Margaritaville at Sea announced that it will add a second cruise ship to its fleet. Named Margaritaville at Sea Islander, the 2,650-passenger ship will be larger than its predecessor, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, and will set sail in June of 2024.
The fully redesigned flagship vessel will depart from its homeport of Port Tampa Bay, Fla., and will sail four- and five-night itineraries. Stops will include destinations such as Key West, Fla., along with Cozumel and Progreso in Mexico.
“Since we launched our first ship, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, last year, we’ve been working to expand what our guests have been asking for: more amazing views, longer itineraries and new ports of call,” said Christopher Ivy, CEO of Margaritaville at Sea. “The addition of the Islander is an exciting moment for Margaritaville at Sea and marks the next chapter of growth for our business. We are also pleased to add Tampa as a new homeport — the perfect location to provide access to our adventurous new itineraries in and around the Gulf of Mexico.”
The vessel will offer 11 categories of staterooms and suites.
Credit: 2023 Margaritaville at Sea
What to Expect Onboard Margaritaville at Sea Islander
The vessel is currently undergoing a dramatic transformation, and when it debuts as Islander, clients can expect 1,105 redesigned staterooms with nods to “sand, sea and sky,” according to the line. Accommodations will boast new furnishings, including Margaritaville’s own unique bedding, pillows and linens. There will be 12 different categories encompassing 700 balcony varieties, including spacious Grand Terrace Corner Suites and Serene Junior Suites, as well as Wake View Balcony, Premium Extended Balcony and Breezy Balcony staterooms.
Plus, six Signature Grand Suites will be themed to songs like “Come Monday” and “Everlasting Moon” complete with expansive balconies with loungers, sizable walk-in showers, upgraded furnishings and a separate dining area; plus priority check-in, boarding and disembarkation; private concierge service and lounge access; free nightly dinners in the Islander Dining Room; etc.
Clients’ onboard experience will be anchored by the ship’s 14-deck atrium, which will showcase an oversize Margaritaville flip flop, three margarita glass chandeliers and a central bar. Also of note will be the expansive three-story poolside LandShark Bar at Sea.
We’ve been working to expand what our guests have been asking for: more amazing views, longer itineraries and new ports of call.
For families, Islander will offer a water playspace called Caribbean Amphibian Splash and Slide, as well as mini-golf course and corn hole.
Onboard Entertainment
Entertainment coming to the redesigned vessel will predominantly be two scripted production shows and two themed experiences. On stage will be “Conky Tonkin’ at Sea” as a trip to Nashville with a blend of classic and contemporary country tunes and “Caribbean Heat Remix,” which combines dance, acrobatics and beats via Key West, Fla., and Mexico. Then “Boots and Bubbles (Dress to Impress)” will call on guests to dance and dine the night away with themed activities and, of course, Champagne and bourbon. “Rock the Trop” will bring it all together with a rock ’n’ roll party and daytime activities leading up to the festivities.
Dining Venues
In total, there will be six new dining concepts and 11 new bars and lounges. Expanding further on the updated ship’s options will be the Islander Dining Room, Far Side of the World Sushi Bar, Mexican Cutie Cantina and Island Eats (think peel-and-eat shrimp and tuna nachos) and Tiki Grill (i.e. crispy smothered wings and pina colada creme brulee) inside the adults-only Tiki Bar. Other watering holes on the list will be The Flip Flop Atrium; aquarium-themed Coral Reef Lounge with nightly entertainment; Far Side of the World Arcade and Lounge; double-decker Hot, Hot, Hot Night Club; Hemisphere Dancer Craft Spirits; Love and Luck Casino Bar; Havana Daydreamin’ Sports Bar and Lounge and Bubbles Up Lounge and Champagne Bar.
Restaurant options will include signature venues like JWB Prime Steakhouse and Rita’s Taco House. Brand loyalists will find other familiar offerings, too, such as Paradise Pickleball at Sea, Frank and Lola’s Pizzeria, Margaritaville Coffee Shop and, of course, Cheeseburger in Paradise.
Islander’s maiden voyage, set for June 14, 2024, will be a four-day sailing encompassing two relaxing sea days and a stop at Cozumel. Updates and preview incentives can be found online.
Offerings for Kids and Families
Islander will come equipped with many family-friendly features, such as the Caribbean Amphibian Play Pad & Slide and the Dis and Dat Activity Zone, the latter of which will be a unique cornhole-meets-mini-golf course. There will also be Paradise Pickleball at Sea, a circus-themed Defying Gravity Experience with workshops and games and the Far Side of the World Arcade and Lounge. The ship’s family pool will be dubbed 5 o’Clock Somewhere, and the Coral Reef Lounge will take inspiration from aquariums with mermaids, mocktails, family karaoke, comedy acts and more.
As for signature children’s and teens’ clubs, the ocean-inspired Jolly Mon will cover ages 3-5, while Parakeets Kid’s Club (6-9), The Hang Out (10-12) and The Far Out (13-17) will host other age groups. Activities will range from magic workshops and a disc jockey academy to sports tournaments and movie nights.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on March 28, 2024. It was last updated on May 30, 2024.
