Margaritaville at Sea Islander Makes Maiden Voyage from Tampa
The newly designed Margaritaville at Sea Islander set sail today on her inaugural voyage, departing from Port Tampa Bay to Cozumel, Mexico, on a four-night journey.
The fully reimagined ship spans 12 passenger decks, accommodating up to 2,650 adventure-seeking passengers, and offers an array of exciting new dining, entertainment, and island destinations.
Christopher Ivy, CEO of Margaritaville at Sea, expressed enthusiasm for the new experience, stating that the Islander provides couples, families, and friends with an unforgettable journey filled with new spaces and experiences, making the voyage just as enjoyable as the destinations.
Godmother Savannah Buffett, daughter of Jimmy Buffett, christened the ship with a blessing, celebrating the start of its voyages. Following the inaugural sailing to Cozumel, the Islander will continue to offer four- and five-night cruises to Key West and Mexico. In 2025, the ship will expand its itineraries to include Belize, Jamaica, and Grand Cayman on extended six- and seven-night trips, broadening the range of tropical destinations for its passengers.
The Islander introduces six new dining concepts and 11 bars and lounges, including the world’s only three-story LandShark Bar at Sea with 360-degree ocean views. The ship also features familiar Margaritaville favorites such as JWB Prime Steakhouse and Cheeseburger in Paradise. Highlights include the Far Side of the World Sushi Bar, Mexican Cutie Cantina, Island Eats seafood shack, The Flip Flop Atrium, Hot, Hot, Hot Night Club, and Bubbles Up Lounge and Champagne Bar, offering a variety of culinary and entertainment options.
Guests can enjoy two new live production shows and themed nights. The original shows include "Conky Tonkin' at Sea," a country-themed musical journey, and "Caribbean Heat Remix," an electrifying celebration of Caribbean culture through dance and acrobatics. Themed experiences like Boots and Bubbles (Dress to Impress) and Rock the Trop add to the onboard entertainment, ensuring a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere throughout the voyage.
Family-friendly entertainment is also abundant, with attractions such as the Caribbean Amphibian Play Pad & Slide, designed for young adventurers, and the Dis and Dat Activity Zone, a unique cornhole-meets-mini-golf course. The Defying Gravity Experience offers circus-themed workshops, interactive game shows, and scavenger hunts, providing engaging activities for guests of all ages.
The Islander features 1,105 redesigned staterooms, each reflecting the sand, sea, and sky with new furnishings and Margaritaville signature bedding. With 12 different stateroom and suite types, the ship caters to various needs, from cozy interiors to 700 balcony staterooms and six ultra-exclusive Signature Suites. This range ensures comfortable accommodations for everyone, whether traveling as a couple, family, solo, or in larger groups.
