Did you know Margaritaville had a cruise line that offers a 2-night cruise? Margaritaville at Sea is a recent addition to the Margaritaville brand, and their first ship. This cruise is for you if you want a quick trip from the Port of Palm Beach to the Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. It is not a luxury ship but a fun way to ferry to the Bahamas.
Thank you to Margaritaville at Sea for hosting us.
We just returned from a 2-night, 3-day cruise on Margaritaville at Sea. We went on this cruise when it was the Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, as our daughter's first cruise, so we had a good idea of what to expect. The ship has transformed since the rebranding. Margaritaville at Sea had its maiden voyage in May 2022.
I enjoyed the ship's inviting atmosphere with all the Jimmy Buffet visual accents. With a small 30-year-old ship, it is a different experience than going on a brand new mega-ship, but with the right friends and attitude, we had a fun vacation. And with their low fares and only 3-day trips is a fun way to get away.
Prepare for Your Margaritaville at Sea Cruise
There are lots of add-ons and extra charges. So, before your trip, review all the options so you can budget properly. Here are some upcharges that we experienced and would recommend.
Faster Chill Package
While checking in on a cruise line can feel overwhelming, fear not. With their exclusive Express add-on, you can breeze through the check-in process. You can skip the long lines and head straight to the customs area for a separate check-in section. Say goodbye to the hassle of waiting in line and hello to an hour of extra relaxation and excitement to kickstart your floating island adventure!
Get to your getaway immediately with express check-in, priority luggage delivery, WiFi access (two devices), and preferred seating. They are designed for two guests sailing in the same cabin. It includes:
- WiFi for two devices
- Express check-in and port debarkation
- Priority luggage delivery
- VIP Lounge access at check-in
- Reserved seating at Stars on the Water Theater
- Special seating in Fins Dining
- Shore excursion booking assistance
Margaritaville at Sea Excursions for this New Cruise Line
Discover Grand Bahama Island: Your Gateway to Tropical Paradise!
Welcome to Grand Bahama Island, a beautiful island with white sand beaches and crystal clear waters that stretch forever. They offer lots of different excursions.
Excursion Highlights: Unforgettable Adventures Await!
- Pirates Cove Ultimate Beach and Adventure Park Experience: Immerse yourself in the beauty of a fan-favorite spot on the Island - Pirates Cove. This excursion includes unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, a delightful lunch, and the perfect beach setup with chairs and umbrellas for complete relaxation.
- Dolphin Swim: Dive into the ultimate dolphin experience, swimming alongside these majestic creatures, mastering hand signals with trainers, and even trying your hand at dolphin training.
- Swim with the Pigs and Crystal Beach: Fulfill your dream of swimming with the famous Bahamian pigs before basking in the serenity of Crystal Beach. Drinks and lunch options are available for purchase, making it a perfect opportunity to capture those envy-inducing 'gram-worthy moments! We did this on our last cruise, and for me, the highlight was actually the peaceful beach experience before and after the pigs.
- Ultimate Party Boat and Snorkeling Experience: Hop aboard a 72-foot boat brimming with good times and great vibes! This adventure includes snorkeling, a beach visit, a traditional Bahamian grilled lunch, and more.
- Grand Lucayan Ultimate Resort Experience: Treat yourself to a day at a Grand Bahama resort with an all-inclusive beach package, offering unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and a sumptuous lunch. They have the largest infinity pool on the ocean I have ever seen.
Excursions and Thrills for All!
From shark encounters to guided turtle snorkeling and ziplining at Pirates Cove, they offer diverse experiences to suit every adventurer's desires. Get close to the fantastic turtles that call Grand Bahama home, or explore the Island's natural wonders with kayak tours and ecological excursions.
Golf, Shopping, and Jeep Tours - An Island Odyssey!
For golf enthusiasts, tee off at the Grand Lucayan's Reef Club Course, offering expansive greens and fairways. If you prefer an island tour, hop on an open-top Jeep and visit secluded beaches, the city marketplace, and the Garden of the Groves Botanical Garden.
Margaritaville at Sea Unique Two-Night Itinerary
Day 1: Departure from Florida's Port of Palm Beach
Your journey to Margaritaville at Sea begins as you board the ship at the Port of Palm Beach. Since we live in South Florida, leaving from the Port of Palm Beach is so easy. If you are new to the area, we recommend visiting the Manatees next door (especially in the colder months). If you drive, the only option is to valet park. If you book the express check-in, look for the VIP stand so you can have your bags appropriately tagged. You will go through security and check your bags in before heading upstairs. Once you are checked in, you can book any reservations at the tables from dining to spa.
Once onboard, head straight to the back of the boat on Deck 10 to the Port of Indecision Buffet. We like to sit outside next to the Five o Clock Somewhere Bar. If you are a fan of Jimmy Buffet, you will love the decor on the back of the boat. After lunch, you will want to tour the ship until your room is ready. There is a muster drill at 4 pm. I got a massage at 5 pm, right after the muster drill. If I did it over again, I would go to the spa on the way home instead so I did not feel so rushed. I like to be outside for the sail away party, which is generally around 5 pm. The Kids Clubs open at 6:30 pm. We had dinner with Heather and her family at JWB Prime Steak & Seafood.
The kids loved the kid's clubs. They took them to the show and then to a pizza party. Then we all went to the show again together.
Day 2: Arriving at Grand Bahama Island
Wake up to the beautiful water of Grand Bahama Island, a true Caribbean gem! This tropical paradise welcomes you. The Island has pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant culture. Embark on various shore excursions, from snorkeling adventures to relaxing beach getaways. We went to Grand Luycayan and spent the day swimming, drinking, and watching the kids playing various games with the DJ and staff.
If you plan to spend the day there, get off the boat quickly. It gets crowded on ship days. They serve lunch poolside with a buffet and a pizza shop where you can order pizza and salads. The pizza was so yummy.
This is a reminder that you can eat dinner in the main dining room at 5:45 or 8pm. We opted for the earlier dining and then saw the comedian after. Then the kids wanted to return to Kids Club, so we had a drink while they played before bed.
Day 3: Return to Florida's Port of Palm Beach
In the morning, you can have breakfast at the buffet or pay an upcharge for a champagne breakfast. Just remember you need to be out of the room by 9 am. We bought our luggage with us for breakfast. You could also leave it outside of your room the night before. Then listen for your departure notification. You can travel with a birth certificate, but getting off the ship is much faster if you have a US Passport.
Margaritaville Cruise Ship: Margaritaville at Sea Paradise Deck Plans
Embark on a Two-Night Cruise with Margaritaville at Sea! 🚢
Experience the offerings of Margaritaville at Sea as you set sail on a captivating two-night cruise filled with entertainment and adventure. From the comfort of your chosen stateroom to the onboard activities, you can have lots of fun
Passenger Decks: Comfort and Style at Sea
We enjoyed staying in two well-appointed rooms - an interior stateroom and an exterior stateroom. Both had the charm and style of Margaritaville, providing ample space for our comfort. The interior room accommodates 4 people and features a double bunk bed that is cleverly pulled down from the wall, while the exterior room accommodates 3 people and has a large porthole and an additional pull-down bed for convenience. We loved the room's ambiance and design, though the shower was the only slightly compact space.
Poolside Entertainment: Groove by the Pool
The poolside area is a vibrant atmosphere of live music and dancing. We discovered two small pools as we reveled in the fun-filled ambiance. While we decided to skip a dip, there is a lively poolside experience if you want it.
Adults Only Area: Indulge in Serenity
After my massage, I explored the adults-only area. The bar, pool, and two hot tubs are a fun place to hang out if you are traveling with just adults.
Duty-Free Shopping: Discover Treasures
Indulge in retail therapy with a visit to the onboard store, where we found delightful souvenirs to cherish. From adorable pig and cruise ship stuffed animals to beautiful dolphin earrings, there's something for everyone to take home as a cherished memory.
Entertainment: Music, Games, and Theater
Get ready to be entertained throughout the journey with live music, engaging games, and contests. The enchanting performances at the Theater added an extra magic touch to the onboard experience.
St. Somewhere Spa: Relaxation and Renewal
The St. Somewhere spa offers an array of treatments for nails, hair, and body. While the pricing was similar to local spas, it was a fun addition to our trip without the added fluff of a traditional spa.
Dining Options: A Culinary Journey
Satisfy your taste buds with a range of dining options to choose from. The Port of Indecision Buffet, Fins - the main dining room, and JWB Prime Steak & Seafood - a premium steakhouse available at Margaritaville's resorts and hotels - promise a yummy experience. For island-inspired treats, Margaritaville Coffee & Pastry offers a delightful culinary journey.
Fitness Center, Dice Casino, and Kids Club: Something for Everyone
Stay active at the fitness center, indulge in some luck at the Dice Casino, and let the little ones create memories at the Kids Club. There are activities for every age on Margaritaville at Sea.
Margaritaville at Sea pictures
You can see all the highlights of our trip here.
Margaritaville at sea drink prices and Margaritaville at sea drink package
We had the drink package with five drinks each. The drink package covers drinks $12 and under. You can charge the extra to your onboard account. We also did the unlimited soda packages. They come with a fun reusable cup for $30. Ultimately, we could have skipped this, but the cups were fun.
Margaritaville at Sea Promo code
Margaritaville at Sea Free for Teachers
Calling all educators! 📚🍎 Are you ready to set sail on a well-deserved vacation? Margaritaville at Sea has a special treat for you with the Margaritaville at Sea Free for Teachers program! 🏝️🎉 As a token of appreciation for your dedication and hard work, this exclusive offer allows teachers to embark on a floating island adventure filled with sun, sea, and relaxation. Let's dive into the details of this heartwarming program and how it opens the door to a dream cruise vacation for educators!
Heroes Always Sail Free to Paradise
Calling all first responders? They can get a free cruise! At Margaritaville at Sea, we thank and appreciate these incredible individuals who have dedicated themselves to making a difference.
Limited-Time $49 Guest Fare Sale - Terms and Conditions
- Must be a verified member through the GovX ID or ShopVCS platform.
- Available for sailing dates from August 15 to November 15, 2023.
- The $49 advertised rate applies to select interior staterooms on weekday sailings.
- Special guest rates are available only for guests sailing in the same cabin as qualified Heroes.
- Weekend dates and Ocean View cabins are available at upgraded rates.
- Blackout dates may apply based on available stateroom inventory.
- Taxes, Fees, Port Charges, and Gratuities are not included.
- One sailing per member per year.
Book Your Sail to Paradise Today!
Take the chance to participate in this heartfelt celebration and sail to paradise with your loved ones. Book now and create lasting memories on this extraordinary floating island vacation!
(*Sale as of July 14, 2023)
Want to extend your trip to Florida? Check out.
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