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You know that phrase "ballin' on a budget?" It's the idea that you can still have and enjoy nice things without needing to spend a lot of money. 


That's essentially what travelers setting sail aboard one of Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville at Sea cruises are trying to tap into. The refurbished cruise ship offers 3-day, 2-night trips to the Bahamas starting at just $169 a person. But, according to TikTokers who have taken the budget vacation, the trip left them feeling wasted away in Margaritaville. 

@travelspree Would you go on this cruise? #fyp #foryoupage #margaritaville #margaritavilleatsea #margaritavillecruise #cruise #cruiseship #cruisetok #cruiselife #cruiser ♬ origineel geluid - Tik Toker

In one viral TikTok video, user @travelspree showed the less-than-desirable conditions of the ship, which included torn loungers, a cracked shower, and a whole lot of filth. On one hand, we can't help but ask, "Well surely for $169 a pop, you didn't think you'd be sleeping with silk sheets and bathing in a golden bathtub?" On the other, we are genuinely wondering if the ship has housekeeping services or maintenance employees of any kind for that matter. 


Another 9-minute video shares a more involved glimpse at what the cruise experience is like, from booking to setting sail. The TikToker, @cruise.blog mentioned that it was obvious the cruise ship was older, but that it has a "certain charm" she felt guests might enjoy given the quick trip itinerary. Of her stateroom, she said that although it was spacious, the mini fridge was busted, rusty, and moldy. Um, no thank you. The onboard entertainment was solid, according to the TikToker, but the restaurants weren't anything to write home about. 


Gallery: 20 Bucket-List Cruises Worth Saving For

@cruise.blog Replying to @bronxgirl245 You asked and we delivered! Here’s our review of Margaritaville at Sea. #cruise #cruisetok #cruiseship #cruiseblog #margaritaville #margaritavilleatsea #fyp #cruisereview ♬ original sound - cruise.blog

Here's the deal: If you want to go on a quick, cheap trip to the Bahamas, and you don't mind shower curtains that are too short, a little mold on your mini fridge, or other less-than-ideal details, then you might consider shelling out a couple hundred bucks. If nothing else, you can monetize the experience by complaining about the experience on TikTok post-cruise. 


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