Life Is Good On The Margaritaville at Sea Islander

Jimmy Buffett once said, “Shells sink, dreams float. Life’s good on our boat.” The newly designed Margaritaville at Sea Islander is one of the best vacation values at sea. She set sail June 11 -13 for a preview cruise, before her inaugural four-night voyage departing from Port Tampa Bay to Cozumel, Mexico. Welcome to Islander Time. Fins Up! 

This fun-filled, two-night journey onboard the fully reimagined ship highlight the spirit of Buffet’s songs spanning 12 passenger decks. Up to 2,650 adventure-seeking passengers have an array of exciting new dining, three swimming pools, elevated whirlpools, Las Vegas-style entertainment, and beautiful island destinations.

“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,” said Christopher Ivy, CEO of Margaritaville at Sea. “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.”

The Islander sets sail under the blessing of Godmother Savannah Buffett, Jimmy Buffett’s daughter, who said at the ship’s christening, “Bubbles up, cheers to many a lovely cruise. To the winds in our hair and margaritas in our shoes, fins up forever.” Savannah spent much of her childhood traveling on seaplanes, sailboats, and tour buses with her father. Raised amidst the rhythm of the waves and the allure of sandy shores, Savannah’s childhood was immersed in maritime culture.

While at an informative session led by Cruise Director Zee Jay, with Christopher Ivy, CEO of Margaritaville at Sea and Amanda Sausmer, Digital Marketing Manager Margaritaville Beach Resort, I learned when Ivy and his Margaritaville team looked for a new ship, they evaluated 7 or 8 ships before they selected Costa Atlantica. When they saw Atlantica, it gave the brand a perfect vessel to bring to life the Margaritaville brand at sea.

Lyrics are featured in the guest rooms and suits. Buffett’s  face is in the stairway, and his music is in the background. Buffet has a presence on the ship. The art behind his lifestyle is replicated, thoughtful areas include a collection of flip flops designed by a different artists. Bubbles Up lyrics behind the lifestyle and brand Havana Dreaming. Fans recognize and those unfamiliar with

The team excitedly launch a brand new reimagined vessel. “The ship was built in Finland over 20 years ago, and is a very successful Spirit class of ship,” said Ivy. Costa did a good job taking care of the ship. We did an ambitious renovation in Belfast and now she is here in Tampa Bay.” The ship was repainted with attention to detail from aft to bow. “We made the ship a better environment for the crew,” said Ivy. “She performs better today than she did 20 years ago.”

Since Margaritaville is a brand about the ocean and beach, we want to continue to be at the sea,” said Ivy. “New ships take 3 to 5 years, purchasing an existing ship saves time.” The color, the art, and the curb appeal on the outside of the ship has people saying, “That looks like a fun place to be.”

Signature Dining & Lounges

Amanda Sausmer stated, “After Atlantica was purchased, we had new spaces to think about, new menus for the restaurants, bars  and lounges. Celebrating six new dining concepts and 11 bars and lounges exclusive to the Islander, they proudly opened the world’s only three-story LandShark Bar at Sea with spectacular 360-degree ocean views. The ship also features familiar Margaritaville favorites such as JWB Prime Steakhouse and Cheeseburger in Paradise. 

Island inspired cuisine is inspired by what is popular right now in Florida to the Caribbean, Key West to Mexico, and a touch New Orleans flair, where Jimmy grew up. Magaritaville is a place where everyone is welcome.

Far Side of the World Sushi Bar

Asian-fusion sushi bar and lounge showcasing innovative creations like Signature Sea-Cuterie Boards and favorites like Crunchy Volcano Rolls and Far Side Sushi.

Mexican Cutie Cantina

In Jimmy Buffett’s song ‘Margaritaville’ he sings, “But it’s a real beauty, A Mexican cutie,” and 
the ship’s cantina pays homage to this line with a complimentary dining concept outside on deck 9. This is where guests can customize their own street-style tacos or enjoy a breakfast burrito or quesadilla along with their first margarita of the day.

Island Eats –An adults-only area that serves seafood inside The Tiki Bar at the stern of the ship. Crave-worthy ocean bar bites include peel-and-eat shrimp, tuna nachos, crab salad, along with Margaritas, Mai-Tais and Zombies.

The Flip Flop Atrium

A central lounge located at the heart of Islander’s soaring 14-story atrium, serving up signature cocktails and expertly shaken libations. 

Bubbles Up Lounge and Champagne Bar

A uniquely buoyant space where guests can sip on bubbly, upscale wines, and featured cocktails beneath twinkling bubbles. Named after Jimmy Buffetts ‘Bubbles Up’ song – “Bubbles up, they will point you towards home, no matter how deep or how far you roam.  They will show you the surface, the plot and the purpose, so, when the journey gets long, just know that you are loved, there is light up above and the joy is always enough, Bubbles up.” 

Show-Stopping Original Entertainment Onboard

Guests can enjoy two new live Caribbean and Nashville-style production shows at 9:30 p.m. There are also two fun and fabulous theme nights, and poolside activities with live music nearby.  Caribbean Heat Remix is an amplified version of a Margaritaville at Sea fan favorite. This show excites the audience with a celebration of different Caribbean Islands through electrifying dance, thrilling acrobatics, and the hypnotic beats of the Caribbean, Key West and Mexico. 

‘Conky Tonkin’ at Sea

Join headliners Bella, Lenny, and the gang for a boot-stomping, feather-shaking trip to Nashville during this one-of-a-kind, country-themed spectacular at sea. The surprise-filled musical journey features the perfect mash-up of contemporary and classic country favorites that will have the crowd singing along. 

After the show, visit Hot, Hot, Hot Night Club, a two-story nightclub at sea, where guests can dance into the early morning hours, and maybe see some hair-raising feats.

Fun for All Ages

Little ones will love the onboard family-friendly entertainment. Guests of all ages can splash, putting on a show, play corn hole, mini-golf, and making memories.

•  Caribbean Amphibian Play Pad & Slide – Designed for young adventurers, this paradise playground features an elevated play space, waterslide, and splash-and-spray “lily” pad for fun-filled exploration.

•   Dis and Dat Activity Zone – The whole family can join the challenge on the first-ever cornhole-meets-mini-golf course at sea. This unique take on two fan-favorite games on the outer deck will put guests’ skills to the test for one-of-a-kind fun.

•  Defying Gravity Experience – A family experience for all ages with unbelievable circus-themed workshops, interactive game shows, and scavenger hunts.

Caribbean and Mexican Beach- Theme Shops 

From flip-flops, t-shirts, hats, shorts,  jewelry, perfume, toys, and snacks the shops have everything you need while onboard.

Margaritaville Hotels have a portfolio of resorts and bring some of the fan favorites at sea. Following the inaugural sailing to Cozumel, the new Margaritaville at Sea Islander will continue to sail four- and five-night cruises to Key West and Mexico. In 2025, the ship will add the additional island hot spots of Belize, Jamaica, and Grand Cayman on extended six- and seven-night itineraries.