Setting Sail on the Margaritaville Islander

Jimmy Buffett said life is too short not to escape to paradise as often as possible. After a 4-night cruise on the Margaritaville Islander, I have to agree. There’s nothing like a getaway at sea to clear your head and make you realize life is meant to be celebrated.

I consider myself to be pretty lucky to live in the Sarasota area. I have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world just 45 minutes from my home.

Still, no matter where you live, you can easily get caught up in all the things to do, like cooking, cleaning, laundry, and of course, work. I can spend a few hours at the beach, but once I get home, all those chores call to me again.

However, once you’re on that beautiful Margaritaville Islander ship, all those responsibilities fade away, even if for only five days. For five blissful days, I was pampered.

• the meals of my choice were placed in front of me
• my room was freshened twice a day
• I was able to really relax and enjoy the entertainment
• tropical cocktails were a few steps away from anywhere on the ship
• beautiful sunsets ended each day
• a fun crowd of other people who were also relishing this little break from everyday life.

I took my daughters with me on this 4-night itinerary on Margaritaville At Sea Islander, and we made fantastic memories I’ll be holding on to forever. Thinking about a cruise? Grab your cruise packing list and start planning.

About Margaritaville At Sea

In 2022, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville partnered with Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line to bring us the Margaritaville at Sea “Paradise”, the first of the new cruise line’s vessels. Later in 2024, the cruise line acquired a new ship, which became the Margaritaville at Sea Islander.

The goal of Margaritaville at Sea has been to take Margaritaville’s “iconic hospitality” and tropical aesthetic and transform it into a relaxing vacation experience on the open sea. Both ships are equipped with charming staterooms and suites, themed restaurants, swimming pools, and much more. 

While the Margaritaville at Sea “Paradise” specializes in shorter voyages to Key West and The Bahamas, the Islander expanded the cruise line’s horizons to include longer trips to Key West and new destinations in Mexico and the Western Caribbean.

Islander Cozumel Four Night Itinerary

For our family’s latest adventure, we set out for Mexico with the 4-Night cruise to Cozumel, which included a day on the ship in Port Tampa Bay until we set sail in early evening.

This was my second time on this particular sailing, and during the summer when the sun sets later, going under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge when leaving the Tampa area is wild.

I see the bridge from driving over it pretty often, but going under it (so close!) was a special treat. Still, when the sun goes down earlier and the bridge is lit up with color, it’s a pretty amazing sight, too.

If you’re planning to stay overnight before your cruise, check out my list of the best restaurants in downtown Tampa.

TIP: Be at the top of the three-story Landshark Bar for the best view of going under the bridge!

This itinerary includes an all-day stop at one of Mexico’s most beautiful cruise ports, as well as two days at sea to enjoy the gorgeous weather and everything the Margaritaville at Sea Islander has to offer. 

Islander Staterooms

On board, there are twelve different options when it comes to booking your room— ranging from cozy Interior Staterooms, all the way to Deck 7’s spacious Signature Grand Suites. We stayed in a Grand Terrace Suite on this sailing, which we loved.

A ton of exclusive amenities become available when you book this room, including priority boarding and debarkation, upgraded linens, an upgraded seasonal menu for nightly dining in the Islander Dining Room, and much more.

This suite was just right for 3 people, with plenty of room to move about. The staff split the room’s queen bed into two twins and the couch pulled out to make a wider surface. So you know, this couch does not pull out to make what many would consider to be a bed. The bottom part of the couch simply pulls out to make it wider. For a child or someone like my daughter who is very petite, it worked great.

The bathroom was large and we loved the bit of extra privacy added by the Vanity area. This is where you’ll find the hairdryer and a few drawers for toiletries. Closets are opposite the vanity, making this a great place to change and get ready when you have two or three people in the room.

Our room even came with a private balcony— perfect for soaking up the sun, getting some peace and quiet with a good book, and watching those spectacular sunsets.

The Islander Ship

This ship is inspired by singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, so you’ll see that tropical lifestyle vibe everywhere, from the wall art and sheets in the rooms to the flip-flops all around the ship. You’ll also hear music from Jimmy Buffett throughout the ship, including music videos and recordings of live concerts.

Whether you’re a Parrothead, a seasoned cruiser, or just looking for a fun and relaxed getaway, the Margaritaville Islander delivers on all fronts.

Once we were settled in, we were ready to explore and see what the rest of the Islander had in store for us. We joined our fellow shipmates on Deck 9 for the Sail Away Party and got our first look at the pool.

You’ll find three swimming pools aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Islander:

• The Landshark Pool
• 5 O’Clock Somewhere Pool and
• The adults-only Tiki Bar Pool towards the stern.

Each pool has an attached hot tub and plenty of seating, and there’s even a Caribbean Amphibian Play Pad and Slide for kids on Deck 11.

One of the coolest parts of our visit was finding out we would have our own private cabana. Right by the Landshark Pool, there was a seating area with blinds and comfy patio chairs, as well as a table with our room number on it.

Being able to return to the same place every time we went up to the pool deck was so convenient. We spent a lot of time at our cabana, whether during downtime on sailing days or when we wanted to grab a bite to eat.

This is such a great option for families with younger kids, too. Mom could still enjoy the ship while the younger kids nap, and older kids always know where to find you.

Dining Options

Speaking of food, there is definitely something for everyone on the Islander cruise ship. The Margaritaville at Sea Islander has a wide array of dining options, from fine dining locations to a poolside burger bar, and everything in between.

We often made our way to the Islander Dining Room for brunch as it was included in our booking, but the Port of Indecision Buffett had fantastic breakfast options as well.

For lunch, we loved stopping by the aptly named Cheeseburger in Paradise Burger Bar or grabbing a slice at Frank & Lola’s Pizzeria. Both are so good, but the cheeseburger! I don’t know what they do to it, but it is insanely good.

The Mexican Cutie Cantina also had a lot of breakfast and lunch options, but keep in mind that they close in the afternoon. That’s my only pet peeve for the entire cruise!

Other options include Fins Dining, which is the main dining room, JWB Prime Steakhouse, Far Side Sushi, the adults-only Island Eats and Tiki Grill, and the Margaritaville Coffee Shop.

Our favorite place to have dinner was by far the Islander Dining Room. The Dining Room is now complimentary, but as suite guests, we were given access to a special menu of seasonally-driven items that changed a bit every night.

Adding the Islander Dining Room as a complimentary option for everyone means no more long lines at Fins Dining Room, as all guests have both options.

And just my two cents here; Margaritaville At Sea did not need to do that, but I am so glad they did. They saw a way to make something better and just did it. I love that about the company.

There were even window-side tables that looked out toward the water, so you could catch a gorgeous sunset during your meal, or watch the calming waves during brunch. The Islander Dining Room crew members were an absolute delight, and we found ourselves chatting with our servers each and every evening.

Onboard Activities

Once you’ve sated your appetite, you’ll have plenty of energy to enjoy the host of activities onboard. We were given an itinerary of events each day, so we never had to miss out on the action! Just look for your Islander Cruise News & Daily Schedule each day. You may even get a towel animal along with it.

There were special toasts, tours of the bridge, family game shows, scavenger hunts, live music, and a party on the pool deck each time the Margaritaville at Sea Islander set sail.

You’ll also be able to catch a live performances at the Stars on the Water Theater each night, so make sure to check your schedule. The Caribbean Heat Remix and country music themed Conky Tonkin’ were fun. If you like dressing up Western-style, there will be a night for that, so pack accordingly.

You’ll also find cornhole, mini golf, and a pickleball court in the Dis ‘n Dat Activity Zone on Deck 11. The ship is also equipped with a fitness center, spa, salon, teen and tween lounges, an arcade, and more. 

Thirsty? Say no more— you’re on Margaritaville At Sea, after all! There are 10+ bars and lounges aboard, and a delicious assortment of cocktails and beverages to enjoy.

Some highlights are the Flip Flop Atrium Bar, the Hot, Hot, Hot Nightclub, and the Love and Luck Casino Bar. Don’t forget to check out the Margaritaville Casino if you’re feeling lucky— it’s worth stopping by for the atmosphere alone. 

Looking for a truly exclusive experience? There’s also a secret lounge for guests who are in-the-know, where you can:

• sample some truly special (and strong!) drinks not available anywhere else on the ship.
• experience a bit of the real life of Jimmy Buffett.

If you’re curious, stop by the Concierge and ask about the QMN Lounge, a unique and delightful hidden gem. 

Margaritaville Islander Excursions

Excursions vary by destination, so make sure to check what’s available when you book. As of now, there are 17 excursions in Cozumel on the Margaritaville at Sea website.

You can see the sights and taste local specialties on the “Cozumel Private Van Tour”, embark on a coastal adventure with the “Deluxe Beach, Sail & Snorkel” excursion, or sample six delicious liquors during the aptly named “Become a Tequila & Mezcal Connoisseur” experience.

There are also plenty of active excursions such as the “Dune Buggy” and “Sea Trek” excursions, so you can easily pick what suits you or your family best.

We loved the Barefoot Beach Cookout excursion where we learned to prepare and cook our own lunch of mahi and veggies. Did someone say unlimited margaritas?

A Perfect Vacation at a Great Price

We got our fill of sand, sun, and fun on the Margaritaville at Sea Islander. From the lovely ship and fantastic food to the spectacular service, it really was an unforgettable trip for all three of us.

It also looks like we’re not the only ones who feel this way about Margaritaville At Sea. This year, USA Today 10Best awarded Margaritaville At Sea #1 for Best Cruise Line for Solo Travelers, #3 out of 10 for Best Cruise Line for Families, and #2 out of 10 for Best Ocean Cruise Lines. In all three categories, they beat out some very popular cruise lines.

If you’re a Jimmy Buffett fan at heart, or you’re looking to book your next cruise vacation, the Islander is definitely a ship to consider. The next time you think “it’s 5 o’clock somewhere”, you can remember that there are memories to last a lifetime waiting out on the Caribbean Sea.

Note: I received a complimentary sailing as media to share my experience on Margaritaville At Sea.

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