paradise cruise west palm beach

This Low-Cost Cruise Between West Palm Beach & the Bahamas is Florida’s Best-Kept Secret

If you consider yourself a beach bum—or just daydream about jetting off to tropical places–you may think you know everything there is to know about vacationing in Florida . But chances are, this affordable cruise between the Bahamas and Florida has never even crossed your radar. Can’t decide between a trip to the Bahamas or a trip to Florida? With Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line out of West Palm Beach, Florida , you don’t have to.

Courtesy of Skye Sherman

An Weekend Cruise From Palm Beach to the Bahamas

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line operates just two ships— Grand Celebration and Grand Classica— out of the Port of Palm Beach, located just north of downtown West Palm Beach in an area formally known as Riviera Beach. Not a lot of people know about it, even in Florida, but it’s the perfect way to pack more into your vacation. The cruise line has year-round daily sailings between Florida and the Bahamas.

The sailings are typically two-night/three-day cruises, which makes it easy to just take off on a vacation when you need one. You can leave on a Friday and be back by Sunday morning (and not even have to take a day off of work !).

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line offers super chill and easygoing cruises between two amazing tropical vacation destinations , and it allows you to maximize your time in the Sunshine State by exploring another destination during just a short stint away from your first vacation. It’s kind of like a vacation within a vacation , and who wouldn’t want that?

Where Does Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line Go?

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line sails between West Palm Beach and the Bahamas and docks in Freeport (Grand Bahama Island). While docked in port, you can opt to explore on your own or book an excursion to help you make the most of your time in the islands.

Another perk of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line is the fact that, if you prefer, you can extend your trip by staying over in the Bahamas for a couple of nights and then coming back on a different sailing. This is something that few other cruise lines offer (if any), and it’s a nice way to spend a little extra time in the Bahamas while still enjoying a cruise vacation on either end. You can book the four-night vacation option directly on the Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line site and choose between a few different hotel options, including some all-inclusives.

How Much Is Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line?

This is perhaps the biggest draw of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line: it’s affordable. And sometimes, if you’re lucky, you might even find a Groupon for the cruise, and then it’s even cheaper.

Plus, everything’s included in the price, as on most cruises: food and drink won’t cost you unless you pay extra for the upgrade restaurants or purchase an alcoholic drink package (which I recommend doing if you’re going to have more than one or two piña coladas on the cruise). And I also recommend at least one meal at The Rock Grill, a super fun dining experience where you cook your own meal on 1000-degree lava rocks brought to your table!

The cruise is usually around $150 or less for a 2-night/3-day jaunt to the Bahamas. They also offer regular deals and promotions like flash sales (I’ve seen $59 per person, per night!) and even “kids sail free” promos (they have three separate kids clubs onboard). They also offer perks for solo cruisers , so don’t write off the cruise if you can’t find a travel buddy or if you just need a little “me” time.

They even offer monthly Ladies Night cruises, which is $49 per lady with packages available that include drink coupons, spa discounts, VIP perks and other treats.

Through July 31, 2019, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line has brought back their Triple Play promotion: $129 per person for all staterooms plus perks like five free drinks, a $25 onboard credit and $50 casino match play. Am I doing my math wrong, or do the perks just about cover the cost of the cruise?!

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line Experience

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line isn’t a luxury cruise line and the ships aren’t the latest and greatest state-of-the-art types with all the newest bells and whistles (so don’t go in with those kinds of expectations!).

What you will find is a laidback, no-frills way to spend a couple of days away from your cares, the ideal place to take a break from the real world and spend some time in the Bahamas. And for the price, you really can’t beat it…try to visit the Bahamas for less, I dare you!

The actual visit to the Bahamas is short—you only have from the time the ship docks in the morning til you have to be back on board again in the afternoon—but sometimes, that’s all you need for a total reset. You’ll sail back into port the next day feeling like you got a nice break from reality for a bit.

The cruises are also pretty versatile. While the party goes all night at the casino and bar areas, you can also get away from it all and have a relaxed time aboard the ship. There’s onboard entertainment and shows , a casino , bars and poolside parties on the sun deck , but there’s also a spa and salon , fitness center, and a little shopping—or you can just enjoy the view from your room !

Whether you want an action-packed, no-sleep kind of trip or a soothing time with endless sea surrounding you to dissolve your stresses away, you can find what you’re looking for on a Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line ship.

What’s The Difference Between Grand Classica & Grand Celebration ?

There are two ships in the Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line fleet: Grand Classica and Grand Celebration .

There aren’t many differences between the two different Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line ships. Their restaurants vary slightly—they have a few of the same restaurants but some different ones—but overall, the vibe is very similar and one isn’t better than the other. I wouldn’t pick a cruise based on the ship because they’re so similar.

I’ve been on both, but if I had to pick one to go on again, I think it would be Grand Celebration . I think it’s the original (and thus older) ship, but for some reason, the vibe flowed better for me and I liked its selection of restaurants.

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Margaritaville At Sea | 2-Night Bahamas Cruise | Grand Bahama Island

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Margaritaville Paradise Cruise

• Grand Bahama Island
• Interior Cabin (172 sq ft | Max 4 Guests)
• Ocean View Cabin (181 sq ft | Max 2 Guests)
• Junior Suite (348 sq ft | Max 2 Guests)
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• More than 2 days from today
• Less than 2 days from today

Below are the available bulk discount rates for each individual item when you purchase a certain amount

• Buy 3 - 3 and get $10.00 off
• Buy 4 or above and get $15.00 off

  Package Description

Margaritaville at Sea - Cruise To Grand Bahama Island

The Bahamas 2-Night Cruise Aboard Margaritaville at Sea | Port of Palm Beach To Grand Bahama Island | Departs Every Other Day

The all new Margaritaville at Sea is now booking! A quick and affordable getaway. This is the only 2-night cruise sailing from the Port of Palm Beach to Grand Bahama Island, every other day. 

Traditional Cruise

The Margaritaville at Sea offers a traditional 2-night cruise to Grand Bahama Island, departing every other day from the easily accessible Port of Palm Beach. This spectacular ship has a maximum capacity of 1,800 passengers and includes all of the excitement, on-board amenities and fabulous entertainment options you would expect from a long duration cruise without the high price.

Cruise Schedules

Sailing to Grand Bahama island

• Cruise departs West Palm Beach at 5:30 pm
• Night at Sea
• Cruise arrives in the Bahamas at 8:00 am (next day)
• Spend the day on Grand Bahama Island
• Cruise departs the Bahamas at 5:00 pm
• Cruise arrives West Palm Beach at 7:00 am (next day)
• Disembark by 10:30 am

While aboard ship you'll enjoy:

• Spacious cabins with your choice of interior, ocean view or suite
• All meals, snacks and standard beverages
• Lots of entertainment options
• Port taxes & departure fees are included in your final price
• Gratuities aboard ship are not included & will be collected upon boarding

Call (800) 991-0623 and speak with a travel specialist today if you have any questions. 

  Cancellation Policy

All cancellations made 6 days or less prior to departure: 100% Penalty / 0% Account Credit / No Direct Refund Available All cancellations made 30-7 days prior to departure: 50% Penalty / 50% Account Credit / No Direct Refund Available All cancellations made 31 days or more prior to departure: 25% Penalty / 75% Account Credit / No Direct Refund Available Any account credit balance may be used towards a future booking within 12 months of the date of your initial booking or transfered to another traveler when traveling in groups of 10 or more. All confirmed flights are non-refundable & subject to all rules of the carrier. The carrier may or may not issue a partial credit for booking a future flight. Contact the carrier for more information. Changes made to confirmed cruise reservations at any time will be assessed a $50.00 fee per person/change. Travel insurance is highly recommended and available upon request. In most cases, travel insurance covers 100% of your package price should you need to cancel a confirmed reservations for a covered reason and as long as you meet the qualifications and terms of the insurance policy.

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Posted by The Bishop Family on Jun 7th 2022

We just returned from the Margaritaville cruise. It was so much fun! It had the same laid back and relaxing vibe of the Margaritaville Resort that we visited last year. The price is great so we will be back!

Nice Little Cruise

Posted by Randy Summers on Jan 5th 2016

The Grand Celebration is quite-a-step up from the old Celebration cruise. It's much larger and much newer. We like this little cruise and have also taken the cruise & stay package, combining 2 nights at the Viva resort in the Bahamas...great deal!

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About the Grand Celebration

Grand Celebration is perfect for short and popular getaway sailings. The 47,200-ton, 1,900-guest cruise ship boasts a convivial feel combined with favorite features that are reminiscent of cruises of the past, such as enticing midnight buffets, reserved set-seating for dinner and more.

Step aboard and feel the good time vibe of the Grand Celebration with a lively fun atmosphere with flowing tropical cocktails, pool parties and live music. Throughout your cruise, you will be looked after by the friendly staff to make sure you are having a fabulous time. Let your cares melt away in a stress-free laid-back casual ambiance as you enjoy something exciting from the moment you board. Fabulous amenities include several bars and lounges, pools, exciting entertainment, a huge theater, a spa with lots of delightful rejuvenating treatments and a hair salon.

Fun is offered to all age groups on this family-friendly ship. The complimentary Kids Club offers supervised aged specific activities. A kids' pool, toys, videogames, parties and a small theater are just some of the features, while a jungle gym and gaming consoles keep older children happy. Teens will want to hang out at an arcade room with board games and more.

Bring your appetite because you will have lots of places to dine, including a stunning main restaurant where you can savor delicious cuisine in a lovely setting. Delight your taste buds at various specialty restaurants and enjoy grilled fare and an amazing selection at the seemingly endless buffet. You won't want to miss the delicious offerings at the midnight buffet and you can also satisfy your cravings at anytime with a simple call as room-service is available 24/7.

Select from a variety of staterooms that were created for your comfort. Whether you stay in an Interior, Oceanview or the stunning Terrace Suites (some with a balcony) and accommodating up to four or five guests. Perks in this exclusive category include a mini-bar, priority debarkation and a spa tub. All accommodations will make you feel comfy and at home. Feel rested on your queen-sized bed that can convert to twin beds and enjoy the living space.

Evenings are filled with exciting entertainment choices. Whether you are at a fun party under the stars, watching a fabulous Las Vegas-style show, singing along at the piano bar or enjoying your favorite drink at one of the many bars and lounges, something special will provide a fabulous time. Try your luck at the thrilling casino, boasting a variety of popular games.

Cruise on the Grand Celebration on year-round short getaways to Grand Bahama Island roundtrip from the Port of Palm Beach.

Grand Terrace Suite

The Terrace Suites are our most popular staterooms, and it isn’t hard to see why. Privately tucked away on Deck 11, you’ll find only 14 of them four decks above the other staterooms. These suites come in three categories – the Terrace Suites, Deluxe Terrace Suites, and Grand Terrace Suites – all stylishly furnished, boasting ample lounge room, and featuring a scenic balcony. This room category comes with a host of perks, including priority debarkation, a minibar, and a deep spa tub. These suites allow up to four to five guests.

Deluxe Terrace Suite

Terrace Suite

Oceanview Stateroom

Spread out and enjoy extra space and tons of natural light in your Oceanview Stateroom. Amenities include a TV, desk, a private bathroom with shower, hair dryer, storage space, and a large window with gorgeous views of the Caribbean Sea. These staterooms allow up to four guests.

Interior Stateroom

Lounge in complete comfort with an Interior Stateroom. Amenities include a TV, desk, a private bathroom with shower, hair dryer, and ample storage space. These staterooms allow up to four guests.

View Deck Plan

Admiralty Club

Celebrate a special occasion with a delicious 5-course meal and excellent service in the elegant Admiralty Club.

Stellar Prime

Our main dining room features a different menu every day. Feast on freshly-prepared entrees and chef-crafted favorites like Honey Glazed Salmon. Start the day with a hearty breakfast and cap it off with desserts so delightful, that we could only call them "Sweet Endings."

Ocean View Buffet

At the Ocean View Buffet, you’ll find options for every meal of the day. Enjoy a selection of breakfast foods or ask our chefs to customize an omelet. Come back and mix it up with dishes from our salad, pasta, or carving stations, as well as made to order pizza! Stay up for our late-night buffet, serving Mediterranean mezze on the first night and Mexican favorites the second.

Plunge Grill

Take the plunge with your favorite barbeque dish at Plunge Grill. Located poolside, Plunge Grill serves fresh classics when you’re done with your dip. This staple spot fires up juicy and tender hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, and more. Grab a beer and you’re in cookout heaven! Late breakfast buffet also available.

Decks: 12 10

Dancing Martian

If you're looking for a great outdoor party then join us at the Dancing Martian above the pool for the Ultimate Glow Party. Our DJ kicks this party in high gear with pulsating dance music and light show.

Vibe is a full arcade room with interactive games and a 6-foot basketball shooting contest game, with plenty of space for our adolescent cruisers to meet new friends and hangout.

Looking for poolside fun? Enjoy our frequently organized pool deck glow parties. Soak up the pool fun with 2 adult pools.

Ocean Breeze

On the second day of your cruise, you’ll find more than just drinks at the Ocean Breeze Bar. Starting at 2:30 PM, we’ll serve up mouthwatering briskets and sausages, all made from meat that’s been smoked for over the course of fourteen hours. Enjoy this hearty mid-afternoon meal by the pool or the bar. While lunch from the Ocean Breeze Bar is included in your cruise fare, it does not include beverages from the bar - even though the food is included, drinks are not included.

Many people love a quick coffee to get them going, and so do we. That’s why we have baristas on board to brew up specialty beverages, so you can get your fix on! Grab a cup to start your day. Lattetude also serves up smoothies, hot chocolate, and other treats!

La Piscina (Pool)

La Piscina (Pool).

Enjoy Caribbean music by day and sing karaoke by night.

Ship Shape Fitness Center

Ship Shape Fitness Center.

Indulgence Spa & Wellness Center

Destress your body, mind, and soul with therapeutic massages, body wraps, and other salon treatments carried out by well trained and talented spa professionals at the Indulgence Spa & Salon.

Voltage Night Club

Come experience the ship's sizzling hotspot for an unleashed surge of nightlife fun. Set the dance floor on fire with all your best moves. It's loud, alive and full of energy.

Experience international wine tasting on-board with R&B, Blues, Latin and classic rock music at this intimate jazz club.

Paradice casino

Get the dice rolling at the Vegas-style Par-a-Dice Casino with new and classic Table Games and Slots to bet on your luck and skill.

Encore Lounge

Throw back a few drinks with your loved ones as you enjoy the live performance band for the evening.

Memories Photo Gallery

Memories Photo Gallery.

Island of Adventures

Legends Grand Theater

Laugh your hearts out at the stand-up comedy show or enjoy live music and dance performances at the Legends Grand Theatre on-board the MV Grand Celebration.

Club Chill.

Commodore Bar (martini Libations)

Sip on any of our specialty martinis with classical favorites and lilting tunes playing in the background.

Strike a Pose

Forget me Knots, Splurge and Puffs

Aries Conference Room

Aries Conference Room.

Customer Service

Customer Service.

Cyber Surf.

Kruzers Pool

Kruzers Pool.

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Bahamas cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

If you've cruised or are planning to cruise to someplace warm, it's likely that the Bahamas will pop up on your itinerary — and for good reason. Found on both Bahamas-exclusive sailings and Caribbean voyages , Bahamian ports offer plenty of sun and sand, as well as opportunities for shopping, gambling and more.

The islands appeal to both new and seasoned cruisers. Their proximity to Florida makes them quick, easy and affordable to reach by ship, whether for a quick overnight trip or a call as part of a longer voyage.

Read on for all you need to know when planning a sailing that includes the Bahamas — one of the cruise industry's most popular destinations.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Why cruise to the Bahamas?

In the Bahamas, the people are as warm as the weather, offering greetings and friendly smiles at every turn. The main draws, however, are the beaches and bright blue waters, which offer plenty of places to snorkel and scuba dive or to work on your tan while sipping a cocktail or two.

One of the best reasons to visit is that the islands are close to Florida — the cruise capital of the world. The Bahamas are frequented by most major cruise lines and show up on a large number of itineraries, from two-nighters to longer voyages.

The takeaway: Passengers have lots of choices. If you want to travel to the Bahamas by cruise ship, you can easily find a cruise line, length and price point to meet your needs.

The Bahamas is a great place to visit, as long as you set your expectations. Nassau, which is the largest port and the country's capital city, is often crowded with cruise ships. Locals will approach you with offers for everything from taxi rides to hair braiding. It can be overwhelming, so be prepared to politely decline if you're not interested.

When do cruises go to the Bahamas?

Cruise ships call on the Bahamas all year. However, midwinter is generally the best time to go. Prices are cheaper, there are fewer passengers because children are in school and the weather isn't as sweltering as it is in summer. Plus, wave season — when cruise lines offer some of the best deals you'll see all year — runs from January through March, so you could snag a last-minute bargain. You also won't have to contend with potential itinerary changes due to hurricane season , which runs from June through October.

Weather in the Bahamas is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from the high 70s to low 90s Fahrenheit. As expected, the hottest months are found in summer, with lower temperatures during winter.

Related: The best time to go on a cruise

Best Bahamas itineraries

Islands in the Bahamas are featured on lots of itineraries, ranging from short, Bahamas-specific sailings to longer Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages.

Bahamas-only cruises tend to be anywhere from two to five nights, and they visit a port or two in the Bahamas, as well as a private island (see below).

Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings usually start at five nights and can run up to two weeks in length, but most usually last about a week.

On those voyages, you're likely to see a mix of ports. In the Eastern Caribbean, expect to visit a combination of Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix) and the French West Indies (Martinique, St. Barts, Guadeloupe and St. Martin). If you go the western route, Belize, Honduras and Jamaica are common stops.

Additionally, cruisers can find Bahamas stops on sailings that depart from non-Florida ports on the East Coast, such as New York and Baltimore, and even Gulf Coast departures from Galveston, Texas. They are often seven or eight days in length and include calls on Florida and the Bahamas. Some also feature southern ports like Charleston, South Carolina.

Best Bahamas cruise lines

Due to the Bahamas' popularity, the country's proximity to the East Coast and the number of ships it can accommodate at one time, most major cruise lines visit the islands there.

You'll mainly find sailings with the "Big Nine" brands — Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Virgin Voyages.

One unique outlier is Margaritaville at Sea (formerly Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line), which operates two-night voyages back and forth between Palm Beach, Florida, and Freeport, Bahamas. The cruise line also partners with a land-based resort there, allowing passengers to extend their vacations on land in the Bahamas if they wish to do so before returning to Florida on the ship several days later.

Because of how crowded and frenetic the main Bahamian ports can be, luxury lines tend to stay away. There are a few exceptions, though, such as Lindblad Expeditions. The line operates sailings to some of the Bahamas' Out Islands, which are too tiny for larger, more mainstream vessels to reach.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Things to do in the Bahamas

As you would expect from a warm-weather destination, outdoor pursuits are the most popular. Cruise passengers can walk to the nearest beach to sunbathe, swim, snorkel or scuba dive, or book a banana boat, parasailing or party boat excursion.

For fun, affordable souvenirs, shopping abounds at local shops and in Nassau's massive straw market, found on Bay Street. Just make sure you don't buy from the first vendor you see, as many stalls offer the same wares. You might find a cheaper price if you wait or if you bargain for a better deal.

If you're more the gambling type, take a quick taxi ride to Paradise Island, which is home to the famous Atlantis resort. Venture indoors to play table games or try your luck at the slot machines in the resort's casino, or purchase a day pass to use the outdoor pools and waterslides.

For fabulous food, ask a local to point you in the direction of their favorite restaurant, and head off the beaten path to try some conch fritters (fried conch meat) and peas with rice. For dessert, don't miss the semi-sweet bread-style johnnycakes.

Related: Shore excursions: What new cruisers need to know

Best Bahamas cruise ports

The Bahamas has two main cruise ports: Nassau on New Providence Island and Freeport on Grand Bahama Island. Nassau offers plenty to see and do within a short walking distance from the port. However, Freeport requires passengers to book a shore excursion or take a taxi to most attractions.

Other Bahamas stops include Bimini, which is less frequented, and cruise line private islands that can only be accessed via cruise ship.

Historic Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, is the cruise industry's most trafficked cruise port. It's bustling and busy, and it can feel overwhelming to travelers on their first visit, especially when there are several ships docked at the same time.

But brightly colored buildings, expansive beaches and ample opportunities for shopping and dining quickly make up for the chaos.

Nassau is also a port teeming with culture. Formerly a haven for pirates, the city is now a history buff's dream, offering easy access to monuments and buildings that were once the stomping grounds of swashbuckling scallywags.

Freeport has a more relaxed vibe than Nassau. The slower pace of Grand Bahama Island, where Freeport is located, lends itself to lazy beach days and casual strolls through town for passengers in search of the perfect souvenir.

Water sports abound, and the clear, bright-blue water is exactly what you'd expect from an island paradise.

Unfortunately, Freeport has been hit by several tropical storms and major hurricanes over the years. Although it's a lovely port to visit, you can expect to see reminders, even years later, as construction projects are abandoned and the island struggles to rebuild.

Related: The 10 biggest mistakes cruise ship passengers make on port days

The island chain of Bimini, which is part of the Bahamas, is also home to a cruise port. Fewer ships call there than call at Nassau or Freeport. Apart from beaches and resort-style experiences, there isn't much to do.

The port was thrust into the spotlight when Virgin Voyages developed its Bimini Beach Club on part of a property operated by Resorts World. When Virgin ships are in port, the only people who have access to the Beach Club are Virgin passengers. Cruisers who call on Bimini with other lines can purchase day passes as long as a Virgin ship is not docked that day.

Private islands

Most of the cruise industry's private islands are located in the Bahamas. These carefully curated swaths of land can only be visited if you're sailing on a ship that has access.

When you're ashore, you can expect clean facilities, pristine beaches, shopping opportunities, free buffet lunches (usually a barbecue) and a variety of carefully controlled water-sports-centric shore excursions. Some of the larger, more developed private islands also offer water parks, horseback riding, zip lines and pools.

Private cabanas, villas and bungalows are also available, but they come at a premium and usually book up quickly. Some are even reserved for cruisers booked in suite accommodations on their ships.

When to book a Bahamas cruise

Since the Bahamas is a year-round destination and lots of ships call there, supply is plentiful. That means prices tend to be more affordable, particularly for shorter Bahamas-only voyages.

For additional savings , consider booking your sailing in the first quarter of each year during wave season, when cruise lines offer fare discounts and other added-value perks like free Wi-Fi and beverage packages, discounted airfare or onboard credit for extras like spa treatments, shore excursions or dining in restaurants that charge fees for meals. Also keep an eye out for Black Friday deals toward the end of each year.

You might also be able to take advantage of resident rates if you live in Florida, military discounts or " kids sail free " promotions.

Related: When is the best time to book a cruise?

What to bring on a Bahamas cruise

Wondering what to pack ? For any cruise, you can't go wrong with resort-casual clothing and something for formal night if you'd like to participate. You'll also need underwear, toiletries, pajamas and footwear, as well as any travel documents required to board and clear immigration and customs.

For the Bahamas specifically, you'll want to prepare for warm, sunny weather by bringing a bathing suit and cover-up; flip-flops or sandals; and sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself during time outdoors. For those not heading to the beach, sundresses or shorts with T-shirts or tank tops are suitable attire.

If you plan to shop while ashore, most places do accept credit cards, but you might want to bring cash. Dollars are accepted in the Bahamas, so there's no need to exchange currency.

Bottom line

If you cruise, it's almost certain you'll visit the Bahamas at some point in your travels. Although it can be crowded, the experience is an enjoyable one.

If you're looking for a fun warm-weather destination that offers plenty of beach time, active diversions, history and culture, shopping, gambling and excellent food, you won't be disappointed with a trip to this popular cruise region.

Have more questions about Bahamas cruises? TPG has answers.

• The best Bahamas cruises for every type of traveler
• Bahamas cruise packing list
• Best time to cruise to the Bahamas
• Bahamas cruise tips
• Top Bahamas shore excursions
• Bahamas vs. Bermuda cruises: Which itinerary will I like more?
• Caribbean vs. Bahamas cruises: Which itinerary will I like more?

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Margaritaville at Sea

Introducing a new way to sail.

Margaritaville at Sea is an exciting new cruise line currently featuring two ships, the Islander and the Paradise.

The Margaritaville at Sea Islander is the newest flagship resort-at-sea perfectly designed to transport cruisers on a fun-soaked escape to an island state of mind. Now sailing from Port of Tampa Bay, Florida to Key West and Mexico on 4- and 5-night cruise itineraries. 

The Margaritaville at Sea Paradise is your easy escape for a Bahamas getaway where there’s always a party in the makin’. Kick back in comfort with live entertainment and performances, drinks by the pool, games of chance at the casino, and delicious food – always ready when you are. Sailing from the Port of Palm Beach, Florida to Freeport, Grand Bahama Island on 2- and 3-night itineraries. 

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The Margaritaville at Sea Islander

The Margaritaville at Sea Islander is filled with entirely new ways to play the day away, plus your favorite Margaritaville dining and entertainment experiences among 12 newly designed passenger decks. With 12 dining venues, 13 bars and lounges, St. Somewhere Spa, Fins Up! Fitness Center, an all-new Margaritaville Casino, live music enclaves, all ages lounge and arcade, four distinct outdoor pool zones, and more, exploring the Islander will become an adventure all its own.

The Margaritaville at Sea Paradise

The Margaritaville at Sea Paradise is your easy-breezy resort at sea, with visual accents that inspire adventure. The ship’s inviting atmosphere is filled with music, lights, island-inspired sculptures, artwork, and more. Lovers of non-stop entertainment can enjoy the Margaritaville Casino, Stars on the Water Theater, and various nightclubs while wellness-enthusiasts can stop by the St. Somewhere Spa & Salon or Fins Up! Fitness Center. With pools, a retail store, and so much more, there’s something for everyone.

To me, the only thing better than being on a beach by the ocean, is to be on the ocean. Now you can follow in our wake..."

-Jimmy Buffett

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Explore pricing and book your margaritaville at sea adventure, visit margaritaville at sea website.

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Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line Review: Here is What I Loved

I’ve heard a lot of different things about Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line but there is really only one way to truly find out what a cruise is all about.  You have to try it for yourself.   What was my experience like?  Here is what I loved about Grand Celebration and why I will be cruising again with Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line again in the future.

Embarkation – Embarkation at the Port of Palm Beach was a total breeze.  They have a separate line for those with U.S. passports and it is much shorter than the line with guests cruising with birth certificates.   They also have a separate line at customs when you disembark so having a U.S. passport saves a lot of time from waiting in lines.

One thing I liked was after checking in, you can book shore excursions, dinner reservations, and drink packages right in the terminal while you wait for the ship to begin boarding. Not sure why other cruise lines don’t also do this.

Ship – Grand Celebration was originally built by Carnival Cruise Line and is the last Holiday class ship built by the cruise line. The ship went into service in 1987 but was recently refurbished after the vessel housed FEMA workers in St. Thomas this past fall.

For a 31 year old cruise ship, I was really impressed how clean and updated the ship was.  During my cruise, I posted dozens of videos and photos on Snapchat throughout each day of the ship.  I had a travel agent write to me saying how impressed they were with the ship after following along on my journey.  It far exceeded my expectations.

While the ship featured many modern touches, it still had the charm of an older cruise ship.  At 47,000 gross tons, you can easily navigate from one end of the ship to the other quickly.

I included a full video tour of the cruise ship farther down in this article.

Cabin – My ocean view cabin (E101) on deck 7 was larger than cabins I have been in on many of the mainstream cruise lines.  One nice surprise was the size of the shower.  I found it interesting that cruise lines built larger showers on cruise ships in 1987 than they do today.  The cabin had a flat screen TV, plenty of storage space, and one 110 power outlet by the desk.  You can view a short video tour of my cabin below.

My room steward did a tremendous job keeping my cabin clean with morning and evening service.  He also made towel animals and placed chocolate on the pillows each evening.  It was a nice little touch that I wasn’t expecting on a two night cruise.

Steakhouse/Seafood Restaurant (Admiral’s)  – I normally don’t go into much detail about food since it is so subjective.  However, I have to talk about my experience at Admiral’s on my last night of the cruise. I honestly had no idea what to expect but was pretty much blown away.

There is a $29 surcharge (plus gratuity) for the restaurant and I can honestly say it is worth every penny.  I love to try all of the steakhouses on cruise ships and this ranks up there with the best of them.

The service was incredible, my filet was cooked to perfection, and the coffee cheesecake was one of the best desserts I’ve ever had on a cruise.  I honestly can’t say enough good things about the restaurant.

Entertainment – For a small ship, I thought there was a good variety of entertainment and live music throughout the ship.  I’m really not a show person and rarely go to them while on a cruise, but I made an exception for this cruise since I’ve never cruised on this cruise line before.

The first night was a variety show that had a family friendly comedian, an illusionist, and your typical cruise production dance show. It was similar quality to what the mainstream cruise lines offer on their older ships.  The audience gave the production team a rousing ovation after the Riverdance portion of the show.

Around the ship at night, I came across the following live music:

• 5 piece cover band
• Tina Turner impersonator
• Man playing the piano and singing
• Saxophonist in one of the lounges
• Karaoke on the pool deck at night

Video tour of Grand Celebration

Odds and Ends

Grand Celebration offers two night cruises to Freeport, Bahamas from West Palm Beach.  However, the ship offers something that no one else does.  You can either take the two night cruise, or you can get off the ship when you reach the Bahamas and stay in a resort for a few nights.  Once your stay is done at the resort, you take a one night cruise back to West Palm Beach.

There were always loungers available around the ship. The Oasis is an adults only area in the front of the ship that was never more than half full and is the perfect place to kick back and relax.

The ship never seemed crowded and rarely if ever had to wait in line for anything.

The entire inside of the ship is smoke free.  Smoking sections are outside on the port side of the ship.  Since the casino is also part of a lounge and you have to walk through it to get from one end of the ship to the other, it’s really nice not having to deal with the stench that come with every other casino on cruise ships.

The value for the amount you pay for your cruise on Grand Celebration is hard to beat. It is perfect for short getaways, birthdays, anniversaries, bachelor/bachelorette parties etc.

Before my cruise, I had someone ask me if I had to attend a timeshare presentation once onboard.  Throughout my entire cruise, I didn’t see or hear one thing about timeshares, it was just like every other cruise I’ve taken (just shorter).

The buffet didn’t offer a large variety of items, but what they did offer was adequate for a two night cruise.  Dinner only had a few options (pizza, pasta etc) so you will want to eat in the main dining room or specialty restaurant at night.

There was an adult comedy show one night that had a $12 surcharge per person.  The same comedian gave a 10 minute family friendly show each night in the theater as part of the entertainment shows which had no charge.

When you do book a cruise on Grand Celebration, fill out all of the forms they send you before you arrive at the port.  This will help speed up the check-in process.

Learn the cruise secrets most people don't know and cruise like a boss. Check out Intelligent Cruiser here for a better cruise vacation. (Sponsored)

“It Is Our Choice”: Carnival Responds to Passenger’s Complaint on Automatic Tips

Cruising solo list of every cruise ship that has solo cabins, cruise line makes changes to upcoming cruises due to political unrest, cruise ports that aren’t where cruise lines say they are, related articles, 5 best cruise ships for family cruises, first impressions of one of the world’s newest cruise ships, costa toscana, first impressions of a cruise line i’ve never sailed on before, azamara.

Cruise over all was moderately okay. Once 3rd day which is day off the boat the whole family which includes 18 month old and 10 year old ( this was her bday gift) got red little itchy, stinging bumps all over our back, legs, and arms. Went to family dr once back home in Atlanta and diagnosised Bed Bug Bites. Tried reaching over 5x now to manager Maria at the cruise line but she is always in a “meeting”.

I took this 3-day 2-night cruise with my mother and it was her first time cruising. We both had an amazing time the staff was outstanding the food was great. There was so much stuff to do on the ship you could never get bored. We will Cruise again with Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line in the future. Without a doubt we will bring our friends and family and make it a big celebration.

Smoking sections are outside on the port side of the ship.

no smoking and no balconies? lol no thank you.

Love the smaller ships! This is much like the ship I took my first cruise on. I like roomier decks where I can watch the waves, read , and walk. This is a must try cruise line. Thanks for the excellent review!

So happy to see your review. We have been sailing with this Cruise Line since they had the Bahamas celebration ship and have always been very happy with the service and accommodations on board. We have made many friends among the staff they are extremely personable and efficient. We have intentions of continuing to cruise with this line, it’s a wonderful quick getaway!

Never heard of “surcharge” to see an on-board show before… I sure hope its NOT a new upcoming fleetwide cruise trend.. We cruise 4-5 times a year..

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5 best things to do Labor Day weekend near West Palm, includes two Jimmy Buffett tributes

As summer rolls on, remember we still have opportunities to head outdoors and not absolutely wilt while having some solid fun. This weekend get a double shot of Jimmy Buffett appreciation at Deck 84 and Old School Square in Delray Beach, hop in a canoe at Grassy Waters Preserve, do yoga with Maki and much more.

In addition to the top five events listed there's always something great happening at places like  The Norton Museum of Art  or the  Maltz Jupiter Theatre. On top of that you could always just enjoy a great meal with an equally great view at one of Palm Beach County's  waterfront restaurants  from Jupiter to Boca Raton. Plus, we've curated a list of the best things to do all year in the county, and here it is: your bucket list of 55 fun must-try things to do in Palm Beach County.

1. Jimmy Buffett Appreciation Day at Deck 84

This Key West-style party will celebrate the life and legacy of Jimmy Buffett with live music, delicious food and refreshing drinks. The band Taylor Road will be playing some of Buffett's best and there will be Happy Hour specials all day featuring plenty of boat drinks . Come in your best island attire, sing, dance and celebrate "Parrothead" style.

The event is noon to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30. 840 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. Free. Information: deck84.com

2. Party in Paradise: Delray's Tribute to Jimmy Buffett

Held at Old School Square, this fiesta will feature the Caribbean Chillers, who are considered one of Florida's favorite Buffett tribute bands, along with openers Jerry Leeman and Big Medizen. Go full 'Parrothead' at this party celebrating the iconic musician, author and visionary lifestyle pioneer. Food and beverages will be available for purchase on site.

The event starts at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30. 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. Adults $20, ages 12 and younger $5, 1 and under free; VIP tickets $60. Information: delrayoldschoolsquare.com

3. Fire Truck Pull at Gardens Park

Watch teams of eight test their strength and teamwork as they race to pull a real, 30,000-pound fire truck faster than the other teams. In addition to the actual pull, teams will be competing to see who can raise the most money to help local students with autism at Connections Education Center .

The event is 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 31. 4301 Burns Road, Palm Beach Gardens. Spectators free. Information: connectedpb.com/fire-truck-pull

4. Canoe Cruise at Grassy Waters Preserve

Be "king of the world, on a boat like Leo" while exploring the northernmost reaches of the Everglades during this guided cruise. Sign up with a partner as canoes require two paddlers. Wear sun protections, bring water.

The event is 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 31. 8264 Northlake Blvd., West Palm Beach. Adults $10, children $5. Space limited, registration required. Information: 561-804-4985.

5. Maki's Sunday Community Yoga

Held at Crazytrain Crossfit, this Maki Criscaut-led class will help you stretch and strengthen, work on your breathwork and more. This all-levels class is open to everyone. No sign-up, just show up with your mat, water and an open mind.

The class is 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 1. 1016 Clare Ave., West Palm Beach. Free. Donations accepted. Information: mindfulboutique.com

Bonus: Jurassic Quest at the South Florida Fairgrounds

Held inside the Expo Center, this show is called the largest and most realistic dinosaur exhibition touring the country and features true-to-size dinosaurs including a 60-foot-long spinosaurus, an 80-foot-long apatosaurus, a massive, lifesize t-rex, walking raptors, baby dinos with their trainers and more.

The event is noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31 and Sunday, Sept. 1; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 2. 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach. Online tickets start at $22. Information: jurassicquest.com

Eddie Ritz is a journalist at  The Palm Beach Post , part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at  [email protected] . Help support our journalism.  Subscribe today .

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Things to do near West Palm Labor Day weekend 2024: Jimmy Buffett Day

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Grand Bahama Island

Dazzling beauty.

Grand Bahama Island is a haven of gorgeous white sand beaches, surrounded by crystal clear waters that stretch on for miles. Our excursions let you enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences in this tropical paradise that you’ll treasure for years to come. Pre-booking your excursion before you sail is the best option to guarantee availability for your preferred tours, as many excursions are limited and can sell out in advance.

A 2-night Bahamas getaway aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise is the perfect microvacation to leave you feeling refreshed and restored, including a full day in Grand Bahama Island

Easy-breezy island weekends aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise exclusively feature Saturdays at Sea with all new entertainment like the Sail Yeah Deck Party, Bottom’s Up Party Brunch, and more!

Return to where it all began and venture to paradise in this one-of-a-kind journey aboard the MAS Paradise, combining two stops spanning the best of beachside fun and cultural exploration plus a relaxing day at sea.

Grand Bahama Island on The Paradise

Cruise to the Bahamas from the Port of Palm Beach, Florida on The Paradise. Set sail for tropical waters and picture-perfect island views while basking in the ultimate relaxation or indulging in fun-soaked onboard experiences. 

Explore Paradise

Bahamas Itineraries

2-night bahamas, 3-night bahamas.

Shore Excursions

Our Bahamas cruise ship excursions are one-of-a-kind experiences in Grand Bahama that you’ll treasure for years to come. Spend the day relaxing in the sun, swim with the pigs, get a close encounter with dolphins, take part in thrilling watersports, snorkel, and more. 

Open-Air City Tour

West End Stingray...

Pirates Cove Priv...

En Español: Pirat...

Pirates Cove Ulti...

Dolphin Swim

Dolphin Close Enc...

Swim with the Pig...

Shark Experience

Taino Beach Resort

Viva Fortuna Beac...

Taino Beach Snork...

Guided Turtle Sno...

Ultimate Kayak an...

Zipline at Pirate...

Jet Ski + Taino R...

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Whether you want to wind down, stop by the spa, chill by the pool, or kick back in your stateroom, every second aboard Margaritaville at Sea is a chance for adventure.

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Robotic Urologist needed to join Palm Beach County's Top Rated Hospital

Jupiter Medical Center, the premier hospital in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast of Florida is seeking a robotic urologist to join the Joe & Barbara Charles Center for Urology. JMC has a brand new Surgical Institute with 16 state of the art operating suites, and 5 Da Vinci Robots, including the first in Florida to offer the Da Vinci 5. Join Dr. Patrick Tenbrink in the Charles Center for Urology, where we have a multidisciplinary team of medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists, patient navigators, social workers and support staff, in a brand new 80,000 square-foot facility with private infusion suites, radiation oncology, and pharmacy on site. State-of-the-art technology and a supportive team of oncology care professionals await you in a bright and modern environment that was designed with a patient-centered approach. Our recently-announced partnership with UF Health, the University of Florida’s premier health center, will bring the very best in academic medicine and access to clinical trials to our community. Our compensation package offers:

• Competitive salary,
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
• Relocation allowance,
• Malpractice insurance

Live, Work, and Play in a Tropical Paradise – Jupiter, FL Our community offers you and your family:

• Top ranked public and private schools
• 3 international airports within 90 minutes (Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami)
• Orlando-area attractions & airport a few hours’ drive north
• High-speed BrightLine rail connects from West Palm Beach (20 miles south of Jupiter) to Miami
• Jupiter, FL, average median household income $94,000
• Cultural and Recreational Amenities Abound
• Ranked among the US’s best beach towns to live
• Affluent, Coastal Community offering access to world-renowned golf courses, salt-and freshwater sportfishing and boating; equestrian offerings include polo, dressage and trail riding
• Lively destination dining scene offering options from casual to formal for all occasions and tastes
• Range of housing options from all-inclusive country club communities to rustic estates
• West Palm Beach was recently named "Wall St. of the South" due to the confluence of high-net-worth individuals relocating to the region
• Cruise terminals of Fort Lauderdale, Miami offering regular service to all Caribbean, Central American, and Mexican ports of call;
• Escape to The Bahamas or the Florida Keys in hours

About Jupiter Medical Center Highly-rated in quality, safety and patient experience, Jupiter Medical Center is the region’s only independent not-for-profit health system comprised of a 248-bed regional hospital, a network of five urgent care clinics, The Margaret W. Niedland Breast Center, The Anderson Family Cancer Institute, and a rapidly-growing Physician Group practice. Jupiter Medical Center is the leading destination for world-class healthcare in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. Founded in 1979, we have 1,880 team members and 675 physicians. Watch how we are transforming the future of health care here. Some of our accolades:

• The only 4 Star CMS designated hospital in the entire region
• Leapfrog Top General Hospital & "A" Safety Rating,
• Selected "Best Hospital," "Best Place to Have a Baby," and "Best Emergency Room" in the Palm Beach Post's 2020, 2021, & 2022 Best of Palm Beach County awards
• Consistently ranked The Top Hospitals in Palm Beach County in "Patient Satisfaction" and "Likelihood to Recommend"
• The only "Best Hospital" in the region named by Money magazine
• High-Performing designations from U.S. News & World Report in Stroke, Colon Cancer Surgery, Lung Cancer Surgery, Kidney Failure and COPD

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Grand Celebration

Former names: costa celebration, carnival celebration, ms celebration.

Cruise line Scrapped Cruise Ships

Specifications of Grand Celebration

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Grand Celebration Review

Review of grand celebration.

MS Grand Celebration cruise ship was constructed in Malmo Sweden (by Saab Kockums AB) for CCL-Carnival Cruise Lines . The vessel was launched under the name "MS Celebration" (aka Carnival Celebration / link to the 2022- newbuild ). Its previous operator was the Spanish company Ibero Cruises (Ibero Cruceros), subsidiary of Carnival Corporation .

History - construction and ownership

In December 2020, the vessel (IMO number 8314134) was re- flagged from Bahamas (MMSI 311000328, registered in Nassau , 2014-2020, shipowner Bahamas Paradise ) to St Kitts and Nevis (MMSI 341102000). Previously it was Portugal-flagged and registered in Madeira (MMSI 255803270, 2008-2014, shipowner Carnival Corporation), Panama-flagged and registered in Panama City (2001-2008, shipowner Carnival Corporation) and Liberia-flagged and registered in Monrovia (1987-2000, shipowner Carnival Cruise Lines).

In mid-November 2020 was unofficially announced that the ship Grand Celebration has been sold for scrap metal (for an undisclosed sale price). The vessel left Freeport Bahamas on November 15, allegedly heading to India's Alang Shipbreaking Yard (world's largest), with estimated arrival on January 3.

Reportedly, a worker at Alang revealed that the ship will be beached (tides permitting) in January's first week. However, on Nov 17, the ship's AIS continued to report "FREEPORT OPL" as next destination. On November 16, Anchor Shipbroking Inc (Greece) released a weekly report with Grand Celebration listed there for demolition. The list also included Marella Dream . On November 22, the ship's AIS reported as next destination PORT LOUIS (Mauritius Island) where it arrived and docked on December 30, at 6 am. On January 2, 2021, the 34-years-old cruise liner arrived and anchored off Alang, and on January 14th was beached for scrapping.

A total of 41 itineraries (planned roundtrips from homeport West Palm Beach, Florida USA ) were cancelled. The "2-Night From West Palm Beach to Nassau Cruise" itinerary was scheduled to be operated by Grand Celebration between March 3 and November 14, 2021.

The 1896-passenger cruise ship Grand Celebration was operated by IberoCruceros until November 2014, when it was transferred to Costa Cruises . However, on November 21, 2014 (the day before the vessel's scheduled departure on the Maiden Voyage for Costa) was announced that the ship had been purchased by an unnamed buyer. On December 23 was revealed the new shipowner - Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line Ltd .

The Holiday-class Grand Celebration had two sisterships - MS Holiday/CMV Magellan and Henna (Carnival Jubilee) . Until 2008, the vessel was named "MS Celebration" and part of CCL-arnival Cruise Line 's fleet. In 2008, it was briefly operated by the Spanish company IberoCruceros ( Carnival Corporation -owned brand/now defunct).

Grand Celebration was drydock renovated in 2008 to serve the Spanish source market under Carnival's brand Ibero. The vessel was transferred to IberoCruceros but still remained under the control of Carnival Cruises (with 75% share).

For Bahamas Paradise, Grand Celebration started operations in 2015 (Maiden Voyage on February 3) replacing Bahamas Celebration (IMO 7904891, out of service since October 31, 2014, scrapped in 2015), which ran aground in Freeport Bahamas . Bahamas Celebration was homeported in Freeport since 2010.

In April 2018, Grand Classica (fka Costa neoClassica/now Margaritaville Paradise) joined MS Grand Celebration as the 2nd ship in the fleet of the Florida-based company Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. Carnival Celebration's sisterships (Holiday-class CCL boats) were MS Jubilee (1986-built/2017- scrapped ) and MS Holiday/CMV Magellan (1985-built/2021-scrapped).

As the only cruise ship company operating roundtrips out of Palm Beach, Bahamas Paradise provides its customers with expedited boarding (30-min embarkation/disembarkation) and valet parking (at the cruise terminal). Cruise passengers are also offered Bahamas "cruise and hotel" packages in Bahamian hotels. These deals offer 2-, 4-, and 6-night Bahamas hotel stays to be combined (booked together) with the Palm Beach roundtrip voyages.

MS Grand Celebration was operated under charter (leased) by the Bahamas-based company "Paradise Cruise Line Operator Ltd" (formerly "Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line"), that changed ownership on December 22, 2016. Among the new company's owners are Kevin Sheehan, former CEO and President of NCLH ("Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings"), who resigned NCL in January 2015. In August 2016, he became CEO and President of the Las Vegas-based Scientific Games Corporation (a leading developer of technology products and services for the worldwide gaming and lottery industries). The company's other owner (with 50% stake) is Oneil Khosa (the India-based Blue Ocean Cruises company's CEO and Managing Director). Until 2014, Blue Ocean operated short breaks (1-, 2- and 4-nights itineraries) leaving from Mumbai-Bombay and Mormugao-Goa .

In 2017, Bahamas Paradise had booked ~250,000 passengers, around half of whom were from South Florida. The liner was last drydock refurbished in 2017 (at Freeport's Grand Bahama Shipyard).

Itineraries

MS Grand Celebration itinerary program was based on 2-night / 3-day Bahamas cruises leaving roundtrip from Palm Beach (Riviera Beach) Florida USA . The regularly scheduled Florida to Bahamas cruises were initially to Freeport and later to Nassau . The vessel was the only one at the Riviera Beach port, and also the largest ever homeported there.

In the period October 2015 - September 2016, a total of 482,211 passengers booked Grand Celebration cruises. The peak month was July 2016, with a total of 54,036 passengers. The 2-night cruises to the Bahamas are the most booked (prices start from USD 130 pp).

Since Hurricane Matthew (September-October 2016) damaged Freeport, the cruise ship was diverted to Bimini Islands but resumed calling on Freeport on January 3, 2017.

Annually, Port Palm Beach received ~USD 4 million from the Grand Celebration ship in port fees and cruise parking fees. Port commissioners signed the agreement with the new shipowner (Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line) on December 15, 2016. With LOA length 223 m (733 ft), Grand Celebration was the max-sized vessel that Port Palm Beach can handle.

Decks and Cabins

Grand Celebration staterooms (751 total) are accessed via plastic (hotel-style) punch cards. Room service is complimentary, soaps and towels are provided in the cabins' ensuite bathrooms. The ship doesn't offer family or connecting cabins but has 18 wheelchair-accessible cabins, 2 of which Suites. Only 12 passenger staterooms have balconies and these are in the Suite categories. Of these suites, 4 are with obstructed by lifeboats views.

The ship has a total of 8 elevators (passenger-accessible lifts) interconnecting all cabin decks (5 out of 12).

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

The ship had a total of 5 restaurants.

Stellar Prime on Deck 8 is the main dining room, where passengers can choose between early (6:15 pm) or late (8:30 pm) dinner seating, and will be paired with other passengers. A violinist rotates between the Stellar Prime and Admiralty Club. Sommeliers are also available at both venues, but the wine list has a limited number of options for wine-by-the-glass. The restaurant is one level, with big round tables and some smaller 2-seat tables, all with white tablecloths.

Plunge Grill is a small, open-air buffet restaurant located close to the swimming pool area (La Piscina) on Lido Deck. It serves hot dogs, burgers, and fries at lunch and transforms into an omelet station for breakfast. The venue serves a late breakfast (10-11 am) and lunch items all afternoon.

Ocean View Buffet is the ship's main buffet restaurant with panoramic window seating and contemporary, furniture. This cafeteria-like restaurant has a centrally-located buffet station and doesn't have additional food stations.

Admiralty Club Restaurant is a steakhouse restaurant with a 5-course menu.

Latitude is an a la carte priced, counter-style cafe bar/patisserie located in the corner of Ocean View Buffet. The cafe serves specialty coffees with complimentary, fresh-made pastries and gelato ice-creams.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

The cruise ship had 7 musical venues, multiple lounges, 5 swimming pools and whirlpools, wellness center, 3 shops, 3 kids' areas. Legends Theater (850-seat show lounge) features a large stage and rotating cocktail chairs with tables for drinks. It spreads across 2 decks and has large porthole windows covered by curtains. The signature production shows change every 8 weeks, but include performances of American hits with many costume changes, plus variety acts that feature acrobats, comedians, magicians. In addition to the live performances, the theater lounge is also used for movies.

Wine tastings kick off in the afternoon, as do steel drum band performances and pool parties. Welcome aboard orientations, ship tours, martini tastings, and casino gaming lessons keep travelers occupied until the sun goes down.

Photos of Grand Celebration

Grand Celebration ship related cruise news

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line chartered Grand Classica ship to house workers in New Orleans

A cruise company chartered a ship down to Louisiana State to house workers helping to restore the electric supply after Hurricane Ida passed through...

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line resumes USA-Bahamas voyages on June 2

The Florida-based company Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, which normally operates 2-night voyages from West Palm Beach FL to Freeport (Grand Bahama...

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line ship Grand Celebration sold for scrap

Reportedly, the Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line ship Grand Celebration (previously named "Carnival Celebration" and "Costa Celebration") has been sold...

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line stops taking reservations

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, which operates exclusively voyages from USA to The Bahamas (roundtrips from homeport Palm Beach Florida) has stopped...

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line further delays return to service until November 4

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line on Tuesday, September 1 announced it would resume sailings with the Grand Celebration ship on November 4, 2020, and...

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line resumes sailings on August 28

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line announced an extended suspension of its passenger shipping operations. The official statement of the company's CEO...

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line resumes operations on July 25

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line announced that its sailings will resume onboard Grand Celebration on July 25 and onboard Grand Classica on October 2...

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line to temporarily deploy Grand Celebration ship to the USVI

The US Virgin Islands may see its first-ever floating hotel operation in the harbour of St Thomas Island (Charlotte Amalie, USVI) courtesy of...

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line resumes operations on June 13

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line announced on Friday, April 24, an update to its passenger shipping schedule. Company's Florida tp Bahamas cruises...

Grand Celebration's Sailings Cancelled Ahead of Another Humanitarian Cruise

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line cancelled its September 13, 15, 17 and 19 voyages aboard Grand Celebration due to another post-Hurricane Dorian...

•   show more news

Other Scrapped Cruise Ships cruise ships

• American Countess
• American Duchess
• American Glory
• American Queen
• Amusement World
• Black Watch
• Carnival Ecstasy
• Carnival Fantasy
• Carnival Fascination
• Carnival Imagination
• Carnival Inspiration
• Carnival Sensation
• Carnival Tropicale
• CMV Columbus
• CMV Magellan
• CMV Marco Polo
• Costa Concordia
• Costa neoRomantica
• Costa Victoria
• Golden Iris
• Leisure World
• Marella Celebration
• Marella Dream
• MS Titanic 2
• mv Discovery
• Orient Queen
• Pacific Jewel
• Pride of Burgundy ferry
• Pride of Canterbury ferry
• Pride of Kent ferry
• Pullmantur Horizon
• Pullmantur Monarch
• Pullmantur Sovereign
• Saga Pearl II
• Salamis Filoxenia
• SeaDream Innovation
• SuperStar Aquarius
• SuperStar Gemini
• SuperStar Libra
• Thomson Spirit

Grand Celebration Wiki

The vessel ("MS Celebration"/ aka "Carnival Celebration") was launched on August 9, 1986, delivered to CCL-Carnival Cruise Lines (shipowner) in February 1987 and started its Inaugural Cruise on March 14, 1987.

The vessel (hull/yard number 597) was launched/floated out from drydock on August 9, 1986, and delivered to CCL in February 1987. MS Celebration's Maiden Voyage departed on March 14th (1987).

In June 2008 the boat was renamed to "Grand Celebration" and transferred to IberoCruceros ( Carnival Corporation -owned brand). In November 2014 it was transferred to Costa Cruises (as "Costa Celebration") after Carnival terminated the Ibero brand. However, on November 21 (departure scheduled as Maiden Voyage for Costa), Carnival announced the vessel's sale (to an undisclosed buyer). On November 22, Celebration was removed from Costa's website and all bookings canceled - with either full refunds or rebooking on other Costa ships. On December 23 was revealed the new shipowner - Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line/Margaritaville ( new company brand ). The Inaugural Cruise for Bahamas Paradise started on February 3, 2015 (out of homeport Palm Beach FL ).

In September 2017, the Grand Celebration, the ship was chartered by FEMA (USA's "Federal Emergency Management Agency") as a hotel ship for the US National Guard. The humanitarian mission started in St Thomas Island USVI on September 23, 2017. The charter period was through mid-December. The cruise ship re-entered service on December 23, 2017.

In 2017, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) chartered the cruise ship for 90 days for a total of USD 25,75 million (daily charter rate USD 286,100). During the 90-day period (September through December) the vessel remained docked in Charlotte Amalie (St Thomas USVI) serving as a hotel ship for survivors following the hurricanes Irma and Maria (September 2017). The ship re-entered service for "Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line" in mid-December, continuing its 2-day Palm Beach to Bahamas cruise program. FEMA is a US Government agency (US Department of Homeland Security) created to coordinate the response to all types of disasters in the USA. FEMA overwhelms all other local and state authorities after the governor of a particular state officially request from the US president FEMA's response to the disaster.

Sadly (due to the Coronavirus crisis), in January 2021, the 34-year-old vessel was beached at Alang India and soon scrapped .

Next table shows the ship's last scheduled voyage (in 2021), with prices from USD 130-140 per person (with double occupancy).

"2-Night From West Palm Beach to Nassau Cruise"

The cruise ship's namesake (in the period 1987-2008) is Carnival Celebration (2022- newbuild ).