Picture this: tropical vibes, “Cheeseburger in Paradise” playing softly in the background, and your suitcase packed for a quick getaway. That’s what I imagined when I booked Margaritaville at Sea for a fun cruise weekend. But while the trip had some highlights, there were a few surprises I definitely wish I’d known before boarding. If you’re planning a sailing with Margaritaville at Sea, here’s the real tea—straight from my experience.
1. 🍽️ The Food Was… Underwhelming
I expected tropical flavors, fresh seafood, and creative cocktails. Instead? The food was bland and limited, especially at the buffet. While there are specialty dining options, they come at an extra charge—and even then, the quality didn’t always match the price.
Tip: Bring your own hot sauce and snacks. I’m not kidding.
2. 💸 Surprise Fuel and Gratuity Fees
Your ticket might seem like a deal—but fuel surcharges and gratuities get tacked on later, sometimes unexpectedly. Be prepared to pay $40–$60 extra per person when all is said and done.
3. 📵 There’s No Mobile App for Itinerary or Updates
No app = no easy way to check your daily schedule, restaurant hours, or onboard activities. You’ll need to rely on printed flyers delivered to your room… assuming you don’t lose them after a poolside cocktail or two.
4. 🛏️ The Cabins Are Cozy (aka Small)
Even by cruise standards, the rooms are very compact. Think: tight bathrooms, minimal floor space, and limited walking room. If you’re traveling with more than one person, prepare to get real cozy.
The bathroom has a shower curtain instead of a door—and yes, the curtain will touch you. Not ideal if you’re sensitive about space. That said, they will separate the beds upon request, which helped make the most of the tight quarters.
I stayed in Cabin 4111, located right by the elevator. The view through the porthole was unexpectedly stunning and serene—a lovely surprise for such an affordable cabin.
While space is tight, they actually had more power outlets than other cruise lines I’ve sailed, which was a big win for charging phones, fans, and electronics. One odd quirk? The cabin door doesn’t automatically close or slam shut like on other ships—it stays wide open unless you pull it closed. Keep that in mind when you’re changing or running late for dinner!
5. 🚪 Check-In Was Old School—But the Faster Chill Pass Helped
Without an app or streamlined kiosk system, check-in felt a bit chaotic. Long lines and handwritten forms are still a thing, which honestly surprised me for a 2025 cruise experience. It’s giving retro—not in a good way.
To speed things up, I paid $161 for the Faster Chill Pass, which included express embarkation and Wi-Fi for two devices. Honestly? I recommend it. We were able to disembark first at 7:45 a.m., skipping the long, chaotic lines I’ve seen during later exits.
The Wi-Fi didn’t work at first, which was frustrating, but after that initial glitch it worked fine for me—I was satisfied overall. My mom, on the other hand, struggled with staying connected on her device and wasn’t as impressed. So the Wi-Fi experience may be hit or miss depending on your device or location on the ship.
6. 🛍️ Upselling Is Everywhere
Want a drink? Add a package. Want fast Wi-Fi? That’s extra. Spa treatment? Cha-ching. Margaritaville at Sea leans heavily into upselling, so budget accordingly and know what’s really included.
7. 🌊 The Itinerary Is Tight
This is a short cruise, so don’t expect a full-blown Caribbean escape. It’s more like a long weekend with one major stop (usually Nassau). Excursions feel rushed, so plan wisely if you want to explore.
Tip: Book a morning excursion and return early for pool time before everyone gets back.
8. 🏖️ Junkanoo Beach Was a Lifesaver
Once we hit Nassau, Junkanoo Beach turned out to be one of the best parts of the trip. It’s a free public beach, about a 10–15 minute walk from the cruise port through downtown. The walk itself is scenic and gives you a quick glimpse of local shops and street vendors before hitting the shoreline.
On the beach, you’ll find local food, drinks, and water activities like jet skis readily available. Further down the beach—closer to the Fish Fry area—you’ll discover a quieter stretch where jet skis are also offered, but with a more laid-back vibe. That’s also where you can dig into some authentic Bahamian cuisine.
At Fish Fry, vendors serve everything from conch fritters and grilled lobster to ice-cold drinks with a kick. Right across the street is the Cricket Club, a local gem known for its breakfast. I had the stewed conch with yellow grits, and my mom ordered the chicken souse with yellow grits and Johnny cake—both were absolutely delicious.
If you’re stopping in Nassau, skip the pricey excursions and make your way to Junkanoo Beach and Fish Fry instead. It’s affordable, flavorful, and feels way more local than the tourist traps.
Heads up: If you plan on getting back on the ship around 3:00 p.m., expect long lines and a bit of chaos. Everyone tends to return at the same time, and the re-boarding process can be slow and disorganized. Get back early or pack your patience!
9. 🧼 Bring Your Own Essentials
Cabin toiletries were basic at best. If you like quality shampoo, conditioner, or skincare, pack your own. Also bring a portable fan (cabins get stuffy), and an extension cord (outlets are limited!).
10. 📸 Content Creation Opportunities ARE There
Despite the hiccups, the ship has plenty of photogenic spots—rooftop pool, neon signage, and ocean views galore. Just don’t expect luxury. This is budget cruising with a theme, not a five-star resort at sea.
Would I Cruise Margaritaville at Sea Again?
Honestly… maybe. It’s affordable, festive, and fun with the right crew. But now that I know what to expect, I’d pack differently, budget smarter, and manage my expectations.
If you’re sailing soon, I hope this helps you prep better than I did. Got questions? Drop them in the comments!
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