When the invite arrived to preview Margaritaville at Sea’s newest flagship vessel, the Islander, I couldn’t resist. This two-day event offered a first look at a ship that just set sail last week from Port Tampa Bay.
We got to enjoy a 2-night preview of the ship, but as of mid-June, the Islander will take travelers on four- and five-night trips to Key West and Mexico. The Islander promises redesigned suites, exceptional dining, lively entertainment, and plenty of amenities for every type of traveler. Here are some of the highlights from our stay:
The Amazing Food
The Islander takes dining seriously. JWB Steakhouse served up a filet so perfectly cooked it might have earned a spot on my top 5 steaks of all-time list. Our other go-to spot was the Mexican Cutie Cantina on the pool deck. The carnitas tacos were a standout—they were so good, that I had to get another round. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to try everything the ship had to offer, but the food we did have was impressive.
The Tiki Bar & Pool
By the second day, we found our favorite spot: the Tiki Pool at the back of the ship. Located near the Tiki Bar, it offered quick access to drinks, plenty of seating, and stunning ocean views. It quickly became the go-to place to relax and proved to be an awesome spot to see the sunset.
Picture Perfect Sunsets
The sunset views aboard the Islander are something else. On the second night, we watched a sunset that painted the sky in mesmerizing colors. With nothing obstructing the view, it’s a simple yet unforgettable experience.
Fun Entertainment
The entertainment onboard didn’t disappoint. Both “Conky Tonkin’ at Sea” and “Caribbean Heat Remix” were engaging and high-energy. As country music fans, my wife and I loved singing along with the “Conky Tonkin’” show, but both shows offered great performances and lively atmospheres.
Pickleball With A View
“Have you played pickleball?” It seems like everybody is asking that question as the sport picks up popularity across the country. Well, if pickleball is your thing then you’ll fall in love with the new court on the top deck of Islander. It’s a great way to have fun and get your sweat on while enjoying panoramic ocean views.
Mini Golf
Mini-golf on the Islander added an extra layer of fun to the trip. It’s a whole new experience when you’re about to knock in a 5 footer for par and the ship suddenly hits a wave and your ball goes off course by about 20 feet. Fortunately, the holes are at least double the size of a normal hole – so you have a fighting chance to make some birdies. The brand new course is on the top deck, so you’ve got views in every direction, which added to the experience.
Margaritaville Themed Rooms
Our corner suite was pure Margaritaville, with vibrant, nautical-themed décor that felt like a beach retreat. The attention to detail, from the furniture to the linens, created a comfortable and inviting space to unwind. If you’ve ever stayed at a Margaritaville property before, you know that they seem to always nail the decor. I’m happy to report that the Islander is no exception – the rooms are beautiful!
Top Notch Service
Despite being a preview cruise, the service on the Islander was impressive. The staff was friendly, attentive, and seemed genuinely eager to help, making for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Havana Daydreamin’ Sports Bar
As a sports fan, I was pleased to find a well-equipped sports bar on the ship. Sure, taking a vacation isn’t all about watching sports, but it certainly doesn’t hurt when you can find the game somewhere in the evening. We managed to catch the College World Series while enjoying some drinks before the nightly show and even got to enjoy some live music by the bar.
The Double Rainbow
How does a double rainbow not make the list of the most memorable experiences? We had a little bit of rain on the first day as we headed out of Tampa Bay, but then we were rewarded with this beautiful sight as we made our way to play mini-golf.
In conclusion, the Margaritaville at Sea Islander offers a blend of relaxation and adventure. From gourmet food to sunset views, the ship has something for everyone. Our trip was filled with memorable moments, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds for this ship.
