If your family is dreaming of a tropical getaway but only has a few days to spare and a limited budget, Margaritaville at Sea offers the perfect mini-vacation. This affordable and convenient cruise departs from the Port of Palm Beach. It is an easy choice for Florida families looking to soak up some sun and fun without the logistical headaches of larger cruises or the hefty price tags of other Caribbean vacations.
Margaritaville at Sea offers two- and three-night cruises that take you from Palm Beach to Grand Bahama Island and back. It’s the perfect weekend getaway, allowing you to escape the daily grind without needing to carve out an entire week of vacation time.
For families, the cruise’s affordability is a major draw. All-inclusive pricing covers accommodations, meals, and entertainment, making it easy to stick to a budget while still indulging in a memorable getaway. Parents will appreciate the Margaritaville-inspired atmosphere, which combines fun and relaxation for all ages.
I recently set sail with my kids and my parents on the Margaritaville Paradise Ship. I can confidently say it’s an ideal option for multi-generations who want to explore the Bahamas in a laid-back, budget-friendly way.
From the moment we stepped on board, we felt the carefree island vibe that Jimmy Buffett is famous for. Tropical music, colorful décor, and friendly staff made it clear that we were officially on “island time.”
Here’s everything you need to know about Margaritaville at Sea – a unique Florida cruise experience.
The Convenience of the Port of Palm Beach
One of the standout features of this cruise is the ease of departure. Located in sunny South Florida, the Port of Palm Beach is small, efficient, and hassle-free compared to the bustling, overcrowded terminals of larger ports like Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Whether you’re driving in or flying into the nearby Palm Beach International Airport, the port’s accessibility makes the start of your trip smooth and stress-free.
We loved the quick boarding process – it literally took maybe 20 minutes max including us getting our luggage out of the car) which meant we could get into vacation mode in no time. No long lines or endless waiting—just easy, breezy embarkation that set the tone for the laid-back experience to come.
Onboard Fun for Everyone
While the ship doesn’t offer the same extensive amenities as larger cruise lines, it still provides plenty of family-friendly entertainment. Live music, dance performances, nightly “Broadway Style” shows, and bingo kept us busy during our downtime. My kids particularly enjoyed the interactive shows and the chance to mingle with the performers and cruise director after the events.
Casual Dining for Everyone
When it came to dining, there were plenty of kid-approved options like burgers, pasta, sandwiches and ice cream available all day. Meanwhile, I savored the Caribbean-inspired dishes, including fresh seafood, flavorful pastas, and tropical cocktails. My kids loved the colorful mocktails served in fun souvenir cups—a small touch that added to the experience.
You have the buffet open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And the dining room open for dinner. The buffet options were typical. They also had a simple sandwich, pasta and burger bar as part of the buffet area. The dining room food did surprise me though. It held up closely with the big mega ship dining room food. Here are pics of the favorite meals we had. I did not take note of what they were though.
Comfortable Rooms with Island Vibes
One of the first things we noticed when stepping into our stateroom was the décor—light, bright, and inspired by the tropical paradise we were heading toward. The rooms aboard the Margaritaville Paradise Ship are average in size and functional, offering just what a family needs for a short cruise getaway. I would say they are dated in areas and we definitely weren’t prepared for only one outlet to charge all our devices!
We usually get a balcony room on most cruiseships, but there are very small amount of them available on this ship and since I booked this last minute there was no option. So for this sailing, we booked a cabin on a higher floor with a window, which gave us beautiful views of the ocean and allowed natural light to brighten the space. Honestly, this was my least favorite cruise ship I have ever stayed in with one exception, the Carnival Holiday back in 2007. But for the price I paid for this cruise- nothing to truly complain about.
What stood out most was the attentive housekeeping service. Our room was always spotless, and the staff went above and beyond to ensure we had everything we needed.
Exploring the Bahamas: Memorable Excursions
The real highlight of our trip was the opportunity to experience the Bahamas through unique and exciting excursion. Margaritaville at Sea offers a variety of options, from snorkeling adventures to cultural tours, but the most unforgettable for our family was swimming with pigs on Grand Bahama Island.
This one-of-a-kind experience started with a scenic ride on a double-decker bus to a secluded beach where the famous pigs reside. Once we arrived, we spent the afternoon interacting with these adorable animals in crystal-clear turquoise waters. The pigs were surprisingly friendly and seemed to love the attention from visitors.
The excursion also included access to private beach amenities like lounge chairs, umbrellas, and a restaurant serving delicious Bahamian food and drinks. It was a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, and my kids are still talking about it months later.
If pigs aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other excursions to choose from, including dolphin encounters, Jeep tours, and relaxing beach days. Each excursion is well-organized, and safety is a top priority, so parents can feel confident that their family is in good hands.
Why Margaritaville at Sea is a Great Choice for Families
For families wanting to test the waters of a cruise vacation or those simply in need of a quick tropical escape, Margaritaville at Sea delivers an excellent balance of affordability, convenience, and fun. The short sailing duration means less planning and packing, while the unique excursions and onboard entertainment ensure there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re lounging by the pool, exploring Grand Bahama Island, or simply enjoying quality family time away from the hustle and bustle, this cruise is a great way to make lasting memories without breaking the bank.
If you’re looking for your next family adventure, Margaritaville at Sea might just be the perfect way to hit “pause” on the chaos of everyday life and enjoy a few days in paradise. Learn more at https://margaritavilleatsea.com
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