Sailing into Paradise: A Review of Margaritaville at Sea Cruise

Looking for a quick escape with laid-back vibes? Look no further than Margaritaville at Sea, where the sun-soaked spirit of Jimmy Buffett's iconic brand meets the high seas. Recently, my party of 17, all friends in the 50- to 70-year-old range with “fun” as a common denominator, embarked on a 2-day jaunt to Freeport, Bahamas aboard the Paradise cruise ship from Palm Beach, and here's our collective take on the experience.

First things first, let's set the scene: Margaritaville at Sea isn't an ultra-modern, swanky cruise liner. With over 30 years under its belt, it exudes a retro beach vibe. As a seasoned cruiser with 45 voyages under my belt, I knew not to expect the glitz and glam of newer ships like Icon of the Seas. I prepped my friends, advising them to adjust their expectations accordingly—it's Margaritaville at Sea, not the Ritz Carlton at Sea.

Our decision to book this itinerary was driven by the allure of a quick getaway from our southwest Florida stomping grounds, with a pitstop in Freeport, Bahamas. In Freeport, we skipped the cruise line organized shore excursions, opting instead for a DIY adventure, and we weren't disappointed. Thanks to our trusty taxi driver, Arnold, and his 12 passenger van, we embarked on a tour of the Bahamian Brewery which included tastings of their various beers, followed by a stint of shopping at Port Lucaya and local culinary conch delights from Daddy Browns. Despite the less-than-stellar weather, we made the most of our time ashore, drank rum punch from coconuts, and had a blast. Taxis were plentiful and not terribly expensive right off the ship.

Now, let's talk grub. The JWB steakhouse, though requiring an additional charge, delivered tasty fare and commendable service for our large table. Even the Fins main dining room offerings were tasty, though lacking in healthier options. As for the iconic Cheeseburgers in Paradise—yes, they lived up to the hype. The Oceanview buffet was mediocre, but the morning omelets made to order, a hit among our crew and available at Its 5 o’clock Somewhere. We even treated ourselves to a champagne breakfast, located in the steakhouse during the morning, rounding out the culinary experience on a high note.

When it comes to entertainment, Margaritaville at Sea offered plenty, from lively shows to fun games like Quest, there's never a dull moment onboard. For music lovers, the ship offers an abundance of Latin beats, piano melodies, and karaoke sessions if that’s your scene. And for the high rollers, the casino offers ample opportunities to test your luck, with friendly hosts and complimentary drinks for gamblers after earning a few points on the casino card. See the casino host for your card, unlike most cruise lines, it’s not your cabin key card.

All this said, there's room for improvement, particularly in the embarkation and debarkation process. Patience is a virtue, especially when faced with valet lines and wait times at the port. It took us about 45 minutes for both embarkation and debarkation. As for libations, internet, and specialty dining, the ala carte costs left something to be desired, with many of us yearning for the convenience of a comprehensive “all inclusive” package akin to larger cruise lines.

Margaritaville at Sea offers a fun-filled escape for those seeking a brief respite from reality. Just remember to keep your expectations in check, given the ship's vintage charm. Whether you're cruising with friends or flying solo, there's plenty of fun to be had onboard. Pack your parrot-head gear, kick back, relax, and let the good times roll—it's Margaritaville, after all.

Margaritaville at Sea Review

Carnival Paradise: A 4-Day Adventure from Tampa to Cozumel

British Isles Cruise Tips