My Review of America's Worst Rated Cruise Ship - I Liked It! Margaritaville at Sea Paradise

The Margaritaville at Sea Paradise used to be known as the Bahamas Paradise and offers 2 day cruises from the port of West Palm Beach in Florida to the island of Grand Bahama and back. This ship and cruise line have had some horrible reviews in the past, so I decided to check it out and let you know about the food, activities, shows, and overall vibe. You may be surprised to know: I liked it! #cruise #cruiseship #margaritaville
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[@DavidEidelberg]

I appreciate a review from someone who actually had reasonable expectations for the price. You might have changed our minds about giving it a shot.

[@DavidEidelberg]

And this review prompted me to subscribe.

[@lenaapple1974]

@davideidelberg just have reasonable expectations for this one, and you will be good! In the end, it is all about how you go into it, and who you are with that will make margaritaville a great experience. The ship is 30 years old... so there will be wear and tear. I go in two weeks and im on the fourth floor, interiour. I am super nervous about that poop smell at night! LOL but the rest I will be ok with.

[@Jrichhhhhh]

@@lenaapple1974how was it? Doing a balcony in 2 weeks

[@brinablingbling7189]

I am happy I stumbled across this review. My husband booked this cruise for me as a birthday getaway last year and we also got the license to chill package and I keep telling ppl for the price this cruise is not bad at all! The rooms were spacious the dining room service was always on point. The food was good. We didn't go to the buffet because our package had breakfast in the steak house for both days and then we had dinner in both restaurants. The vibe was awesome, it was a lot of fun! The ship was clean and the crew was great. We made so many friends and we always suggest this cruise to people who may just want a quick get away, a couples trip or a girls getaway. Drinks were good. Ppl should really give it a chance! We did the Freeport beach excursion and the beach was beautiful, the restaurant there served really good food and drinks and getting off the ship and getting back on was smooth. Definitely give the Margaritaville. Also with our package we got a free spa package and the massages were great!

[@naidaknate]

How much did you pay in total?

[@sandraon-sig5978]

I went on this cruise for a surprise birthday getaway with my nieces and sisters it was fun.

[@doubleeeeeee]

Your positivity is refreshing. I don't plan on going on this frat house at sea but the internet is full of snobs so it is nice to see.

[@andreagriffiths3512]

Puts on my best David Attenborough voice: “And here we see the very elusive Markus who is rarely ever seen. What a treat! We can only wonder what brought him out of his usual hideaway.” 😁

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Wine! That’s what did it.

[@andreagriffiths3512]

@@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides 🤣🤣🤣🤣 yes but David would be way too polite to say that!

[@chuckspencer5296]

😂😂😂😂 I'm over here rolling at both the question, and Morgan's answer!!! 🎉

[@andreagriffiths3512]

@@chuckspencer5296 that would be Morgan in real life, shouting at the TV screen, if it were really a documentary voiced by David Attenborough. Thank you for extending my flight of whimsy to further heights since I can now see Morgan doing just that. 💕

[@AidaJof]

​@@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides🤣🤣🤣

[@eleanor4482]

You certainly gave a very thorough review and I have to agree it is not as bad as people make it out to be. My issue on any cruise are rude and disgusting passengers. Good manners seem to be a thing of the past.

[@lw3158]

Totally agree. I also know the pandemic is not the ONLY cause, but it has really impacted so much of human interactions and attitudes, I definitely see a marked difference in the past 3 years.

[@patriciaedwards5834]

​@@lw3158That is everywhere and from all walks of life .

[@carolann123]

Definitely! I remember cruising for the first time in 2008 and thinking how classy everyone acted. Not anymore unfortunately unless you’re sailing on really expensive brands.

[@pattyolson3842]

You did change my mind. I would consider the Margaritaville at Sea Cruise after seeing your close up review and being realistic in what to expect for $99. I also like the idea of using it as transportation to the island and back.

[@MaxGrey03]

You almost had it, the restaurant with the jousting is called Medieval Times. I did a side-to-side (Celebrity to Princess) out of Fort Lauderdale last Spring. There was a 2 day gap in between, I wish I had thought of trying this cruise line out rather than just stay in a hotel.

[@spunkyb5249]

I would try this cruise just to chill out, have some drinks by the pool, sleep in late, etc. You wouldn't have to feel obligated to do anything because you didn't spend big dollars on it. This cruise looks like it is for people with Margaritaville attitude only!

[@user-tk7xi9ji7v]

Sounds perfect for me... I work too many hours for maybe too little pay to care about idk water slides or virtual surfing... Hmmm a few 100 bucks for floating, sitting in the sun...a Message, drinking and sleeping for a weekend for well idk peaking out on island for a few hours. Sounds good to me ..

[@n3wt]

Never thought about it Like this Wow

[@allgoodontheroad]

When we boarded just before Halloween, boarding started at 1130. We enjoyed Margaritaville at Sea very much. I expected a cheaper experience and was surprised at every turn with better than i expected.

[@powellmountainmike8853]

It's nice to see an honest review that accepts Margaritaville as what it is, a fun economy get away. If I didn't live in Tennessee, and refuse to fly any more, I would be tempted to take it.

[@ezra420420]

take amtrak!

[@arlyprice3443]

You can take Greyhound also

[@daonlyboriqua11]

I haven’t gone yet but ive been paying attention to all the vlogs/reviews and Honestly Margaritaville at sea has grown on me. Lol It has improved so much over the past year and some change. It started really ugly and dull and now its become something fun. Theres still things that need to be fixed but its also very noticeable that they are always working on things. Which is great. From your review it looks like more renovations on the ship and the terminal have been done, main dining room looks nice, more activities are being offered, the sail away party is getting more fun, and the website is getting more seamless. Ive always liked the Margaritaville brand. I look forward to whatever changes is next. I think they have the potential to rock the weekend trip market niche with their cruises!

[@nattaleemartin8161]

We’ve been on this ship twice already and we love it. It’s even better now that you don’t pay for childcare up until midnight. I was surprised that they had a 18 and up club as the last time that space was an arcade. We did the day pass to Taino beach that gave us access to the beach and pool area which was very relaxing. You could order food from the restaurant or take the ferry into town to shop. Speaking from experience, it’s best to purchase all packages at booking or before boarding as there will be a significant difference in price.

[@KarynHill]

I had assumed Margaritaville wasn't for me. And it sort of isn't, since what I want in a cruise is a lot more time. Six days, minimum, preferably 7 or more. But now I do know I'd be glad to use it as a hotel if I'm ever stuck there.

[@kevinrusch5472]

Similar experience. We were happy we did it, and would probably do it again, just struggling with the question "who would we recommend it to?" Our biggest issue was the breakfast, but the bagels were surprisingly good. Think the important thing is managing expectations. we literally said "pre cruise hotel" (prior to your thumbnail and found it very entertaining when you posted that) and "ferry to a day in Freeport" a lot, along with "dont judge us" when talking to cruise friends. Service was excellent, salt water pools were nice (and back pool empty!), Hot tubs were HOT (probably too hot, but i liked it), and though the shows were good.

[@bsr6823]

I always think it looks like a great time. The fact you can use it as an overnight ferry for a trip to the Bahamas is also great.

[@marilynmcphail9221]

I'd consider using Margaritaville as transportation to and from a resort. That would be fun.

[@laplet8262]

Great video, Morgan! I agree with you that, based upon your video, the theater on the ship does look like a dinner theater stage, such as Medieval Times or the Pirate Dinner Adventure in Orlando. We live in Oregon so we would not book Margaritaville at Sea as a single destination, but it would be fun to do what you and Marcus did and make it part of a back-to-back type of vacation experience.

[@Y_Not1]

Love your videos! Using this ship as a form of transportation is GENIUS!

[@BenDucklow]

Great vid breaking things down, Morgan. Entertaining. Keep 'em coming.

[@barbararomans9534]

Thank you so much for your honest and complete review. We live in Port St. Lucie Florida, and we thought about trying this just to get over to the Bahamas. Sounds like it’s worth it to me!

[@FraserAtSea]

I'm so glad to see this review - I'm considering booking one of these cruises, and was terrified when I started to research and see some of the reviews. Personally, I think a cruise is generally only 'bad' if you have incorrect expectations. I was told by someone on Cunard in August that they hated Margaritaville when they tried it as it 'just wasn't Cunard' (SIGH!)...

[@evanmcguffey9842]

That was a nice honest review!! Thank you!!

[@laurahenshaw3590]

My ad was from Air B&B... Your review was great! As I mentioned before, good and entertainment have been touted but I appreciate your inclusion of the upgraded experience. That's new to me in reviews. Thank you!

[@TravelingwithJohn]

Thank you Morgan! As a seasoned cruiser I'm so glad you did this video. I stopped watching other vloggers who bashed them all the time.

[@JohnHoganN8]

Appreciate this review thank you. I would definitely try it next time I had a few days in the Palm Beach area.

[@patti1044]

Thanks so much. I grew up in West Palm Beach and my first cruise was in 1963 to Nassau- metal bunks and sink in cabin I shared with my brother. We got off to stay on land a few days and then cruises home.

[@phrewilly8556]

Excellent review! I just read today that they will start offering 3 days cruises! Also, MAS just purchased a Spirit Class Ship (used). Great for new growth!

[@azizabahati7037]

Thank you so much! Great review. I will definitely consider taking this cruise.

[@cmorgan7851]

Finally, an unbiased and informative review. Keep up the great work!

[@TheRiverPirate13]

Good review! I watched Margaritaville at Sea Paradise sail out of Port Palm Beach from the inlet a couple of months ago. I realized then this ship was only a little bigger than the Premier Cruise Line Star/ship Oceanic that I took in 1986! Amazing how big cruise ships have gotten since then!

[@bonitak8483]

I love watching your videos. I’m retiring in May and looking to do some cruising solo. I’m spoiled, most of my cruises have been Disney and I want to start trying others but don’t want to be disappointed. Thank you for the info. May try this cruise soon.

[@judycater2832]

Thanks Morgan. Great video and really informative. ❤❤❤

[@austincook2472]

I really appreciate your attitude toward life and experiences. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I personally value your thoughts

[@frede3921]

This was a great review I had no idea it existed haha definitely will be looking into it thanks

[@gabriellexoxo21]

This was a great review, thank you ☺️

[@CapriciousCapricrn]

An enlightening and delightful review of the Margaritaville!

[@travelwithdebandnick]

great video :) this is the first video i have watched regarding the margaretaville that said anything positive about it, so it was really nice to watch :) if i lived overseas i would consider it after watching your video, especially at the price :) i think its a great idea staying on the islands for a few days too, i think id really enjoy the mixture of both a cruise and land based holiday :)

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Maybe they'll let you play a few songs with your band! :-P

[@Cakesbylameeka]

Thank you so much for your review! It was very open minded, and gave me a different prospective…

[@dylanjimenez1952]

Great review! thank you

[@haroof]

Thank you for the honest review where your expectations were realistic for the price paid. My wife and I are looking forward to booking this cruise.

[@psbnighthawk6676]

Thanks for posting this honest review. The wife and I are going on the Paradise with a group of around 30 in mid-February. We aren't expecting anything flash, just a simple and quick getaway for everyone.

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Sounds like you are going into it with the right expectations. Have a great time!

[@MrParrothead60450]

Nice review. Thanks. We live just 45 minutes from the port and have been sitting on the sidelines and not booking it yet.

[@nursetra9265]

Thank you so much for making this video. It really helped my daughter feel comfortable for her 1st cruise without me.

[@sat0sh139]

Sick today. So it is very cool that one of your upbeat videos hit my feed. Feeling better already 👍

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

I hope you feel better soon!

[@TerraLyn]

Hi, Great review. We've cruised twice w/Margaritaville this year, 1 booked for next year and Royal Caribbean this week. My husband and I like the getaway since we live close to the port and it's inexpensive. We chose Faster Chill the 1st time and License to Chill the 2nd. We boarded appx 11:30am. I will say with 2 days, Faster Chill is sufficient. However, you can purchase ANYthing after the initial booking with a discounted price. We purchased L2C AND FC later, along with the premium drink pkg and our excursion at different times bc we couldn't decide immediately. We chose GRAND LUCAYAN, which IMO although beautiful, it wasn't worth the price. I look forward to going again, even though my husband is ready to book RC on our cruise this week.

[@Zhvianna]

We loved it! Spent my bf 25th birthday at margaritaville at sea! We had a blast, such a friendly crew and we had an amazing time, hoping to go again next year!

[@behonestwitheverythingande6833]

Great information 👍! The only thing keeping me from going back to Atlantis was the air fair. It's not a problem anymore. I'm going to look into this.

[@rosadelctorres2405]

I'm looking forward to the Brightline Review. Nice work on the review! Very objective.

[@freshlysqueezedtravels]

Loved seeing someone agree with my take on the cruise! 😊 Margaritaville gets a lot of crap but I think you get what you pay for. And it is enjoyable.

[@coastalsportsphotography]

The absolute best review I’ve watched hands down! We’re sailing in a week and I also have the expectation that I am buying a cheeseburger and I don’t expect to receive a filet mignon!

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the feedback ✌🏼

[@billieharlinski2587]

Going for our 30th wedding anniversary in February. Thanks for the info! Now I know what to expect.

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Congrats on 30 years!

[@Soiferboys]

I appreciate all your details. Yes it would be at a lower end but still can be so fun if you make it that. Live the tip that it can be used to get to the island and you stay and go back on another after a few days stay at a resort.

[@robynvandergrift8360]

This is the most positive review of this ship I have. It’s refreshing.

[@judydale9661]

Enjoyed your review.

[@PAtravels_sweden]

I really like your video and you as a story teller ❤😉😀

[@Wild1995]

Great review. I wish I was more like Marcus.

[@MustangErin]

I enjoyed your review. I think as long as you are not expecting luxury then you will be ok. I don't know if it would be my kind of cruise but I am glad you did enjoy it.

[@debraweaver7416]

Thanks for the review. We're booked on the Paradise in June. This was helpful to let us know what to expect. If we love it, we're going to book a cruise on their new ship, the Islander, sailing out of Tampa. That ship will have itineraries to both Bahamas and Mexico, some including Key West!

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Glad it was helpful! I’m curious about the new ship, too.

[@sylvialucas7755]

Thanks! I’m definitely giving it a try.

[@twinkholland8392]

We’re u talking about a Coliseum perhaps? Eating dinner and jousting? (Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction in Pigeon Forge Tennessee is similar and so very well done!). Am excited that husband and I are planning on a Margaritaville cruise!! Thanks for your info! Enjoy your channel!

[@karinbrantner3081]

Thank You, you made my day!

[@lawrencerobinson3265]

oOOHH . My sunday morning brunch video is early! Awesome.

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

But don't be mad that there's nothing new tomorrow :-P

[@lawrencerobinson3265]

@@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides I'll watch exotic cruise videos for places I can't afford tomorrow

[@AvaT42]

I enjoyed this video, very informative and interesting. I would not be afraid to take a Margarita ville cruise like this after watching. It is definitely basic, but the food looked good, decore a bit cafeteria like. lol. But I liked the eating outside area! Being up in Canada is expensive to get to these American ports and is the price difference on everything. This was good video.

[@sherickoos]

I have always been curious about the hotel stay option. I'm always up for trying something different. I have watched a lot of videos on Margaritaville and I know it will be something I try for the experience.

[@feelosophy1921]

I am booking as we speak so you have convinced me for sure! lol And that jousting place is Medieval Times, I was just thinking I should take my grandbaby.

[@cking3081]

Hi....✨️ Did u go?? How was it??? Thinking of going in August for my 62nd🎉

[@feelosophy1921]

They are having a Pickleball championship in my area this month. Because you’ve been talking about it I’m going to go over to the country club and check it out.

[@robertfoerster566]

I have known people like that and I understand it, but yes, it's a good thing to practice over time and it becomes less uncomfortable. There are very nice ways to communicate that something is off, and still leave the server at ease. "OH I know, it's busy..no worries, I just ordered something else." I'd also get physically up and walk over to the wine stewared if it took that long, no way I'm going without my wine at dinner or breakfast. lol. Thank you for the video.

[@amandadean3948]

Excellent. Such a fair and balanced review. Not sure it’s my type of vibe but I honestly don’t think that Margaritaville is bad at all for such a low price. You have to take it for what it is -not compare it to a higher end cruise line which I’ve seen some KZbinrs do which is just ridiculous.

[@Teddy31976]

You're fun! I subscribed 😊

[@kimabryant906]

Just got back and we loved it! Now, since it was my first cruise, there was not much to compare it too. But we like to have fun.

[@FrCharlesButler]

Nice insights on Margaritaville. We took a cruise on that ship last year, followed immediately on the MSC Seascape. To compare the two ships would be quite unfair. The Margaritaville is a great weekend getaway or transportation ship. We enjoyed our little trip and the staff was nice. We are thinking of booking it again as an add-on to a four or five night condo stay, which is what it was last time. I get to sail free as a veteran, so it makes the cruise even less expensive.

[@Thecrazyisstrong]

No commercial😊 After hearing your review, I would consider it.

[@joeysaunz]

My ad was Pluto the True crime streaming channel and P&O cruises . Omg you tube knows me so well i😂

[@denisedionne5841]

Great video

[@sewmeonekenobi639]

I enjoyed your review. And I don’t even cruise. Good job.

[@stellawiltshire8007]

Get Your Guide tour service I just made a reservation on Margaritaville at Seas Islander...she was formerly the Costa Atlantica and I believe she was built in 2001. They were running a sale and I couldn't resist...I reserved a Grand Terrace Suite for the 5 day sailing on Dec 3rd sailing from Tampa. We'll have 2 ports of call, Cozumel and Progresso...I paid a total of 1900...that included sales tax and port taxes. I'm looking forward to Chichen Itza...I watched all your Paradise videos for a second time and was reassured about the food quality...they will start cruising in June 2024 so by Dec they will have had time to workout the bugs...literally and figuratively...lol

[@MarkHeathcliff-bf2im]

Just stumbled across this channel. very interesting.

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Welcome aboard!

[@moffix]

For the price less than a one night stay at Embassy Suites, I am all about this - will definitely try it next time I am in Miami.

[@samanthasuttlesgil9834]

Thanks for posting your review! Definitely would still go in a quick trip with my husband. I was considering taking the kids since they have a special for kids sailing free, but it doesn’t seem like the right atmosphere for the little guys

[@roberthamilton1301]

As always an honest review. No wow guess how bad this experience was..... You realy need to watch the video to find out... Thanks Mate

[@danandtab7463]

Good point about keeping expectations low. Five of us went on this because for a quick getaway it was cheaper than a beach hotel at the time. If you and the people you're with enjoy each other, you'll have a blast on this cruise no matter what. The champagne breakfast alone you show here may make the License to Chill package worth it, because the regular breakfast buffet was the low point of the food that's included. The alcoholic drinks, the pizza, and the gelato at the coffee shop were all high points of what costs extra. I'm hoping they have fixed some of their technical issues that made embarkation and disembarkation such a hassle, for the sake of those who go on this currently.

[@barbara6110]

I was wondering why you want to know what the commercials are? I love your reviews & always look forward to them.

[@carlaborcherding3671]

Loved your review. I would go!

[@marie-louisewcislo6519]

You have confirmed that this is a cruise I would never take ! Gracias!

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Happy to help! 🤣

[@OhioKeef]

I’ve taken 2 cruises on Margaritaville since this summer. The first I had the license to chill and the other I just had the faster chill. The food at JWB is great and is worth the upgrade. The regular food is horrible. The only things I found outside of JWBs that I liked were the burgers and hot dogs. The shows were great and better than some I’ve seen on other cruise lines including Virgin and Royal. Definitely a party vibe on the ship and the DJs were pretty good. They have some good live entertainment all through out the ship. I also enjoyed the Pirates cove excursion and it provides a variety of things to do including zip lines, jet skis, and simply relaxing on the beach. They have some pretty good food at Pirates Cove too. Would I do it a 3rd time - if it were closer, yes but it’s too far for me to merit the drive for a 2.5 day cruise.

[@blondy2061h]

I've honestly been thinking about doing this just to see what it's all about. I'm intrigued how they can operate at such low prices and I've heard such mixed reviews. It seems like the license to chill package is very worth it.

[@thesearedaydreams6854]

Same here! I’ve never cruised before and TBH, I don’t have a huge interest in doing so... But this actually sounds like an inexpensive way to try it!

[@rmhow1]

Yes I am definitely that spouse that would rather just let things slide and my husband is definitely not that spouse ~ he speaks up and sometimes too loudly ❤️😂 I’m just more of a let it go quietly and get on with it type of person 😁❤️ this was a great review by the way ~ loving your channel 🥂

[@JosephDickersonUX]

They are starting to do three day cruises late 2024 and combining that with the $399 package you describe makes me REALLY tempted to try... To me that makes this cruise much more a viable option.

[@mvpd98]

It was a nice, inexpensive, 3 day weekend. We had fun going to the Bahamas last year on rhr Margaritaville cruise.

[@cyberi4a]

From other videos of this ship it sounds like if you expect luxury don't travel on this ship, but if you want/need to spend less, then this is the ship for you. For a short trip it could be something someone might want to do to try a cruise ship out. I know some people get in a panic at the thought of being at sea surrounded by a lot of water.

[@rosemarybetso8710]

Yes you changed my mind. I will consider Margaritaville at sea for a fun little get away

[@kirkl0766]

Love your comments.

[@geraldinetaylor125]

I agree with you hubby and I went on the sail and stay package where we did stay at one of the resorts, but like you said, it's very like you said good for people who like you said, never travel before have low expectations. That was my first time like I said going on that cruise line we just wanted to do a quick Father's Day getaway from North Carolina and it was fine I'm like you would I do it again maybe so just to get to stay at one of the resort

[@toniabarlow8752]

Thanks so much... hubby loves jimmy ... so do they play alot of his music

[@lorielcastillo9496]

Thank you for providing me with the latest in my arm-chair adventures. I am in Cancer Recovery and currently unable to travel. So, bucket list item officially checked off. Now at least if I never get to go I feel like I have done it. Bon Voyage and Safe Journey. Bye for now.

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Thanks and keep on truckin on that route towards recovery! All the best!

[@pillar350]

Wow I am definitely thinking about taking this and as a veteran I’m free but my wife pays full price which apparently is still cheaper than expected. And like you said a weekend getaway to drink and chill thank you for this what I feel is the best and honest review

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

I say go for it!

[@pip6866]

Yes my husband never lets me complain to avoid the confrontation. I constantly complain about that.😊

[@foodpornchef6484]

Thanks and put my expectations to where they needed 😅

[@orchid069]

My daughter and her husband went on this cruise a few weeks ago and they had a blast.

[@robinbrook5624]

The first positive review I've heard, now it sounds interesting. Small, old and not fancy, that sounds a lot like the old NCL Crown use to be! I did 28 days on that ship! 😂