By: Megan Powell
Free Onboard Credit Plus Kids Sail Free and 40% Off Everyone!
By: Megan Powell
I couldn’t have been more thrilled to choose the Margaritaville at Sea Islander for our cruise vacation! A close friend of mine is the hotel director on the ship, so we just had to go and see it for ourselves. We’ve always loved the charm of older, smaller ships, and knowing this one had just been refurbished made it an absolute must for us.
I’m a huge fan of the Margaritaville brand—I’ve spent countless days at their restaurants and spots in Panama City Beach—but I’d never had the chance to experience one of their cruises. When I found out about the Islander and its longer four-night itineraries, I was beyond excited and couldn’t wait to set sail!
Wow, where do I even begin? The ship’s design and atmosphere blew me away! The Margaritaville theme was so vibrant and beautifully done, with its stunning blues, tropical birds, and island life motifs.
It truly felt like a slice of paradise at sea—something I’ve never seen on any other cruise ship. And the cleanliness? Impeccable! Every corner of the ship sparkled, which only added to the overall experience.
The atrium was an absolute highlight for us. The classic flip-flop design, the nostalgic tributes to Jimmy Buffett’s younger days, and the iconic plane—it all came together perfectly.
We found ourselves constantly gravitating back to the atrium; it was our go-to spot. Whether it was a talented violinist, a guitar player strumming our favorite tunes, or a lively five-person band, there was always something magical happening there.
Our stateroom was an absolute dream! We had a balcony room, and it was everything we hoped for and more.
The extended balcony was massive—we fit two lounge chairs, two regular chairs, and a table with room to spare. The glass barrier that stretched almost six feet high made us feel so safe, especially with our two young kids running around.
The decor was simply adorable. From the pillow that proudly declared “Islander time” to the nautical symbols and the flip-flop prints on the mirrors, every detail was perfect.
And let me tell you, the room was so spacious! Even with the bed let out, we never felt cramped. My husband and I, along with our two kids, were able to relax and enjoy our time together without ever feeling like we were stepping on each other’s toes.
Let’s talk about the food—oh my goodness, it was out of this world!
We dined at Fins every night, and I’m still dreaming about the meals we had.
The Heart of Palm Cake was a revelation! I’d never tried it before, but it was so delicious that I couldn’t stop talking about it. And don’t even get me started on the Nutella French toast at brunch—absolute heaven!
The chicken on this ship was some of the best I’ve ever had anywhere. I was floored by how moist, tender, and flavorful it was, especially considering that on most other cruise ships you often get tough, dry meat. But not here—every bite was perfection!
And the service? Incredible! My daughter has celiac disease, and the staff went above and beyond to accommodate her. The gluten-free options were clearly labeled, and we never had to worry about cross-contamination. It was such a relief to know she could enjoy her meals just like everyone else.
The entertainment on the Islander was phenomenal! Although we didn’t stay out too late because of the kids, what we did experience was fantastic. The acrobats were a real showstopper—unlike anything I’ve ever seen on a ship before.
The live music was also a treat, with a violinist and guitarist playing everything from classic oldies to current hits. It was such a joy to hear a little something for everyone.
And while I’m not a big drinker, I have to mention the soda package for the kids—they were thrilled to have Dr. Pepper on board, which is a rare find on most ships. It’s the little things like that which made our trip extra special.
We had a blast with all the onboard activities! From mini-golf to pickleball, and of course, plenty of time spent in the pool with the giant blender.
The kids especially loved the Disney “name that song” game—it was a hit with everyone on board. There was never a dull moment, and even though we couldn’t do everything, we made some amazing memories.
The service we received on the Islander was nothing short of extraordinary. I’ve never encountered a crew so friendly, warm, and genuinely happy to be there.
Every single crew member greeted us with a smile and went out of their way to make sure we were having the best time. Our dining room servers were absolute stars—they treated our kids like family, performing magic tricks and keeping them entertained every night.
A special shout-out to Amith, the hotel director, who has done an amazing job with the ship. Everything was spotless, and the service was top-notch from start to finish.
Embarkation and disembarkation were a breeze—honestly, easier than any other cruise we’ve been on, even with platinum status.
The ship’s location in Tampa was a bit farther for us, but it was so worth it. There are plenty of fun options for the kids before or after the cruise, and we’re already thinking about combining a future trip with a concert in Tampa. It’s such a convenient spot!
As a real estate agent, I needed reliable Wi-Fi, and I was thrilled with how well it worked on the ship. I even managed to send out a contract offer on our second day without a hitch!
I do hope they add an app in the future, like the ones other cruise lines have, but I still appreciated having a physical daily schedule—especially for my parents, who love to have a paper copy in hand.
I was pleasantly surprised by the mix of passengers on the ship. There was a great blend of younger couples, newlyweds, and older travelers, all enjoying the Margaritaville vibe.
The entertainment and music offered something for everyone, and the atmosphere was lively and welcoming. It was the perfect setting for a fun, inclusive vacation.
Find your fun and get into the Margaritaville state of mind, at sea.
Would I recommend the Margaritaville at Sea Islander? Absolutely, without a doubt—10 out of 10! The service was outstanding, the price was right, and the entertainment was top-notch.
My only suggestion for improvement would be to add an app, but honestly, that’s just a tiny detail. Overall, this was the friendliest, cleanest, and most fun cruise I’ve ever been on. I can’t wait to do it again!
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.