- The company’s new ship, the Islander, will have 13 bars and lounges.
- The ship has been remodeled to look like Margarita Village, complete with parrots and palm trees.
- The atmosphere was good and even during the short preview cruise there was a lot of excitement on board.
As soon as the cabin door closed, I saw my first margarita at Margaritaville at Sea Cruises, or at least, the recipe for it.
I saw a copy of “Margaritaville: The Cookbook: Relaxing Recipes for a Taste of Paradise” open on the shelf, and a recipe for “Jimmy’s Perfect Margarita” on it. Suddenly, the drink started to sound really delicious.
Luckily, I was on board Margaritaville on the Sea Islander, the company’s newest ship with 13 bars and lounges, and there’s no better way to set your watch to “Islander Time” (“Welcome to Islander Time” is the official greeting on board).
I spent two nights aboard the 2,650-passenger ship before it officially departs on that route for the first time on Friday, and here’s what stood out to me:
Jimmy Buffett is everywhere
As the architect of the Margaritaville empire, I expected to hear some Jimmy Buffett say something, but I was shocked at how much weight he placed on it.
My signature Grand Suite had a copy of Buffett’s novel, “A Salty Piece of Land,” on the coffee table and the lyrics to his song, “Lovely Cruise,” on the wall: “It’s a shame it’s over, sad but true/Honey, it was a lovely cruise” — lyrics that seem even more poignant now that he passed away in 2023.
Elsewhere, nods were more subtle, with multiple flip-flop art pieces featuring musicians’ faces on display and the ship’s schedule including two Jimmy Buffett concerts on the first day alone.
But the brand’s appeal extends beyond his fans: Margaritaville at Sea CEO Christopher Ivie said the line is a celebration of the spirit that Buffett represents. (Ivie recently interacted with customers who didn’t know Buffett.)
“It’s become much broader and we’re trying to bring that to life,” he said at a media briefing on board the ship. “So if you’re a fan, great, but we’re trying to make sure you really relate to the catalogue and the lifestyle behind it.”
But even though I’m just someone who listens to Buffett occasionally (don’t blame me, Parrotheads), I still enjoyed the effect of him being our honored co-captain.
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The ship was reborn as Margaritaville.
The Islander is a new ship in Margaritaville, but it’s not new: The ship, which previously sailed as the Costa Atlantica, was originally launched in 2000.
The ship was refurbished before being relaunched as the Islander this month, and the lines blend modern amenities with retro touches from the past. “There’s really nothing on the ship that we haven’t completely redone,” Ivey said.
Parrots and palm trees abound, from the illustrations on the ship’s exterior to the wallpaper in the halls, and giant flip-flops anchor the ship’s towering atrium (a popular photo spot during my time on board). As the cruise director said on stage one night, “We worship flip-flops on board.”
On the landing between the stairs is a sign that reads “It’s always 5 o’clock” accompanied by a drawing of a clock set to that time.
The ship is generally in good condition given its age, though some parts show signs of wear: a few of the door handles in my cabin were tarnished, for example, and the impressive transparent staircase connecting the Port of Indecision buffet and JWB Prime Steakhouse (which overlooks the seven levels below) was marred by scratches and scuffs.
The interior of my suite was generally clean and modern, with a sparkling sink and lighted mirror that looked straight out of a new apartment.
The atmosphere is good
With bars and lounges, plus 12 dining options and three pool areas, all bathed in a sun-drenched Margaritaville aesthetic, the Islander felt like a boatload of fun (pun intended).
Even during the short preview cruise, excitement was buzzing on board. Guests milled about and chatted in the Flip Flop Atrium Bar to a soundtrack of a violin cover of Dua Lipa’s “Dance the Night.” Aerial dancing during the country-themed “Conky Tonkin’ at Sea” show was met with thunderous applause and cheers, and mini golf in the This N’ Dat Activity Zone drew crowds of adults and kids alike.
The “Ultimate Drink Chill” package, which includes drinks like beer, wine by the glass, cocktails, sodas and mocktails, is priced at $59.99 per person per night, and there is also an unlimited soda package available for $10 per person per night.
The ship will offer four- and five-night round-trip voyages from Tampa, Florida, to destinations like Key West and Cozumel, Mexico, before launching longer six- and seven-night cruises in 2025. Prices vary by sailing date and cabin category, but four-night cruises departing July 26 currently start at $349 per person, with prices including most meals, live entertainment and more.
Amanda Travaglini, CMO of Margaritaville at Sea, said the brand aims to communicate a simple message.
“At the end of the day, we want people to see what we’re doing and say, ‘That looks like a lot of fun, I have to get involved.'”
A reporter for this story was granted access to the event by Margaritaville at Sea. USA TODAY retains editorial rights to content.
Nathan Diller is USA TODAY’s consumer travel writer based in Nashville. He can be reached at ndiller@usatoday.com.
