My first Islander cruise in June 2024 was a quick two nights out and back just to get a glimpse of the new 2,650-passenger ship. Originally built in 2000, the ship underwent an extensive $150 million transformation to become Margaritaville at Sea Islander.
Hungry for a closer look at what the Islander offers, I opted for a second cruise of five nights from Tampa, Florida, with stops in Key West and Cozumel.
As soon as I stepped on board Islander, I was greeted with a huge 14-foot flip-flop sculpture with a pop-top under it, referencing the Buffett song, “Stepped on a pop-top, blew out my flip-flop.”
I knew right away this was going to be a fun ship filled with a treasure of Jimmy Buffett touches.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Always plan to arrive the night before a cruise and stay in a local hotel. Cruise ships don’t wait for anyone and, with the way flights are often cancelled or delayed, it is best to be at the ship’s departing port the night before. Plus, you get a good night’s sleep before boarding the ship so you are not exhausted from traveling on the first cruise day.
Jimmy Buffet Everywhere

Soaring over the 14-story atrium on the new Margaritaville at Sea Islander cruise ship is a replica of Jimmy Buffett’s seaplane Hemisphere Dancer surrounded by gigantic parrots.
The plane reminds me of the now-poignant words that Buffett, a licensed commercial pilot, sang: “Way up high, I feel free on those wings you can’t see.”
The beloved singer, songwriter, musician, author and businessman died in 2023 after a long fight with skin cancer.
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Cruise ships often have a beautiful décor but not a significant theme like Margaritaville at Sea does as a loving reminder of the man who portrayed a lifestyle described as “island escapism.”
Palm trees, parrots, surfboards, bold bright colors, upside-down margarita glass chandeliers and painted beach scenes make the ship seem like an island getaway.
Accommodations

My stateroom was large and comfy with ocean views I could enjoy from my queen bed and from my seating area with its long sofa, coffee table, flat screen TV and mini-fridge.. Here’s what I loved most:
- Stateroom size: roomy enough for 2 people to easily maneuver
- Storage space: plentiful even for cruisers who might overpack
- Views: floor to ceiling windows for expansive views and sliders I could leave open for breathing in the sea air
- Balcony: large, with room for 2 loungers and table – perfect for your morning coffee or private happy hour
- Other notable items: room safe and a desk..in case there’s a bit of work (or writing) you want to do.
The Islander, with 1,100 cabins and 12 categories of accommodations, has a room for all budgets, from lower-priced interior cabins to the ultimate Signature Grand Suite with its separate seating area and a stocked mini-bar. My Grand Terrace Suite was one of the upper level cabins.

My large bathroom featured two sinks, a jetted tub, shower, tons of countertop storage and dispensers with shampoo, conditioner, soap and lotion.
SheBuysTravel Tip: If budget allows, book one of the four top-tier suites to receive extras that include priority check-in and boarding, priority debarkation, access to the concierge lounge and services for booking shore excursions, ship tours, specialty dining and reserved theater seats; and a complimentary pool-side cabana for a day.
Shipboard Dining

Did you eat a Cheeseburger in Paradise, someone asked me? Of course, what would a Buffett ship be without the tasty treat that Buffett sang about in a 1978 ditty. Cheeseburger in Paradise is one of the ship’s complimentary dining spots.
Complimentary Dining
- Mexican Cutie Cantina
- Fins Dining Room
- Port of Indecision Buffet
- Frank and Lola’s Pizzeria
Of the four complimentary dining spots listed, it was the pizza that kept drawing me back. Named for two second honeymooners in Buffett’s album “Last Mango in Paris,” Frank and Lola’s Pizzeria created probably the best pizza I’ve ever had on a cruise ship – thin slices with generous cheese, pepperoni and spiced-just-right sauce.
Specialty Dining
- JWB (James William Buffet) Prime Steakhouse
- Far Side Sushi
- Island Eats
- Tiki Bar
- Margaritaville Coffee Shop
- Islander Dining Room
Of the specialty dining for an extra charge, the JWB (James William Buffett) Prime Steakhouse was my best meal on the cruise.
The 12-ounce prime ribeye was cooked just right. But the appetizer of two smoked pickled oysters with salsa, mustard cream and parsley oil was a standout.
The server put the oyster plate with a glass cover over it in front of me and removed the cover with a theatrical flair. The smoky aroma was a hint of how tasty these oysters would be.
Because I booked a suite, I dined in the Islander Dining Room rather than Fins Dining Room. Islander Dining Room was one deck above Fins Dining Room. Islander had the Fins menu plus a specialty menu only for Islander diners with choices like steak tartare, pan-fried prime rib and spice-rubbed snapper.
SheBuysTravel Tip: A budget cruise line, Margaritaville at Sea offers lower-priced cruises than many other cruise lines. But it is the extras that can really run that price up – alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, specialty dining, shore excursions, WiFi and gratuities cost extra. Be sure you know what those extras are going to cost you so you won’t be in for a surprise.
Entertainment

Music and Performing Arts
From early morning until late at night, the Islander was alive with music. A four-page Islander newsletter placed on my bed at turndown was chock full of live music scheduled around the ship.
Pan player Elton brought a lively island vibe when he played the steel drum, especially when he performed on the small stage over the Flip Flop Bar. Guitarist Emman seemed to have boundless energy as his fingers moved over the guitar strings in the Hemisphere Dancer bar. Since my father was an old-time fiddle player, I most often headed to wherever rock violinist Belén was entertaining to watch her electric performance.
Then there are the theater evening performances – two new live musical productions in the Stars on the Water Theater (named for Buffett’s 1983 country rock hit). A nice touch in the theater was comfy seats with cocktail tables and wide aisles between the rows. Made it easier for bar staff to take orders and bring drinks before the shows start.
One stage show was Caribbean Heat Remix that took us on a trip to several Caribbean destinations with electrifying dance and the hypnotic beats of Mexico and Key West.
The other was Conky Tonkin’ (the original name for Buffett and Kenny Chesney’s 2004 “License to Chill” hit) with its boot-stomping trip to Nashville featuring contemporary and classic music favorites by artists like Garth Brooks and Johnny Cash.
Drawing some of the biggest applause were two acrobats who performed intricate and seemingly impossible routines high above the stage in the Islander Theater.
Bars and Lounges

A party ship, Margaritaville at Sea Islander welcomes Parrothead Buffett fans and folks who just want to have a good time.
The Islander’s 13 bars and lounges, each with its own cocktail menu, are great places to meet people of all ages.

What I enjoyed most were the quiet spaces to soak up the Caribbean sun.
A deckside big wooden swing with Buffett song lyrics overtop – “On my front porch swing”- was a good spot for me to sit back with a cold margarita.
By Special Invitation

An invitation from Concierge Diana to visit the ship’s speakeasy was a highlight of the cruise. Only 10 passengers are allowed in the small room at one time.
Check with guest services or with the concierge as soon as you board to see if there is room to book a speakeasy visit. I was invited because I had a Grand Terrace Suite, another perk for booking an upper tier suite.
Our host Vincent led us to an area of the ship passengers don’t usually see.
Behind a nondescript door, we entered a room with a loaded bar, a bookcase filled with vinyl record albums and a record player. First up was Vincent preparing complimentary cocktails.
Actually named “Quietly Making Noise,” the speakeasy is a nod to the Buffett song about embracing your own unique person and living life on your own terms.
Vincent told us about Buffett’s early life, the vinyl albums Buffett listened to and how Buffett went from being an unpaid musician to becoming one of the world’s richest entertainers.
Short Excursions
Shore excursions cost extra with a wide range of prices and things to see and do. From renting water sport equipment to guided tours, there’s something for everyone and every budget.
Key West

In Key West, the ship arrived at 1 p.m. and departed at 6:30 p.m. giving us about 5 hours of time. The ship docked in a perfect walking spot with Key West a very walkable place.
Some of the shore excursions, ranging in price from $69 included:
- Renting of Jet skis and parasails
- Glass bottom boat ride
- Bike tour
- Conch Tour Train around Key West
I rode the Conch Tour Train, a 75-minute ride around Key West with an onboard guide pointing out famous attractions. Then I walked back to a couple places for photographs.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Popular tours can sell out quickly so book in advance or as soon as you board.
Cozumel

In Cozumel, the ship arrived at 8 a.m. and passengers had to be back on board by 3:30 p.m., giving us about 7 hours in port.
Some of the shore excursions, ranging in price from $99 included:
- Private van tour for up to 6 people
- Beginner scuba diving
- Dune buggy rentals
- Mayan ruins and chocolate tasting tour
- Swimming with the dolphins
I’ve been to Cozumel many times so I chose to walk ashore and take photos. No cost to do that.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Book shore excursions with companies used by the Margaritaville at Sea cruise line. If a tour booked with a ship provider is not back by ship departure time for some reason, the ship will wait. If you booked a cruise with a different tour provider and don’t make it back on time, the ship will leave without you.
Amenities

Pickleball and karaoke seem top activities on the Islander’s long list of fun and games. One guy brought his own pickleball paddle, said to bring him good luck.
Although the Islander has the usual ship attractions – swimming pools, casino, spa, hot tubs, theater and sparkling shops – what I enjoyed most were the quiet spaces to soak up the Caribbean sun.
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