Margaritaville at Sea

Beachy fun takes center stage on the Islander, the new Jimmy Buffet-themed ship.

BY BETH ANN DRAKE

The Jimmy Buffet legacy lives on through the Islander, Margaritaville at Sea’s newest addition to their line of cruise ships. Based locally out of Port Tampa, the Islander set sail on an inaugural voyage under the blessing of Savannah Buffet, Jimmy’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.”

The moment we embarked we were greeted with margaritas and leis beneath a soaring 14-story atrium featuring a massive signature flip flop. Island time begins here! The Tiki Bar at the aft of the ship offered panoramic views of our departure as we set sail in a Margaritaville state of mind.

Recently having undergone a full transformation into the Margaritaville brand, the ship spans 12 passenger decks accommodating up to 2,650 adventure-seeking passengers. Guests can unwind in one of the Islander’s 1,105 staterooms, each beautifully styled to reflect the sand, sea and sky.

With 12 different stateroom and suite types you can select from a cozy interior space or the highly recommended balcony stateroom. There are also six ultra-exclusive Signature Suites to choose from for those extra special occasions.

One of the Islander’s unique highlights is the three-story Landshark Bar situated on the pool deck. Here you can enjoy 360-degree outdoor views and catch some sun or relax on two levels of shaded and seated bar areas. At the top is Landshark Lookout … the perfect place to catch a Jimmy Buffet concert on the big screen.

For your nightlife enjoyment there are countless venues where you can unwind or enjoy non-stop entertainment. The Coral Reef Lounge features nightly shows with ocean inspired cocktails in an aquarium themed lounge. And if dancing is on your agenda the Hot, Hot, Hot Night Club is the place to be spanning two decks, or the Havana Daydreamin’ Sports Bar and Lounge where you can practice your salsa to the Latin beats with an extensive rum menu and craft beers.

Of course, live entertainment takes center stage with your choice of two original live production shows. Country themed Conky Tonkin’ at Sea brings a Nashville flair with the perfect mix of classic and contemporary country favorites. Or the Caribbean Heat Remix which celebrates the Caribbean vibe with dance, acrobatics and the beats of Key West and Mexico.

For those excited to explore the culinary options of the Islander, the choices are almost endless. From sushi at the Far Side of the World Sushi Bar and tacos at the Mexican Cutie Cantina to prime steaks at JWB Prime Steakhouse there is something for every taste. The ship features six new dining concepts and 11 new bars and lounges. A favorite on this cruise was the Cheeseburger in Paradise buffet!

For a more formal dinner setting we highly recommend the Islander Dining Room on the upper floor where you can enjoy your favorite dishes from the Fins Dining Room along with seasonal chef-crafted specialties.

While the Islander is ideal for a couples getaway, team building or solo traveling, it is also family friendly. Young travelers will find their own slice of paradise, including live music enclaves, outer deck adventures, an all-ages lounge and arcade and a firstever cornhole-meets-mini-golf challenge course. For kids and teens ages 3 to 17 there are four complimentary kids’ programs organized by age group.

“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.”

Following the inaugural voyage, the Islander will continue to sail four and five night cruises to Key West and Mexico. In 2025, the ship will add additional island hot spots of Belize, Jamaica and Grand Cayman on extended six and seven night itineraries.

For additional information on the Margaritaville at Sea Islander or to book now, visit MargaritavilleAtSea.com