Margaritaville at Sea sets sail on choppy waters: Why you should wait to book a cruise

Table Of Content

• Margaritaville Debuts New Caribbean Cruise Line
• VACATION ON THE OPEN SEAS
• The onboard entertainment
• Who is Onboard Margaritaville at Sea Paradise?
• How much does it cost to go on Margaritaville at Sea Paradise?
• Picturesque Ocean View Staterooms
• Margaritaville at Sea sets sail on choppy waters: Why you should wait to book a cruise

Another area where the ship seems dated is in its utilities; the renovation did not add the number of American outlets and USB ports that always-wired travelers want these days. Still, the ship is compact compared to a modern-day megaship, and there's certainly enough onboard to keep you occupied. In fact, we found the two-day trip somewhat chaotic; with such limited time, passengers are packing in as much as they can, leaning to a fast-paced, occasionally frenzied, vibe. One way you can tell that Margaritaville at Sea Paradise is not a new ship is by its deck plan and layout. Some of the areas of the ship, such as the Port of Indecision buffet, show their age by being more cramped than what you'd expect on newer vessels.

Margaritaville Debuts New Caribbean Cruise Line

Margaritaville at Sea Announces Second Cruise Ship - TravelAge West

Margaritaville at Sea Announces Second Cruise Ship.

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The ship has a Duty Free shop onboard that sells items such as large bottles of premium alcohol. “To me, the only thing better than being on the beach by the ocean, is to be on the ocean. Now you can follow in our wake,” stated the tropical icon and singer-songwriter, Jimmy Buffett. But if you have recently recovered from the virus, then the rules are relaxed. If you provide a positive test result from an official test that’s between 10 and 90 days before the departure date, then the cruise line will let you sail without further testing or vaccination required. If you want to stay connected back home, then you can also order the “Coconut Telegraph” Internet package.

Princess Cruises Cancels 9 Sailings on Its Newest Ship After Inaugural Voyage Gets Delayed - Travel + Leisure

Princess Cruises Cancels 9 Sailings on Its Newest Ship After Inaugural Voyage Gets Delayed.

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VACATION ON THE OPEN SEAS

This means that in order to get to the main town area, guests will need to either take a taxi, or reserve a shore excursion through the cruise line. Guests will need to plan out their day ahead of time in order to make the most out of their one day in The Bahamas. Everything you’d expect onboard any other cruise ship is also found here.

The onboard entertainment

Food on Margaritaville at Sea Paradise has some highlights, although you might have to step away from the crowded Port of Indecision buffet to find them. While you'll pay extra for an entire pie at Frank & Lola's pizza counter, slices with fairly standard toppings like pepperoni are complimentary -- and quite tasty. The rooms on Margaritaville at Sea Paradise were all updated before the ship relaunched in 2022, with tropical décor and accents.

Getting from one end of the ship to another can also be confusing, particularly on the upper decks, where there is no real through access without taking various staircases. We also found odd areas of dead space, particularly the Hangout on Deck 14, which seemed like a sports bar with no bartenders or guests. Known as the “Happiest Resort on Grand Bahama,” Pelican Bay Hotel offers a charming bed-and-breakfast experience in the heart of Grand Bahama Island. With inspired colorful architecture and staterooms infused with laid-back Bahamian vibes, families and couples alike will flock to the resort’s three onsite pools and featured Sabor Restaurant & Bar for a relaxing, sun-soaked stay.

Because the inaugural sailing had already been delayed, I assumed that meant the ship would be fully renovated when I stepped on board. Because that wasn't the case, I asked the cruise line's public relations team what the timeline was for completion. The cruise line offers travelers several unlimited pass options, like the “Ultimate Paradise Pass,” which allows travelers to go on unlimited cruises starting at just $999. This month, the company also launched a new “Heroes Pass” for U.S. military service members — both active duty and veterans — police, fire, EMS personnel, and teachers. The new 3-night weekend trips will launch in August 2024 and be offered through December 2024, the cruise line shared with Travel + Leisure. The cruises will depart from Palm Beach on Fridays and return on Mondays, offering travelers a full Saturday at sea as well as a stop on Grand Bahama.

How much does it cost to go on Margaritaville at Sea Paradise?

Our newest Bahamas itinerary gives you more of what you crave with a full day on the open ocean to splash, dance and play the day away. I'd love to see the ship again once the renovations are complete. Though the staterooms had been completely overhauled, it was obvious the bathrooms hadn't been touched. After chatting with other passengers, I learned that the ship is currently only in phase one of a three-phase refurbishment. I'm not much of a gambler, but I did walk away with close to $100 from the ship's Par-A-Dice Casino after spending about 10 minutes at the penny slots, so the casino gets a thumbs-up from me. By the end of my two-night voyage to Grand Bahama Island, however, I realized the best advice I could give to future cruisers is to hold off until the Margaritaville dream has been fully realized.

Extend your vacation on land and stay at your choice of three gorgeous partner resorts on Grand Bahama Island for an all-inclusive experience. Enjoy complete serenity at the all-inclusive, four-star Grand Lucayan Resort. Adjacent to Port Lucaya Marketplace, the Grand Lucayan offers crystal clear waters for opulent ocean dips, a private white sand beach, a beautiful pool area, and non-motorized water sports. Featuring spacious, stylish guest rooms and suites, and exclusive access to four new restaurants, the Grand Lucayan’s all-inclusive Bahamas getaway has it all.

“Margaritaville At Sea will be a new, exciting, and fun way for guests to escape and vacation in Margaritaville. From oceans to lakes, Margaritaville has an organic tie to the water and with Margaritaville At Sea, we’re able to put our iconic lifestyle, resort experiences, and elevated service directly on the sea. We look forward to see guests on, and in, Paradise,” said the Chief Executive Officer of Margaritaville, John Cohlan. Once the ship reaches The Bahamas, the vessel docks near Freeport, at the Freeport Cruise Port. However, guests should be aware that this port is a 20 minute drive from the main town of Freeport.

While some passengers enthusiastically sang along, fins up, other people smiled and tapped their toes, but clearly didn't know the words. Chill on your own time with our signature package built for one with five complimentary drinks, $75 spa credit, concierge access, and more. There is also a fitness center onboard located within the spa area on Deck 11. The fitness center is also relatively small and consists of primarily cardio equipment such as treadmills.

Signal strength is sufficient for most of the cruise, however, it does take a while for things to load and send. The Hangout is a unique location onboard, located on Deck 14, the tallest deck onboard. The Hangout offers great ocean views, accompanied by many arcade style games and numerous large screen TVs. This area is where many onboard activities are held, including live music performances and trivia. The two complimentary dining locations onboard are the Fins Dining Room and the Port of Indecision Buffet. The specialty dining locations onboard are the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill, Frank & Lola’s Pizzeria, and the JWB Prime Steakhouse.

These photos will then be available to view and purchase at the Photo Shop. The License to Chill Bar and 12 Volt Bar are both located on Deck 11, near the pool areas. The 12 Volt Bar is located at the aft (back) of the ship near the adults-only pool area. The new rebranding of this ship comes on the heels of a partnership made between the Margaritacville company and the Florida-based cruise company, the Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. “We’re excited about this new partnership as we launch Margaritaville At Sea out of the Port of Palm Beach. We’re excited about this new phase of our evolution, rebranding as Margaritaville At Sea,” stated the CEO of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, Oneil Khosa.

There is a main pool located on Deck 11 at the middle of the ship, this pool is open to all guests. This pool area is also where many activities are held, such as the Sail Away Parties. There is a second pool and two hot tubs located at the aft (back) of the ship, in the adults-only area of the ship, also located on Deck 11. “Set sail on a musical odyssey to the islands filled with warm summer breezes and restless dreamers. With visual accents that inspire adventure, the ship’s inviting atmosphere will be filled with music, lights, island-inspired sculptures, artwork, scents of the tropics, and more.

Live your best island life at this impressive, all-inclusive resort in the Bahamas offering everything your heart desires. The resort features spectacular views from every guest room, including 274 rooms with private balconies where you can bask and soak up the sun. Explore the many luxuries found on the 26-acre property, including a stunning pool, a daily activities program, non-motorized water sports, a kids club, and unlimited food and drinks. (Many passengers here receive a meal here in the popular License to Chill package that comes with 10 drinks, an onboard wine tasting and other perks). The included Fins dining room reminded us of the main dining room on any cruise ship, with enough options to satisfy a variety of tastes. Grand Bahama Island is a haven of gorgeous white sand beaches, surrounded by crystal clear waters that stretch for miles.

Lovers of non-stop entertainment will enjoy the Par-A-Dice Casino, Stars on the Water Theater, and various nightclubs while wellness-enthusiasts can stop by the St. Somewhere Spa or Fins Up! With pools, a retail store, and so much more, there is something for everyone. Setting sail in spring 2022, the Margaritaville Paradise will feature 10 passenger decks and 659 cabins with various stateroom categories. The ship’s casual-luxe cabins and common spaces will allow guests to drift away to paradise with subtle nautical details and colors influenced by the surrounding seas, sands, and skies.