By: Ted
By: Ted
What made me choose the Margaritaville at Sea Islander for my vacation? It was a no-brainer. First off, I’m a huge Jimmy Buffett fan, and with the ship departing right out of Tampa, it couldn’t have been more convenient.
Living just 30 minutes away in St. Petersburg, we were able to skip the hassle of flights and get straight into vacation mode. It’s the ideal option for a quick and easy escape without the usual travel stress.
I’ve dined at the Margaritaville restaurants and stayed at the Margaritaville resorts, and this ship really takes in the best of both of those experiences. I’ve been visiting Margaritaville restaurants for years all over the country, and when I heard they had a cruise ship, I knew I had to try it out. The Margaritaville theme shaped the whole experience, and let’s be honest—who doesn’t love Jimmy Buffett? I figured if I loved their restaurants, the cruise would be awesome too.
Plus, did I mention that in just 30 minutes, I can go from my front door to full-on vacation mode? It doesn't get easier than that.
The ship was everything I expected from a Margaritaville experience—tropical, fun, and lively. It’s like stepping into a tropical getaway with palm trees, parrots, and water-themed décor everywhere. Margarita blenders and limes were scattered around the ship, which added to the vibe. They really nailed the tropical theme, and I loved it.
The atrium was probably the most impressive area, with palm trees and birds hanging from the ceiling. You could stand there and just take it all in. The flip-flop logo and the window elevator added some extra charm. I found myself outside most of the time, enjoying the live music, the ocean views, and of course, the tiki bar. The pool, the corn hole course—Margaritaville-themed, of course—and even the water slide made it all the more fun.
We stayed in a Breezy Balcony stateroom, and the décor didn’t disappoint. Parrots, beaches, and island-themed artwork decorated the room, and it felt like a part of the whole Margaritaville experience.
I’ve been on ships like this before, so I knew what to expect. The size of the ship was perfect—easy to get around and not overly crowded. My wife and I spent a lot of time on the balcony, and everything was just the right amount of space.
Beds were super comfortable, and I didn’t need to worry about outlets with USB ports right by the bed. Everything was convenient.
We tried a little bit of everything on the ship, and I have to say, the food was incredible. Fins and the Islander had great options, but the JWB Steakhouse was hands down the best. Yes, it costs a little extra, but the steak and seafood were worth every penny.
The service was outstanding everywhere on the ship, and the staff really took care of us. One standout for me was the Cheeseburger in Paradise Burger Bar by the pool—it was one of the best cheeseburgers I’ve ever had.
Another spot that surprised me was the Mexican Cutie Cantina. Everything was fresh and delicious. Overall, it was probably the best food I’ve had on any cruise.
When it came to entertainment, this ship delivered.
Every night, there was something different—a song and dance show, a magician, or a comedian. It was all very entertaining, and the live music was all over the ship. From steel drums to violinists in the lounges, the music really set the mood.
One thing I didn’t expect was the variety at the bars. Each one had its own menu, which made bar hopping a little more fun. Tiki Bar, Havana Daydreamin' Bar, Bubbles Up—they all had unique cocktails, and it was cool to try something new at each stop.
As for activities, we did it all. By far, the highlight was parasailing in Key West—what a rush! We got to see the entire island from the sky, with the cruise ship below us. In Cozumel, we went speed boating and snorkeling, which was just as incredible.
The water was crystal clear, and the fish were so colorful and friendly.
Onboard, we spent most of our time out by the pool or playing a lot of corn hole. It was really unique because the course was laid out just like a mini-golf course, something I’ve never seen before. There was a tournament going on, but I didn’t participate since I’m not the best and definitely need more practice. Still, it was a lot of fun to play.
The crew on the Margaritaville at Sea Islander was fantastic. They went out of their way to make sure we were having a great time.
I have to give a shout-out to Vlad at the Hemisphere Dancer bar—he was awesome and super friendly.
Another standout was Alex at the Bubbles Up bar; she was always smiling, even with a camera in her face all the time.
The hotel director, Mr. A, was constantly going around, shaking hands and making sure everyone was happy.
The whole crew really seemed to care.
Embarkation and disembarkation were a breeze. We boarded in about 15-20 minutes, and getting off the ship was just as quick.
No hassles with customs—just a photo, and you’re on your way.
The location in Tampa is super convenient too. We live in St. Petersburg, just a short 30-minute drive, so it’s easy to hop on a cruise without worrying about flying. It’s the perfect getaway for a few days without the travel headaches.
I didn’t have any issues with technology. The Wi-Fi worked well if you needed it, but I didn’t mind disconnecting.
Every day, a printed newspaper would be delivered to our room, letting us know what was going on. They don’t have an app right now, but honestly, I liked the old-school feel of the paper. It added to the charm of the cruise.
Whether you’re swapping stories over a margarita or just soaking up the relaxed atmosphere, the company on this cruise is all about good times without the uptight attitude. It’s a ship full of friendly faces, all in the spirit of island living!
The crowd on board was super friendly—a lively mix of people, all there for a good time.
There were a few Parrotheads dressed in 5 o’clock somewhere shirts, but it wasn’t overwhelming.
Mostly, it was a mix of families and couples, with not too many kids. Everyone seemed to be in a good mood, and we met some really cool people along the way.
Find your fun and get into the Margaritaville state of mind, at sea.
Would I recommend the Margaritaville at Sea Islander? Absolutely. If you live near Tampa, it’s an easy, seamless vacation. It’s the perfect tropical getaway, with great food, entertainment, and excursions.
I’m already looking forward to their new itineraries next year, and I can’t wait to book another trip. It’s been one of the most fun, hassle-free vacations I’ve ever taken.
Whether you want to wind down, stop by the spa, chill by the pool, or kick back in your stateroom, every second aboard Margaritaville at Sea is a chance for adventure.
