One travel vlogger was brave enough to try a two-day trip around the Bahamas on a “cruise from hell” that cost just £36, but was shocked to find out the reality was much different.
For many, cruises can offer a chance to board the trip of a lifetime. Sailing under the sun across the open sea, stopping off in tropical destinations and being able to eat and drink as much as your heart desires.
But some holidaygoers who boarded one ship had an experience that fell short of paradise, with picture plastic palm trees, watery cocktails and a buffet that looked more like a motorway service station than a luxury liner.
Yet for just £36, who could it actually be? One traveller brave enough to give the Margaritaville at Sea cruise a go was YouTuber Tonio Guajardo. After reading some of the 139 one-star-rated TripAdvisor reviews, he headed on board.
One past guest wrote: “Cruise from hell. STAY AWAY! Don’t waste your money! Been on several cruises, and this by far has been the worst! Fights, noise level ridiculous! The toilet and AC are not working correctly! Ran out of some food! Ceilings are leaking on the ship! Several crew members were not helpful.”
With an overall rating of 3.3 on TripAdvisor, the cruise has been dubbed the world ’s worst-rated. The viral video documenting the trip has racked up millions of views online, with viewers shocked at how good an experience he had.
The ship in question? Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, part of singer Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville-brand which includes both restaurants, resorts and now cruises. The cruise operator has two main ships, Paradise and Islander, launched in 1991 and 2000 by other operators.
They both underwent huge refits and rebrands to fit the new Margaritaville styling in 2021 and 2024 – although the age of the ships has perhaps started to shine through.
Based in Palm Beach, Florida, the company offers rock-bottom fares for two-night in the Bahamas, luring in curious travellers with prices as low as $49 (£36). Heading on board in Florida, Tonio began: “I’ve heard some people say going on a cruise was an amazing experience, but I’ve also heard others say it was absolutely terrible.
“It’s absolutely freezing cold where I live right now, so I figured there’s no better time to hit the open ocean and head straight to the Bahamas, and we’re travelling there on America’s worst-rated cruise.”
He then began his investigation by exploring every one of its 14 floors, including the onboard club, swimming pool, spa and restaurants. As the ship continued to sail away from Florida, the party began on the top deck, with many passengers taking to the top deck for a drink, a dance and the customary Macarena.
Trying the complimentary buffet on his way to one of the pre-booked restaurants, Tonio was less than impressed and instead decided to move swiftly on. After his two days sailing across the Caribbean, Tonio said: “This cruise was a lot better than I thought it would be in most of the areas. In fact, I would actually say it’s pretty good.”
And it’s not just Tonio that’s a fan of the laidback style. Cruise Critic member Midgey Marge said: “Everyone was there to have a good time, relax, and enjoy all of the Jimmy Buffett music.
“You could do as much or as little as you like … We have cruised on several cruise lines in the past, and Margaritaville at sea Islander is right up there with the best.”
But despite the bad reviews, it seems there is still a big set of loyal customers not deterred by its insanely cheap prices, always attracting some loyal customers under their “where it’s always 5 o’clock” mantra.