Margaritaville at Sea Islander Commences Maiden Voyage from Tampa

Margaritaville Maiden Voyage

The newly redesigned Margaritaville at Sea Islander set sail today on its inaugural voyage, departing from Port Tampa Bay to Cozumel, Mexico, on a four-night journey. The fully reimagined ship, spanning 12 passenger decks and accommodating up to 2,650 adventure-seeking passengers, offers a range of exciting new dining, entertainment, and island destinations.

A Celebration of Island Time

The Islander sets sail under the blessing of Godmother Savannah Buffett, Jimmy Buffett's daughter, who christened the ship with a heartfelt message: "Bubbles up, cheers to many a lovely cruise. To the winds in our hair and margaritas in our shoes, fins up forever." This celebration marks the beginning of a new chapter for Margaritaville at Sea, providing an entirely new way to experience the Margaritaville state of mind on the open ocean.

Margaritaville at Sea Logo

Christopher Ivy, CEO of Margaritaville at Sea, expressed his excitement: "We're thrilled to kick off the summer by giving guests the opportunity to experience the Margaritaville state of mind on the open ocean like never before. The Islander offers an entirely new way to float into island time, providing couples, families, and friends an unforgettable journey with new spaces and experiences to explore, making the voyage just as enjoyable as the destinations."

New Destinations and Itineraries

Following the inaugural sailing to Cozumel, the Islander will continue to offer four- and five-night cruises to Key West and Mexico. Starting in 2025, the ship will expand its itinerary to include additional island hotspots such as Belize, Jamaica, and Grand Cayman on extended six- and seven-night cruises. These varied itineraries ensure that guests can choose the perfect island getaway to suit their preferences.

Signature Dining and Lounges

The Islander boasts six new dining concepts and 11 bars and lounges exclusive to the ship, including the world's only three-story LandShark Bar at Sea, offering unbeatable 360-degree ocean views. Guests can also enjoy familiar Margaritaville favorites such as JWB Prime Steakhouse and Cheeseburger in Paradise.

  • Far Side of the World Sushi Bar features innovative Asian-fusion creations like Signature Sea-Cuterie Boards and Crunchy Volcano Rolls.
  • Mexican Cutie Cantina offers a complimentary concept where guests can customize their own street-style tacos or enjoy a breakfast burrito before the first margarita of the day.
  • Island Eats provides an adults-only seafood shack experience, offering delicious ocean bar bites like peel-and-eat shrimp and crab salad.
  • The Flip Flop Atrium serves up signature cocktails in a central lounge located at the heart of the ship’s soaring 14-story atrium.
  • Hot, Hot, Hot Night Club is the hottest two-story nightclub at sea, perfect for dancing the night away.
  • Bubbles Up Lounge and Champagne Bar offers a buoyant space where guests can sip on bubbly, upscale wines, and featured cocktails beneath twinkling bubbles.

Show-Stopping Entertainment

Guests can enjoy two new live production shows and two themed nights, along with poolside activities and music unique to the ship.

Conky Tonkin' at Sea is a country-themed spectacular featuring a blend of contemporary and classic country favorites, ensuring a boot-stomping, feather-shaking good time.

Caribbean Heat Remix is an electrifying show celebrating the vibrant and alluring world of Caribbean Heat through dance, acrobatics, and the hypnotic beats of Key West and Mexico.

To complement these live shows, the Islander features themed experiences like Boots and Bubbles and Rock the Trop, adding an extra layer of fun and excitement to each cruise.

Fun for All Ages

The Islander offers family-friendly entertainment for guests of all ages, including:

  • Caribbean Amphibian Play Pad & Slide: A paradise playground for young adventurers featuring an elevated play space, waterslide, and splash-and-spray "lily" pad.
  • Dis and Dat Activity Zone: A unique cornhole-meets-mini-golf course on the outer deck, perfect for family fun.
  • Defying Gravity Experience: A family experience with circus-themed workshops, interactive game shows, and scavenger hunts.

Guests can also unwind in their fully redesigned staterooms, each featuring new furnishings, fixtures, and Margaritaville signature bedding, pillows, and linens. With 12 different stateroom and suite types, there’s a comfortable space for everyone, from cozy interiors to ultra-exclusive Signature Suites.

Set Sail on a Unique Adventure with S.W. Black Travel

Margaritaville at Sea Islander offers an unmatched blend of fun, relaxation, and adventure, making every moment of the voyage as enjoyable as the destinations. With its new dining concepts, unique entertainment, and family-friendly activities, the Islander promises an unforgettable experience for all.

For expert travel advice, quotes, or to discuss your future travel plans, please set an appointment with one of our travel consultants at S.W. Black Travel. We are dedicated to crafting personalised travel experiences that cater to your every need. As an Australian-owned boutique travel agency, we offer a wide range of travel options, including flights, tours, cruises, and hotels worldwide.

Shane Black

Shane is the founder & managing director of S.W. Black Travel. He has travelled extensively and is never too far away from his next trip. His extensive knowledge and dedication to providing exceptional travel experiences have established S.W. Black Travel as a premier travel agency. Shane’s vision is to create unforgettable journeys for clients, combining personalised service with expert insights into the world’s most captivating destinations.

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