/return times. Read more ->
Garden of the Groves & City Tour — Combines Freeport’s famous botanical gardens with a guided city tour. Read more ->
Disembarkation: A Mixed Experience
Getting off the ship proved complicated. We arrived back in Palm Beach around 5:30 AM, but disembarkation was slow and felt poorly organised.
Only certain decks were called at a time, and passengers with only birth certificates (that’s permitted on this route) had to wait longer than those with passports. We spent considerable time pacing around the ship waiting for our group to be called. Note: there’s no Global Entry or way to shortcut the queue.
Value for Money
During our sailing, Margaritaville was running special promotional pricing, which definitely influenced our decision to book. At the right price point, this cruise offers good value for a quick getaway or cruise introduction.
You’re not getting luxury amenities or the most pristine ship, but you are getting a legitimate cruise experience with decent food, working facilities, and that laid-back Margaritaville atmosphere.
Who This Cruise Is Perfect For
- First-time cruisers looking to test the waters without committing to a week-long voyage
- Budget-conscious travellers who want a quick Caribbean escape
- Jimmy Buffett fans who appreciate the themed atmosphere
- Friends’ getaways for a short, fun trip without major planning
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Luxury seekers expecting premium amenities and service
- Travellers wanting extensive onboard activities and facilities
- Anyone with limited holiday time who gets irked by delays during embarkation/disembarkation
Final Verdict
As my introduction to cruising, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise delivered a solid experience that helped me understand what cruising is all about. The ship shows its age and the processes aren’t always smooth, but the food surprised me, the staff were friendly, and the sunset as we watched the Florida coast disappear was pretty magical.
For the right price and with appropriate expectations, it’s a worthwhile short cruise. Just pack your patience for embarkation day and don’t expect Five Star luxury.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Would I cruise again? Yes. Would I specifically choose Margaritaville Paradise again? Probably only at a significant discount, but I’d totally recommend it to other first-time cruisers like me looking for an affordable introduction to cruise life.
Have you sailed on Margaritaville at Sea Paradise? Share your experience in the comments below, and check out my other cruise reviews for first-time cruisers.
If you’re still just planning, read about the 5 things I wish I’d known about Margaritaville at Sea before I booked!