Margaritaville At Sea Islander

I had an assigned embarkation time of 12:30 p.m., but since I prefer to arrive early and get settled, I left my hotel around 11:00 a.m. The drive to the Port of Tampa was smooth and straightforward—one of the many reasons I enjoy sailing from this port. By 11:15, I had pulled up to the terminal, where the valet service efficiently took care of my car. The process was surprisingly quick and well organized; within just a few minutes, I was ready to begin check-in.

The Port of Tampa is smaller and easier to navigate than many of the larger cruise ports in Florida, such as Miami or Port Canaveral. Its compact layout makes it ideal for first-time cruisers or anyone who prefers a more relaxed, less chaotic embarkation experience. Since I arrived before my scheduled time, there was a short line of eager guests forming outside. The waiting area is minimal—there aren’t many places to sit—so it’s best to arrive close to your assigned time if you prefer to avoid standing in line. Even so, the line moved quickly, and I was stepping aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Islander by noon—half an hour earlier than expected.

When I reached the check-in counter, I was greeted with a warm smile by one of the port agents. She scanned my passport, provided my ship card (which doubles as your room key and onboard charge card), and linked my credit card to my onboard account. The process was seamless, and I appreciated the clear communication throughout. At that time, guests also had the option to inquire about available cabin upgrades. While it was tempting to explore the possibilities, I was perfectly content with my Breezy Balcony stateroom—one of the ship’s most popular categories for travelers seeking a little extra space and a private outdoor retreat.

Once check-in was complete, I was directed toward the escalator leading up to the gangway. Along the way, I was welcomed by several enthusiastic crew members, each ready to help guests start their vacation on a high note. Staff from the spa handed out price lists and offered to make appointments for treatments such as massages and facials. Team members from the shore excursions desk were available for anyone still finalizing their plans in Key West or Cozumel. Others were on hand to answer questions and assist guests with purchasing one of the two beverage options—the Ultimate Beverage Chill Package, which includes alcoholic drinks, or the Ultimate Soda Package for those who prefer non-alcoholic refreshments. I appreciated that they were there to answer questions and help with last-minute add-ons.

One pleasant surprise during embarkation was discovering that my sailing was only the second voyage on the Margaritaville at Sea Islander to use the new virtual safety muster drill. This modernized process made the start of the cruise much more relaxed and efficient compared to traditional muster drills. Instead of gathering everyone at the same time on the outer decks, guests now complete most of the safety briefing on their own. After boarding, I met briefly with a friendly crew member stationed at my designated muster location. They confirmed my attendance, provided a quick orientation, and directed me to watch the mandatory safety video on the stateroom television.

Previously, the Islander—like most cruise ships—conducted an in-person safety drill requiring all passengers to report to their muster stations at a set time, usually around 3:30 p.m. This meant long lines, crowded walkways, and a full pause to the fun just as the ship was preparing to sail away. The new virtual format eliminates much of that congestion, allowing guests to complete the process at their own pace before departure. It’s a small change that makes a big difference, giving everyone a smoother and more enjoyable start to their vacation.

The crew shared that as long as passengers continue to follow the rules—watching the video and checking in at their assigned muster stations—the cruise line plans to continue using the virtual muster format on future sailings. Both guests and staff seem to appreciate this updated system; it saves time, reduces stress, and still ensures that everyone understands the important safety procedures before the ship leaves port.

Since staterooms weren’t quite ready until 1:30 p.m., I took advantage of the extra time to explore the ship and grab some lunch. Like many cruisers, my first stop was the Port of Indecision, the Islander’s lively buffet area located on the Lido Deck. The space had a relaxed, tropical vibe—bright colors, beach-inspired décor, and upbeat island music playing softly in the background. It was the perfect place to ease into vacation mode while waiting for the cabins to open.

I decided to try one of the ship’s signature offerings: a Cheeseburger in Paradise. The burger station, a nod to Jimmy Buffett’s famous song, is a must-try for fans of the Margaritaville brand. My cheeseburger arrived hot off the grill with a perfectly cooked patty—juicy but not greasy—and served on a classic hamburger bun. I chose to keep mine simple, skipping the toppings so I could really taste the quality of the meat. It turned out to be a great choice; the flavor was excellent and satisfying. The fries were nicely seasoned, crisp on the outside, and soft inside—though I did find myself wishing the portion was a little larger. Thankfully, like any good cruise buffet, it’s all you care to eat, so heading back for seconds was no problem.

For those who prefer a little variety, the buffet offered plenty of other tempting options. There was a taco and burrito station, hot dogs, fresh pizza, and a rotating selection of hot buffet dishes that changed daily. For dessert lovers, there were several kinds of cookies, cakes, and soft-serve ice cream—a hit with both kids and adults. Over the course of my cruise, I made it a point to sample a bit of everything. Most of the offerings were fresh and flavorful, though I wasn’t especially fond of the steak used for the tacos—it had a taste that didn’t quite appeal to me and was a little on the fatty side. Still, with so many other options available, it was easy to find something delicious at every meal.

By 1:30 p.m., the announcement came over the loudspeaker that staterooms were ready, so I headed to my cabin to drop off my carry-on bag. I had booked a Breezy Balcony stateroom, and as soon as I stepped inside, I was pleasantly surprised by how spacious and comfortable it felt. The layout was open and functional, with plenty of room to unpack, organize my belongings, and make myself at home for the next few days. My balcony featured a small table and two chairs—perfect for sipping morning coffee or enjoying a quiet sunset at sea. For a mid-size ship like the Margaritaville at Sea Islander, the balcony cabins offer a nice balance between comfort and affordability, especially for those who appreciate a little private outdoor space.

During the cruise, I had the chance to tour a few other stateroom categories, including the interior cabins and the premium extended balcony rooms. The interior cabin, which is offered complimentary to HEROES (a special program honoring military members, first responders, educators, and healthcare professionals), was compact yet cozy. It reminded me of the interior rooms found on many Carnival ships—simple, efficient, and ideal for travelers who don’t spend much time in their room.

On the other hand, the premium extended balcony quickly became my favorite. While the interior square footage of the cabin itself is slightly smaller than the Breezy Balcony, the balcony space is significantly larger—offering extra room for lounging, stretching out, and truly soaking in the ocean views. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors, whether it’s watching the sunrise, reading a book, or simply listening to the waves. For travelers who love that connection to the sea, the premium extended balcony is absolutely worth considering.

One of the best values onboard, in my opinion, is the Ultimate Beverage Chill Package. For anyone who plans to enjoy five or more cocktails a day, it easily pays for itself. The package includes an impressive range of drinks—everything from signature cocktails and refreshing mocktails to sodas and bottled water. It’s a convenient way to enjoy your favorite beverages without worrying about the tab adding up throughout your cruise. The only notable exclusion is specialty coffee, which isn’t covered under the package. That didn’t stop me from visiting Coffee Joe every morning, though!

I first met Joe during a past Carnival sailing, and it was such a pleasant surprise to see him again aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Islander. His friendly smile and genuine enthusiasm make the early mornings at sea that much better. My daily specialty coffee ran about $8 per day, and it was worth every penny. Because this particular voyage was a Halloween sailing, the café offered fun seasonal flavors—think pumpkin spice, caramel apple, and even a “witch’s brew” mocha. It was a festive touch that perfectly matched the ship’s laid-back holiday atmosphere.

One of the features I really appreciated about the beverage program on the Islander is that each bar has its own specialty menu. Rather than offering the same drinks everywhere, the bartenders at each location showcase unique creations inspired by their theme. I highly recommend doing a little “bar hop” around the ship to discover your personal favorite. Mine turned out to be the Bubbles Up Lounge, where Brian—the resident mixologist—makes an incredible Bubbles Up Margarita that quickly became my go-to cocktail for the cruise.

A small but meaningful difference between Margaritaville’s Chill Package and the drink packages on many other cruise lines is that you don’t have to wait five to fifteen minutes between ordering each drink. That flexibility is great when you’re relaxing by the pool or catching a show and want a quick refill. There is still a daily limit of 15 alcoholic beverages per person, so pacing yourself throughout the day is key—but overall, the Chill Package offers excellent value and convenience for guests who enjoy a few drinks while sailing the high seas.

One of the most unique and memorable features aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Islander is the onboard tattoo parlor. It’s not something you’ll find on every cruise, and it perfectly captures the ship’s playful, adventurous personality. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned tattoo enthusiast, the parlor offers a wide range of options—from custom designs created by talented artists to a curated selection of pre-designed tattoos inspired by Margaritaville and tropical themes. The studio itself is clean, professional, and welcoming, giving guests confidence that their experience will be both safe and enjoyable.

What I especially love about this feature is that it provides a truly permanent souvenir of your cruise. While many mementos like t-shirts, mugs, or photos can be tucked away on a shelf, a tattoo is a lasting reminder of the fun, carefree moments spent on the ship. Even if you don’t plan to get inked yourself, stopping by the parlor is worth it just to watch the artists at work and soak in the creative energy. It’s a playful, exciting, and slightly daring way to make your Margaritaville at Sea experience even more unforgettable—and it’s a perfect fit for anyone looking to take a little piece of the cruise home with them, permanently.

One thing that caught me off guard at first was discovering that the Margaritaville at Sea Islander doesn’t have an app like many other cruise lines do. I’ll admit, I had a brief moment of panic wondering how I’d know what was happening onboard each day. However, once I learned how their system works, I realized it’s actually very convenient.

Instead of carrying around a bulky paper schedule, guests can simply scan a QR code—printed right on your sailing card—to access the day’s full lineup of activities, entertainment, dining hours, and event times directly from your phone. I found this digital format easy to use and especially handy when I was relaxing on deck or in the lounge, since I could check what was coming up next with just a quick tap. For those who prefer something tangible, your room steward will leave a printed copy of the schedule in your stateroom each evening during turndown service, so you can plan the next day at your leisure.

When it comes to keeping track of your onboard spending, the Islander keeps things simple as well. There isn’t an app or in-room TV option to view your stateroom account balance during the cruise, but you can stop by Guest Services at any time to request an updated printout of your charges. On the final night, they’ll automatically deliver a summary of your account to your cabin, making it easy to review everything before disembarkation. It’s a small adjustment from what some cruisers might be used to, but once I got into the rhythm of it, I found the system straightforward and easy to manage.

Each evening, I chose to dine in the main dining room, where the service was always warm and attentive. As a self-proclaimed extremely picky eater, I appreciated that the menu offered something for everyone—whether you prefer classic comfort food or more adventurous flavors. One nice touch was that guests could order from both the adult and children’s menus, which turned out to be a lifesaver for me on a couple of occasions when I was craving something simple and familiar. Over the course of the cruise, the dinner selections changed nightly, offering a variety of appetizers, entrées, and desserts to keep things interesting.

While most of the meals were enjoyable, there were a few dishes that didn’t quite suit my taste—but that’s part of the fun of cruising: you get to try new things. The only time I actually had to send something back was when I ordered a steak cooked medium that arrived a bit too rare for my liking—so rare, in fact, that I joked I could still hear a faint “moo” in the background. The dining staff handled it beautifully, apologizing with genuine concern and promptly bringing me a perfectly cooked replacement steak. Their professionalism and quick response really stood out to me.

One area where I was especially impressed was how the dining team handled food allergies and dietary restrictions. Each guest with a noted allergy was given a dedicated menu in advance to ensure safe and stress-free dining. The staff took every precaution to prevent cross-contamination and consistently confirmed each meal before serving. Their attentiveness gave me peace of mind throughout the voyage.

That said, I did run into a small challenge at the Lido buffet during lunchtime. Each day, the buffet featured both a fish and a chicken option, but they were positioned right next to each other on the serving line. Because of my allergy, I couldn’t safely take food that might have come into contact with the fish, so I had to ask a crew member to bring out a fresh, uncontaminated portion of chicken from the kitchen. Thankfully, they were always quick and accommodating when I asked—but I did mention to them that rearranging the setup or adding clearer separation might make things easier for guests with similar concerns. Hopefully, it’s feedback that will help improve an already thoughtful dining experience.

Evenings onboard the Margaritaville at Sea Islander were filled with lively entertainment, and I found the shows to be a fun and spirited part of the cruise experience. The Fins Up Crew, who perform and host many of the ship’s activities, clearly put their hearts into every production. Their energy was infectious—each show felt like a celebration of the carefree, tropical Margaritaville vibe. Some of the performances were laugh-out-loud funny, others delightfully corny in the best way possible, but all were entertaining and showcased how much the team genuinely enjoys what they do.

In addition to the musical and variety performances, the ship also offered comedy shows, which were a nice change of pace. The comedians delivered exactly what you’d expect from a cruise comedy act—plenty of humor, quick wit, and a few cheeky jokes thrown in for good measure. One difference I noticed compared to other cruise lines was that there wasn’t a crew member stationed at the entrance to verify that guests attending the 21+ late-night comedy shows were actually adults. However, the comedians handled this gracefully on their own. Before starting, they made a clear announcement reminding everyone that the content was intended for mature audiences, and they weren’t going to tone it down just because someone decided to bring a child along. It was a fair and respectful way to set expectations while keeping the atmosphere light and enjoyable.

For those who enjoy a little gaming excitement at sea, the Margaritaville at Sea Islander features a lively casino that’s open whenever the ship is in international waters. It’s not overly large, but it has a welcoming, relaxed vibe that fits perfectly with the ship’s easygoing theme. Like most cruise casinos, this one has a rewards program that allows you to earn points toward perks such as free play, complimentary drinks, or even discounted future cruises. Signing up was quick and simple—I stopped by the casino host stand, where the friendly staff issued my player’s card and explained how the system works.

Once you have your casino card, you just insert it into the machine or present it at the table when you play to start earning points. I spent some time exploring and quickly found a few of my favorite games, from familiar classics to newer themed machines. I even discovered several slot machines with $0.50 minimum bets, which were perfect for stretching out my playtime and keeping things lighthearted. It’s nice that there are options for every budget, whether you prefer to play casually or go all in for the big jackpots.

In addition to the slots, the casino also offers a selection of table games, including blackjack and roulette, where you can test your luck in a friendly, social setting. The atmosphere was upbeat but never overwhelming—ideal for both beginners and experienced players alike. Overall, it was a fun place to unwind for an hour or two after dinner or a show, and it added just the right touch of Vegas-at-sea flair to the Margaritaville experience.

One of the things that truly sets the Margaritaville at Sea Islander apart is its genuine commitment to honoring our HEROES—a program that recognizes the service and dedication of those who give so much to their communities and country. This includes current and former members of the military, firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, and educators. From the moment you board, it’s clear that the cruise line holds deep respect for these individuals and makes every effort to show their appreciation in meaningful ways.

While many cruise lines offer a military appreciation ceremony or perhaps a small booking discount, Margaritaville at Sea goes above and beyond. Yes, they host a HEROES Appreciation Ceremony—a heartfelt event that’s both uplifting and emotional. It’s a beautiful celebration that acknowledges the sacrifices and dedication of those who serve, and I’ll admit, it’s hard to walk away with dry eyes. But what makes this program truly special is that the recognition doesn’t end with the ceremony.

Heroes sailing with Margaritaville at Sea also receive a 20% discount on onboard purchases, which can really add up over the course of a cruise. But the most incredible part of all is their complimentary cruise offer. Eligible HEROES can enjoy a free sailing, paying only the port fees, taxes, and gratuities—no base fare required. It’s a generous way for the line to say “thank you” and provide a well-deserved escape for those who have spent their lives serving others.

To take advantage of this program, you’ll need to verify your eligibility through a GovX account, which is quick and easy to set up if you don’t already have one. Once verified, you can book your complimentary cruise directly through the Margaritaville at Sea website. It’s a rare and meaningful gesture in the travel world—one that perfectly reflects the spirit of gratitude and relaxation that defines the Margaritaville at Sea Islander experience.

One of the hidden gems on the Margaritaville at Sea Islander is a little experience called Quietly Making Noise. Without giving away too much, I’ll just say this: it is an absolute must-do for any Parrot Head. The creativity, energy, and unique vibe of this experience make it feel like a special treat that goes beyond the usual shipboard activities.

Not a Parrot Head? Don’t worry—you won’t feel out of place. This adults-only experience has something for everyone who appreciates fun, relaxation, and a touch of Margaritaville whimsy. The atmosphere is cleverly curated to be both playful and intimate, creating a sense of discovery that you simply won’t find anywhere else on the ship.

For those interested in participating, all the details are available at the guest service desk, where the crew can explain how to reserve your spot and what to expect without spoiling any surprises. Trust me—this is one experience you’ll want to carve out time for during your cruise.

Overall, my experience on the Margaritaville at Sea Islander was truly wonderful, and I can say with confidence that I’ll be sailing with them again. The ship’s laid-back, carefree vibe makes it easy to unwind and enjoy every moment, whether you’re lounging by the pool, sipping a cocktail, or simply taking in the ocean views from your balcony. From the moment I boarded, I was struck by how friendly and welcoming everyone was—it genuinely felt like I was spending time with old friends rather than strangers.

The crew deserves a special mention. Every team member I encountered was eager to help, always wearing a smile, and clearly passionate about their roles. It’s apparent that the company takes great care of its staff, which makes for a positive environment onboard that guests can feel immediately. From housekeeping to bartenders, spa attendants to entertainers, the level of service and enthusiasm made every moment of the cruise enjoyable and memorable.

For travelers who are accustomed to cruising with Royal Caribbean or Carnival Cruise Line, Margaritaville at Sea offers a similar sense of comfort and quality, but with a distinctively relaxed, tropical twist that sets it apart. And for all the HEROES out there—military, first responders, and educators—thank you for your dedication and hard work. Margaritaville at Sea not only recognizes your service but offers you the incredible opportunity of a complimentary cruise (just pay port fees, taxes, and gratuities). It’s a meaningful way to unwind and enjoy a well-deserved escape—you truly deserve it.

If you’re looking for a cruise experience that combines fun, relaxation, and heartfelt appreciation, the Margaritaville at Sea Islander is a fantastic choice. From entertainment and dining to unique experiences and thoughtful touches, it’s a ship that makes every guest feel welcome while celebrating the joy of life at sea.

Booking your next cruise is easier than ever, no matter which cruise line or destination you’re dreaming of. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing Caribbean getaway, an adventurous Alaskan voyage, or a themed sailing like Margaritaville at Sea, I can help you find the perfect itinerary, cabin, and package to fit your needs. From comparing cruise lines and ships to securing the best rates and onboard perks, I’ll handle all the details so you can focus on the fun. Reach out today, and let’s start planning your next unforgettable cruise experience!

Fins Up!

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Tropical Sunset Travel, LLC is an expert travel agency based in Charleston, South Carolina. We book travel for couples, families, and groups to travel to destinations around the world. No matter what type of vacation you are dreaming of, our travel services can assist you. We also feature top vacation package options to help inspire you!  The Tropical Sunset Travel Blog is a great place to learn about top destinations and vacation options. Please visit our website for agency information and more. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more travel information and deals!