On the inaugural sailing of the new Margaritaville at Sea Islander from Tampa, Florida, my children ran around the outer deck exploring the world’s first cornhole-meets-mini-golf-course at sea. They swung on a kid-sized hammock strung between palm trees, climbed onto a giant cheeseburger and posed for photos next to a whimsical replica of Key West’s Southernmost Point Buoy.
All around us, guests smiled and swayed to music.
Despite the beverage reference in its name, the Margaritaville brand aims to create spaces that are welcoming and inclusive for all ages — and the newest ship in its cruise portfolio does just that. It’s a vessel truly designed to appeal to everyone, from multigenerational families and groups to solo travelers and couples.
Ship and Deck Details Onboard Margaritaville at Sea Islander
Islander is an exciting step up from the brand’s first ship, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, which launched in 2022 and sails from West Palm Beach, Florida.
A Spirit-class cruise ship that originally sailed as the Costa Atlantica for Costa Cruises (built in 2000), Islander has undergone an extensive transformation. It spans 12 passenger decks, but a highlight of its tropical redesign is the soaring 14-story atrium, complete with glass elevators, lush greenery, colorful parrot and fish sculptures “flying” through midair, a giant Margaritaville flip flop and three sparkling multi-story margarita glass chandeliers suspended above a lively bar.
The branding is immersive and strikes a healthy balance between ocean-inspired and casual chic, with endless details that nod to Jimmy Buffet, island culture, Key West, the Caribbean and nautical life overall.
A Grand Terrace Suite onboard Margaritaville at Sea Islander
Credit: 2024 Linnea BaileyAccommodations Onboard Margaritaville at Sea Islander
The ship’s 1,100 staterooms can accommodate 2,650 passengers, and there are more than 700 suites and staterooms with balconies. Options include Breezy Balcony Staterooms, Grand Terrace Suites, Grand Terrace Corner Suites and ultra-luxurious Signature Grand Suites.
One note for larger families: the ship’s staterooms aren’t designed for more than four passengers, but booking staterooms or suites side by side is an option. Since we’re a family of five, we opted for two spacious Grand Terrace Suites, complete with adjoining balconies, luxurious linens and pillows, comfy convertible sofa beds, glass showers, separate vanities, mini refrigerators and stocked bars.
Each suite had ample storage space, with plentiful cabinet drawers, shelving and closets. We slipped into the cozy bathrobes and slippers that were waiting for us in the closets, and our kids loved zipping between the suites and calling each other on the room phones. The extra space was a luxury; I highly recommend it for families or groups of five or more.
Amenities Onboard Margaritaville at Sea Islander
With certain amenities on the ship designed specifically for adults or children, one of Islander’s greatest strengths is its many offerings designed to appeal to a multigenerational audience.
Highlights on the outer deck for all ages include the sun-soaked Paradise Pickleball at Sea area and the colorful Dis and Dat Activity Zone. My kids also loved the ship’s multiple pools and elevated Caribbean Amphibian Play Pad and Slide, a playground high above the ocean for little ones.
For kids and teens, Islander offers complimentary kids programs organized by age group. Our last evening aboard the ship, our children enjoyed the Jolly Mon and Parakeet Kids’ Clubs while we checked out the adults-only spaces, including Island Eats, Tiki Grill and the Tiki Bar Pool.
A nightclub, casino and multiple bars keep the party going late into the evenings, and the St. Somewhere Spa & Salon beckons with massages, skin treatments and salon services.
Onboard specialty dining options include JWB Prime Steakhouse
Credit: 2024 Linnea BaileyDining Venues Onboard Margaritaville at Sea Islander
For foodies, the Islander offers an exciting array of notable dining options.
Included with clients’ cruise fare are five restaurants: Mexican Cutie Cantina, the islands-inspired Fins Dining, the build-your-own burger venue Cheeseburger in Paradise Burger Bar, the Port of Indecision Buffet and Frank and Lola’s Pizzeria, which serves exceptionally delicious pizza.
Specialty dining options include the signature JWB Prime Steakhouse (which offers exclusive fine dining at the top of the ship’s atrium), a sushi bar and the beloved Margaritaville Coffee Shop. During an evening at Islander Dining, my husband and I sipped Volcano Blast boat drinks and savored flavorful teriyaki salmon, ahi tuna and for dessert a hazelnut “honey do” cake.
Each of the ship’s 13 bars and lounges boasts its own unique beverage menu designed to match its ambiance. The Coral Reef Lounge serves up a selection of both cocktails and mocktails (which my kids loved), for example, while the Far Side of the World Sushi Bar and Lounge offers teen-friendly drinks such as boba milk tea.
Entertainment and Nightlife Onboard Margaritaville at Sea Islander
The star entertainment options on the Islander are its two stage productions, which feature triple-threat performers who sing, dance and play instruments in high-energy shows.
“Conky Tonkin’ at Sea” features a montage of contemporary and classic country favorites with live musicians, while “Caribbean Heat Remix” offers a colorful celebration of Caribbean music with a Mexican twist. Highlights of both shows are star aerialists Viviana and Ricardo, two of the most captivating performers I’ve ever seen.
Day and night, there are ongoing live music options throughout the ship on its pool decks and in bars and lounges. At Havana Daydreamin’ Sports Bar and Lounge, the Fama Latin Duo keeps a lively party going each evening, while guitarist Emman provides electric guitar melodies at Hemisphere Dancer Craft Spirits.
Getting to Margaritaville at Sea Islander
A major plus of the brand’s new port is its accessibility, plus the many amenities and restaurants nearby. There’s an Amtrak station within walking distance from the port, and Tampa International Airport is 15 minutes away.
My own family arrived via train from our home in West Palm Beach, and on the morning we disembarked from the ship, we visited The Florida Aquarium (a five-minute walk from the terminal), where we were able to check our luggage and enjoy the venue before catching our train to head home.
