There's a new "kid" in town.
Margaritaville at Sea will launch its second ship, the Islander, in June out of the Port of Tampa Bay. Margaritaville's first ship, Paradise, cruises out of the Port of Palm Beach.
Tampa Bay was chosen for the company's second ship since the Port of Palm Beach was too small to accommodate the newest addition.
Margaritaville's Paradise:What's more Jimmy Buffett-like than a cruise to Key West - Margaritaville's latest destination
Here's everything you need to know about Margaritaville at Sea and its newest ship, the Islander.
Margaritaville at Sea Islander inaugural cruise scheduled for June 14
The inaugural cruise for the Islander is scheduled for June 14 out of the Port of Tampa Bay.
Margaritaville at Sea Islander by the numbers
- 2,650 passengers
- 1,105 staterooms
- 12 different stateroom and suite types
- 700 balcony staterooms
- 12 passenger decks
- 14-story atrium
- 3 multi-story floating margarita glass chandeliers.
The Islander underwent "extensive reimagining" at the Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast, Northern Ireland, before beginning its three-week trip to Florida May 19, according to a Margaritaville at Sea Facebook post.
The custom styling is "reminiscent of the sand, sea and sky" and includes Margaritaville’s signature bedding, pillows and linens.
There are more than 700 Breezy Balcony staterooms, Grand Terrace Suites, "luxurious" Corner Suites, and "ultra-exclusive" Islander Signature Suites.
What is the itinerary for Islander's inaugural cruise out of Tampa Bay?
Margaritaville at Sea Islander’s inaugural sailing takes place over four nights, featuring a stop in Cozumel, Mexico, and two sea days.
Christopher Ivy, CEO of Margaritaville at Sea, said the purchase of the second ship was to accommodate requests from customers for longer itineraries and new ports of call.
What type of cruises will Margaritaville's Islander offer?
The Islander will offer four- and five-night cruises to Key West and Mexico, with stops in Cozumel and Progreso.
Coming in 2025 will be six- and seven-night voyages to Belize, Jamaica and Grand Cayman, according to a news release.
How much do Margaritaville at Sea cruises cost?
Cost for inaugural cruise to Cozumel
- Interior rooms: $379
- Ocean-view rooms: $429
- Breezy Balcony rooms: $639
- Grand Terrace suites: $799
Special deals: Get 50% off and kids ages 3-12 sail free.
Depending on dates, cruises out of Tampa Bay can drop as low as $299 for an interior room and $689 for a Grand Terrace suite.
In 2025, a seven-day cruise to Key West; Cozumel, Mexico; and Progreso, Mexico, range from $479 for an interior room to $879 for a Grand Terrace suite.
What about entertainment? What is there to do on Margaritaville's Islander?
"From adults to young travelers, everyone onboard the Islander will find their own entertaining slice of paradise — including live music enclaves, thrilling outer deck adventures, an all-ages lounge and arcade, and a first-ever cornhole-meets-mini-golf challenge course.
“The new Islander is packed with an exciting variety of active and interactive ways for cruisers of all ages to enjoy their fun in the sun,” said Karen Maybury, vice president of entertainment at Margaritaville at Sea.
“The new lineup of programming and activities designed specifically for children, teens, and families will greatly enhance the cruise experience, creating unforgettable memories for all of our guests.”
Among the family-friendly offerings on the Islander, as described by Margaritaville at Sea, are:
- Caribbean Amphibian Play Pad & Slide: Designed for young adventurers, this paradise playground will feature 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 with 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.
- Paradise Pickleball at Sea: Join the craze with some friendly competition on the high seas with the ultimate pickleball match.
- Defying Gravity Experience: A family experience for all ages with unbelievable circus-themed workshops, interactive game shows, and scavenger hunts.
- Far Side of the World Arcade and Lounge: Teens can sip on Boba Milk Tea, sing their favorite karaoke songs, and take the arcade by storm in this family-forward lounge area.
- 5 o’Clock Somewhere: It’s always island time at this signature pool, where the music never stops and the vibe is just right to relax, grab a bite, or make a splash.
- Coral Reef Lounge: Dive into this aquarium-inspired lounge with mermaids and mocktails, family karaoke, hilarious comedy acts, and other surprises.
There also are four complimentary kid’s programs:
- Jolly Mon (ages 3-5): A fun-filled day of ocean-inspired games, arts and crafts, immersive experiences, mermaid storytelling, and visits from friendly characters.
- Parakeets Kid’s Club (ages 6-9): A full itinerary featuring magic workshops, the “Escape from Chichen Itza” game, mini-DJ academy, sports hour on deck, ship tour, and crazy hat party.
- The Hang Out (ages 10-12): High-energy games and sports such as pickleball classes, basketball, mini golf, and corn hole tournaments, along with DJ academy sessions, magic workshops, Mar-glo-ritaville glow party, pop star jam sessions with musicians, and more.
- The Far Out (ages 13-17): This teens-only club offers a movie night, a nightclub takeover, a scavenger hunt with prizes, percussion workshops, and a Tik-Tok/Instagram content battle
Parking at Port of Tampa Bay for Margaritaville cruises
Parking at the Port of Tampa Bay for Margaritaville at Sea cruises depends on the cruise dates. For the June 14-18 cruise, parking costs are:
- 1 vehicle: $63
- 1 vehicle, valet: $83
- Oversized valet: $146
Parking costs for other dates are either the same as the inaugural cruise or:
- 1 vehicle: $78.75
- 1 vehicle, valet: $98.75
- Oversized valet: $177.50
Where is the Port of Tampa Bay?
The Port of Tampa Bay is located in Tampa on the northeast section of Tampa Bay.
Tampa is located on the west coast of Florida about 70 miles southwest of Orlando.
What is Margaritaville at Sea?
"Margaritaville at Sea brings Margaritaville’s iconic hospitality to the open ocean for a one-of-a-kind offshore vacation experience," the company said in a news release.
"The ships also feature numerous inclusive and specialty dining restaurants centered around chef-crafted, island-inspired cuisine, uniquely themed bars and lounges that provide non-stop live entertainment paired with premium co*cktails, kids’ clubs and arcades, the action-packed Margaritaville Casino, the St. Somewhere Spa & Salon, multiple pools, hot tubs, and plenty of quiet spaces."
Margaritaville at Sea is a new venture with the owners of the former Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line and Margaritaville Enterprises, according to its website.
The company launched Margaritaville at Sea Paradise out of Palm Beach in May 2022.
Follow Margaritaville at Sea on social media
Follow Margaritaville at Sea on both Facebook and Instagram.
Contributor: Mike Diamond, Palm Beach Post
