We’ve Just Returned From OUR WORST CRUISE EVER! This is our worst cruise EVER! The ship stinks and we don’t think it’s safe either! AVOID! Join us as we board Margaritaville at Sea, not only is it one of the cheapest cruises we have ever booked but it’s the oldest ship we have ever been on! Old ships come with problems including the ship smelling like sewage. We take a full look around the ship, our cabin, and what it has to offer including the questionable food, Grand Bahama port, entertainment, and more! From the moment we step on board to the buffet lunch, cabin tour, muster drill, sail away, dinner in the main dining room, breakfast, Grand Bahama visit, and more, we share our honest opinions and highlight both the positives and negatives of our experience. This video review is sponsored by Squarespace and aims to provide a comprehensive overview of our worst cruise ever aboard Margaritaville at Sea.
Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe!
Introduction
Welcome aboard Margaritaville at Sea! In this article, we will take you through our experience on what turned out to be our worst cruise ever. We set sail on one of the cheapest and oldest ships we have ever been on, and unfortunately, encountered several issues along the way. From the moment we stepped on the ship until we arrived at our destination in Grand Bahama, we will share our honest opinions and observations. Although we had high hopes for this cruise, we believe it is important to provide a comprehensive review to help others make informed decisions. So, let’s dive in and explore our journey on Margaritaville at Sea.
Background
Before we delve into the specifics of our experience, let us provide a bit of background information. Margaritaville at Sea is an older ship that is known for being one of the cheaper options when it comes to cruising. As avid cruisers with over 80 cruises under our belts, we were intrigued to see what this ship had to offer. However, we quickly discovered that older ships often come with their fair share of problems. From a distinct sewage smell to various maintenance issues, our journey on Margaritaville at Sea was far from ideal.
Boarding Margaritaville at Sea
The journey started with a train ride from Miami to West Palm Beach. We opted to take the Brightline train, a convenient and luxurious transportation option. However, we were disappointed with the additional charges for bags. Unlike any other train journey we had taken, we were required to pay $10 per bag, which was an unexpected burden. The prices on board the train were also quite steep. We believe that in order to run a successful service, it is crucial to reduce costs and eliminate extra charges for amenities like bags.
Once we arrived at the Port of Palm Beach, we were surprised by the small size of the ship. Margaritaville at Sea is an old vessel, and it showed. During the check-in process, we discovered that the ship weighed every piece of luggage, and there was a strict weight limit of 50 pounds per item. Any bags exceeding this limit required an additional fee of $25. While this may be a way for the cruise line to generate revenue, it felt excessive and left a sour taste in our mouths.
Tour of the Ship
Despite the ship’s dated appearance, Margaritaville at Sea showcased a retro and colorful design, which we found charming. The decor was reminiscent of the 90s, with vibrant colors and playful motifs. However, it was evident that the ship needed some improvement and modernization.
We explored various areas of the ship, including the main dining room, steakhouse, lounge, casino, and theater. The main dining room and steakhouse had large seating areas with impressive sea views. It was clear that the ship was designed to provide a pleasant dining experience. However, finding the Five O’Clock Somewhere bar on Deck 10 proved to be a challenge. The ship’s layout was not the most intuitive, and we found ourselves getting lost at times.
Accessing lower decks was a terrifying experience for someone with a fear of heights. The ship had a considerable number of stairs, making certain areas difficult to reach. While this may not be an issue for everyone, it is worth noting for individuals with reduced mobility.
Fortunately, the ship did have some modern and well-equipped areas, such as the spa and gym. These areas provided a space for passengers to relax and stay active during the cruise. The outdoor deck space was expansive, with AstroTurf and multiple pools. The Five O’Clock Somewhere bar was a popular spot for passengers, offering a vibrant atmosphere and panoramic views. We also came across The Hangout, a club-like space on the top deck that provided breathtaking views of the sea.
Cabin Experience
Our cabin on Margaritaville at Sea was spacious, which was a pleasant surprise. However, the signs of age and wear were apparent. We encountered several issues, such as a falling door and outdated features. It was clear that the ship had seen better days. As the ship used to be part of Costa Cruises, it was not surprising to find that the cabin’s condition did not meet our expectations.
The bathroom in our cabin was particularly disappointing. We found it to be dirty and in poor condition. Considering the importance of cleanliness and hygiene, this was a major letdown. The bathroom facilities should be well-maintained and reflect the standards of a cruise ship.
On a positive note, the cabin did offer ample storage space, which was appreciated. This allowed us to keep our belongings organized and easily accessible throughout the cruise.
Dining Options and Food Quality
Margaritaville at Sea provided a variety of dining options, catering to different tastes and preferences. However, the quality of the food was mixed. Given the lower price point of this cruise, we had relatively low expectations when it came to the food. Unfortunately, those expectations were met.
The buffet on the ship was small and basic, which was expected for a cheaper and shorter cruise. However, it was also dirty, with a floor that had not been properly cleaned. This lack of cleanliness was concerning and did not contribute to an appetizing dining experience.
We tried a salad and a hot dog with fries from the buffet, and both dishes fell short of our expectations. The food looked depressing and lacked flavor. It was clear that the quality was not on par with other cruise lines that we have experienced. While we understood the limitations of a budget cruise, we had hoped for a more satisfying culinary experience.
Safety Drill
The safety drill on Margaritaville at Sea was disorganized and had strange instructions. We believe that safety drills are essential and should be conducted in a clear and structured manner. Unfortunately, this was not the case during our cruise. The instructions given during the drill were confusing and contradicted standard safety protocols. For example, there were instructions prioritizing women and children in emergency situations, which goes against the principle of “women and children first.” Safety should always be a top priority on any cruise ship, and we felt that this aspect fell short on Margaritaville at Sea.
Port of Call: Grand Bahama
Our port of call was Grand Bahama, an isolated port with limited attractions. While we understand that not all ports can offer an array of activities, it was disappointing to find that there were few options for entertainment or exploration. This may not be a problem for passengers who are solely looking for a relaxing beach day, but for those seeking more diverse experiences, it may leave them wanting more.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our experience on Margaritaville at Sea was far from satisfactory. The ship’s overall condition and need for improvement were evident throughout our journey. From the issues with the sewagesmell to the disorganized safety drill, there were several instances where we felt that our safety and comfort were compromised. While the retro and colorful design of the ship added a touch of nostalgia, it couldn’t compensate for the outdated features and lack of maintenance.
The dining options and food quality were disappointing, leaving us feeling unsatisfied with our dining experience. Additionally, the limited options for entertainment at the port of call in Grand Bahama were underwhelming.
If you are considering a cruise on Margaritaville at Sea, we would advise you to lower your expectations and be prepared for potential challenges. While it may be one of the cheaper cruise options available, it certainly comes with its fair share of drawbacks. We hope that our review has provided valuable insight and will help you make an informed decision for your next cruise adventure.
This is your worst cruise EVER! The ship stinks and you don’t think it’s safe either! AVOID!
Head to to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code BENANDDAVID
Join us as you board Margaritaville at Sea, not only is it one of the cheapest cruises you have ever booked but it’s the oldest ship you have ever been on! Old ships come with problems including the ship smelling like sewage. Take a full look around the ship, your cabin, and what it has to offer including the questionable food, Grand Bahama port, entertainment, and more!
⭐ Show your support and get exclusive access to videos, a live zoom chat, postcards, your name on our videos, and more! Become a Patreon: / benanddavid
🛒 Visit our Amazon shop for cruise must-haves (Affiliate link):
🚢 Book CHEAPER Shore Excursions with Viator:
▶️ Check out our Cruise Tips and News Channel: / @insidecruise
📧 Join our FREE email newsletter:
📸 Follow us on Instagram!: / cruisewith
📖 Find us on Facebook: / cruisewith
✉️ Contact us: ahoy@cruisewith.co.uk