Margaritaville At Sea Reviews

I had an absolutely amazing time on the Margaritaville at Sea cruise to the Bahamas! From start to finish, everything was top-notch. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, making sure every detail was perfect. The food was exceptional, and I found myself indulging in delicious meals every day. When we docked at Freeport, Bahamas, I was met with the warmest and nicest people. The overall experience was incredibly enjoyable, and I found myself truly relaxing and having fun. I'm already looking forward to my next cruise with Margaritaville at Sea! Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fantastic getaway.

I travel a lot. 10+ out of the country resort trips in the last 4 years, this was my first cruise. When we were leaving we had an offer for a free cruise and I threw the paper away because there is NO WAY you could get me back on a Margaritaville cruise. When I pay upfront for a vacation I shouldn't have to keep paying on vacation! I purchased the Ultimate license to chill package for my husband and I. When I booked I read the drink package as 10 drinks a day per person. Turns out it's TEN drinks total for both people over the entire cruise. After 10 drinks you are paying $15-20 per drink. EVERY transaction! EVERY TRANSACTION THAT YOU DO WILL GET CHARGED A 18% gratuity. Get a drink 18%, get a coffee 18%, get a coke at dinner with the drink package you have already paid for 18%. They then offered a blender cup that was supposed to be better and get you more alcohol.. that was $$25 and turn out you have to PAY AN ADDITIONAL $8 for EVERY REFILL! The ultimate package is the best one you can get and I still had to buy a soda package for $35 per person. The coffee shop on board is not included in any package. The food was not good, lacked any seasoning. We ate burgers from the 5 o'clock somewhere spot most meals. The menus available online are not updated per what they actually have that night. We got VIP wrist bands that ONLY helped with getting on and off. You had to have a wristband for drinks, a key card for you room, another 2 wrist bands for excursions and if you didn't have it they weren't looking up your room you had to go get it, SUPER inconvenient. Room service wasn't included in the package so if you were hungry late night there wasn't anything to eat that was included in your package. Casino was very small and had maybe 40 slot machines. The gift shop/store on board was open during odd hours, never when I actually needed something and then they were out of most items I asked about. They partner with Viva Wyndham when docked at Freeport Bahamas.. that "resort" is more comparable to a Red Roof Inn and they made it seem like a luxurious place and it was down right disgusting deserted resort. If it wasn't for the people from the cruise there were maybe 30 people at the resort. Food was HORRIBLE! One good thing was the spa on the ship was actually really good. With the ultimate package you get a $300 spa credit, but of course none of the massages fit in that price range. The cheapest was $159 PLUS that 18% per person gratuity. Save yourself and find another place to vacation.

Service was excellent on the boat, fun, friendly, want to give a big shout out to Bambi and all the pit bosses and casino host.

Coming from a 100% Disabled Army Veteran, DON'T! Hello my name Drew Wilder and my family and I just got done with a 3-day Margaritaville Cruise in the Bahamas on the Paradise Nassau Boat. First off that right there it's misleading as the boat name would suggest where you may be going, but it most definitely does not bring you to Nassau. The boat brings you to a part of the "grand bahamas" that is basically wiped out still from a hurricane. Not to mention, when the "cruise line" docks you there (on sunday), everything is closed due to religion. So with that half of the market was even closed sadly. Now I jumped too far ahead because there is much more that led to my PTSD and Anxiety to flare up extremely due to situations from this "veteran friendly" cruise line. Let me bring you to the beginning where I thought hey if a thing or two is wrong its ok. My family and I had the license to chill all inclusive VIP and extra soda and alcoholic drink packages. So right there we spent a good amount of money because we wanted to experience everything the cruise had to offer. We boarded the ship very easily, so there was an actual plus in all of this. Once we were on though, we were swarmed with the deal vultures trying to get you to buy anything. Then you'll head up to go get your drink bracelets, where you might be surprised like I was when I found out the license to chill package is just 10 drinks for 2 to share, not 10 each as it may appear. So obviously we knew we had to buy one more at the very least and so we did. Extremely huge let down right off the bat, but no big deal right? Wrong, we had a couple of hours still to waste as our luggage was still boarding and so we wanted to see where everything was. Right off the bat the 3 kids (16, 7 and 6) wanted to see the pool and so we went up to the "pool deck" or the "smoking deck" as I would call it. As you hold your breath through all the cigarette smoke you get to "the pool". By observation I'd say no larger than 12 by 12 and just over 4 feet deep. That was the only pool the kids could use and normally it was crowded with 20+ adults. Oddly enough the "adult pool" would always have less adults. All of our kids were extremely depressed about that as that was a huge feature for a child to have fun on a cruise, which was failing on this cruise line. So after that disappointment the kids decided they wanted to go see the different "kids rooms". As we headed that way an absolutely strong stench of mold/mildew just filled your nostrils. It was so disgusting, especially since it was right next to where the majority of the kids were in a 7-12 yr room right next to the theater entrance. It was so bad that other people on the ship talked about it as well. Someone like me that has respiratory issues that is a problem that can harm me. By this time we tried to sign our kids into the room and because my son and his cousin are 4 months apart they had to be split into 2 different rooms. This is absolutely ridiculous as they wanted to experience this cruise together and my youngest was only a few months different. That issue made it very hard for the KIDS to have FUN together, since there basically now no pool they can get in and nothing else other than an arcade for them to do. Extremely dissatisfied with how Margaritaville promotes that they are a veteran family fun boat, THEY ARE NOT. Now at this time we just got used to something going wrong and figured it can't get worse. I was wrong. One time when we all were going up on Elevator 13 it got stuck on floor 8 as it was going up. It wouldn't move or anything no matter what button we pressed. Then suddenly it opens half way 'ish and myself and a worker held it open for everyone to get out. Then all the worker says is "ya, that one is broken right now". My kids were freaking the hell out and I just had to play it off like I wasn't either. As I tried to keep my family cool we all decided to take the stairs. The next morning we had a "Dolphin Encounter" and a "Taino Beach" excursion booked and planned and showed up well before the 8:15 time they said you had to be on floor 5 by the desks. We were all so excited because everything else to this point was a huge let down. As my entire family sat and waited for our excursion paddle to show up, we saw family after family getting ready to go on excursions like zip-lining, swimming with turtles, swinging with pigs, kayaking among others. Once it hit 30 mins, ya thats right! 30 mins after 8:15 we went up and asked whats going on because there hasn't been an update. The lady behind the counter had no answer and said to be patient and wait. Once 45 mins past hit. myself and others waiting starting filming the dolphin guy just "chillen" and once he noticed he then started to come out. After an hour past our time the dolphin guy finally says that they are canceling the dolphin encounter completely. This immediately made everyone in the room mad as we all now waited a hour

Ok - you can't beat the experience for the price. It was clean, rooms were spacious, staff was delightful, food was good drinks were good. My only warning is if you do the 2 night trip -- be aware that it's very rushed when you factor in all the hullabaloo of getting on and off the ship. Definitely have your passport to get off the boat quicker and global entry will help too. but it's still a long process. Best parts: the adult only pool with bar The cheeseburger in paradise "burger bar" The rooms (huge bathroom for a cruise) The staff Worst: Embarking/disembarking The shows were....well, bring a strong drink

This cruise as awesome!!! My husband and I just got off of the Islander this morning and all I can say is we were both in tears not wanting to leave. We both have been on many cruises before and though this ship may not have some of the amenities as some of the larger or newer ships, it truly was 1st class for us. As anything you do, it's all in what you make it and we boarded this ship with just the 2 of us, but left with a lot of awesome family. Vee Jay the cruise directior, Venus , Mr. A, our cabin steward Comedian Jay Whittaker and ESPECIALLY Natahlie- Group Coordinator. Nathalie took our small dream of renewing our 10 year wedding vows and made it a beautiful reality that we will truly never forget!!We are already planning our next rip on this ship. Thank you Captain Theo and your ENTIRE crew!

Please, please please be weary of this cruise line! This is my opinion and worth absolutely nothing to some of you. We were set to be on the cruise that was delayed because of weather. We took the option to rebook the cruise again within one year. Last night I received an email telling me I was booked on the cruise to leave this Sunday. I did not book this cruise!!!! When I called, I was told I have one year to book a cruise when I inquired about the email and I was to be leaving in a few days, they told me that was an email they just send out. Now I'm smart enough to know that if I did not show up on Sunday, I would have been considered a no-show. You may have fun once you get on the ship, but I promise you, as a season cruiser, this is the worst customer service cruise line I have ever dealt with.

Wow wow wow. Just called and spoke to ROWBIE who hung up on me after I asked to speak to a supervisor regarding the horrific reviews and ultra cheap prices after I paid quadruple what they're offering now. My cruise is in 2 weeks. I paid $937.08 (included swimming with the pigs ) and an ocean view. When I asked for an upgrade after the terrible reviews of the staff doing inexplicable and horrifying criminal acts to female guests, ROWBIE replied those BOGO were for TAMPA even though the results were out of the WPB ship/destinations. He said he couldn't upgrade me. Only a supervisor could. So I asked for a supervisor. He then said SURE AND HUNG UP. IM now calling back and again in line on hold for another 22 minutes. I'll update post after hopefully speaking to a supervisor that does the right thing.

Don't be tempted with the promise of low prices because you will "pay" for that! Not a kid-friendly cruise line. Disorganized with horrendous communication. Disgusting pool, Terrible food, and the kicker: they make it difficult to get ahold of drinking water. Can't stress this enough: don't do it.

Food is 2/5 stars. Cabins are 4/5 stars. Entertainment 4/5. Pool capacity 2/5. Overall is a boat that takes you places. Staff is mostly friendly. The food is pretty much mostly high-school cafeteria quality for days and maybe step above for dinner. The entertainment was great. One singer, Filipino, just killed it. Amazing voice. Other than that, no great large shows you'd see on even a carnival or Norwegian, but good engagement from the entertainment. I'd saw 2 5 to 3 overall but if your going just to the Bahamas for a cheap fair sure but I wouldnt pay more than $400 tops for this.

I was on Board the Islander 12th-16th. What a great time I had on board. JOLY at the Pool Bar, an Awesome Guy and FUN. At the Casino,.. Go See LINGGA, He's a treat!! AGUNG nd INDRI were Spot on!! I couldn't of asked for a better time and the crew is 15 out of 10. You'll be delighted you booked this cruise... Go see the top 4 servers/bartenders and you'll know your taken care of. I'll be booking another cruise soon.

The only thing I didn't like was the edible straw but the food was delicious and the service was wonderful I would recommend to anyone who is thinking about going on a cruise

It was ok for a quick 2 night getaway. My mom, daughter, and I had fun dancing, engaging in the activities, and swimming. There isn't much to do at Freeport unless you want to go to the beach. Living 10 mins. From the beach we opted to stay on the ship. The food was ok. The ship was clean and the staff was friendly. I would join the FB group to get more insight.

Check in a disaster. Rooms assigned in January arbitrarily changed without notification. 2. Rooms were notclose together. Arranged trip changed from Mexico to Nassau, and didn't notify customers until already checked in, therefore voiding refund to customers. 3. Excursions canceled, refunds not granted, only onboard credit. S

Don't do it. The ship hasn't been renovated. Only the outside of the ship was repainted.... this is a bait, and switch. The interior of the ship was old including the furnishings, and the beds were very uncomfortable. The wife and friend went on the maiden voyage from Tampa last week. Food was awful They only offered buffet style dining and the ships sewage system was backed up most of the trip. Unfortunately the wife and friend got one of the cabins with a backed up bathroom. However they did changed their cabin the 2nd day of 4 day cruise, which meant they only had to run out to the common area to use the restrooms the first night. Wouldn't be a major inconvenience however they were in a handicap accessible room which was a huge inconvenience and struggle for them physically. Due to this they shutdown the majority of the common area bathrooms on the 3rd day of cruise and you had to return to your cabin to relieve yourself. Unfortunately, they only offered a $50 ship credit for the inconvenience endured by this passenger during the ships maiden voyage. Margaritaville Cruise was a big disappointment. I want some of my $$$$ back.

Was on inaugural sailing of Islander! Had a great time & the crew did a fantastic job! It wasn't perfect but, they resolved issues very quickly! Great job! #MASIslander #MargaritavilleAtSea #LakeProtection

Just returned from the inaugural sailing of MAS Islander and you did a fantastic job! This was our 6th sailing and we were impressed with the first sailing out of Tampa! We sailed 6/14-18/2024 and our voyage exceeded all of our expectations! Kudos to Sherlyn (buffet), Vlad & Vlijk (Hemisphere), Sifak (Room Steward), Bayu (Tiki Bar) & Julia (Fins Host)! They all deserve a special shot out for providing outstanding service! We will be back! Harry & Heather Lumpkin

I don't bad-mouth businesses publicly ever, but I did earlier. If anyone paid any attention to that post, MargaritavilleatSea Cruiseline's Islander has redeemed itself, thanks to the professionalism and expertise of Sr. Operations VP, Anthony Stice and his willingness to treat a unique circumstance with care and a complete fix. Its a beautiful ship and we're happy patrons. I'm certain there are many growing pains with a new crew and maiden voyage on an old (but newly renovated) ship. It is apparent they are working hard to overcome the challenges. And I'm confident they will provide more accurate information on their website as soon as possible, regarding the specific details and policies of the Islander ship, as opposed to the Paradise. #margaritavilleatsea #mvilleatsea #Islander

I'm so disappointing in this cruise. They stated on their website that kids are free, but that is a big lie. Once the boat take off They have hidden fees that they charge your card that adds up to the amount for the kids. It cost $100 for unlimited alcohol beverage drink but once you're bored, you're told that you only get 10 drinks a day. Every thing about this cruise is a lie The staff is rude and very unprofessional they don't try to help you solve the problem they give you attitude.like it's your problem they have hiding fees please don't get trap with their fake deals

It's a cheap cruise. Nothing fantastic. Overpriced everything once you're on the ship. Excursions are insanely overpriced. 2 Hot tubs are like the size of bath tubs. Plus they close them off at 10pm. In my opinion, it's a great first cruise to find out if you want to spend any more time or money on a future cruise ship.