Where It’s Always 5 O’Clock
I sailed aboard Margaritaville at Sea’s newest flagship vessel and now I can’t wait to book my next Islander cruise!
By Riesa Pascal-Porro
Though I have been on a handful of cruises in my lifetime, going on a Caribbean cruise with my husband was a bucket list item that I never expected to check off in as grand of a fashion as what I recently experienced aboard Margaritaville at Sea Islander. When I first learned that Jimmy Buffett’s cruise line had added a second, larger cruise ship to their fleet, I immediately jumped at the booking opportunity for multiple reasons beyond just finally fulfilling a newlywed dream. First and foremost, the new Margaritaville at Sea Islander departed from the Port of Tampa Bay which for us was a significantly shorter and more convenient drive than heading to Port of Miami where all my previous cruise sailings had departed from. Secondly, and more importantly, my husband and I realized that sailing on the Islander presented us with the unique opportunity to experience something truly one-of-a-kind and special: being one of the first to embark on a fully redesigned flagship vessel that boasted a completely new way to “float into an island state of mind.”
We booked the only 4-night itinerary aboard the Islander which featured an all-day venture at the tropical island oasis of Cozumel along with two full days at sea for the perfect combination of excursion fun and resort-at-sea relaxation. As we joined our fellow passengers stepping foot onto the ship for the first time, it was immediately evident that the Margaritaville at Sea team had pulled out all the stops to ensure their newest vessel was synonymous with the iconically relaxed Margaritaville lifestyle. The ship’s entrance led us straight into Flip Flop Atrium Bar, just one of the 13 uniquely themed bars and lounges located on board. There we were serenaded by the soothing sounds of Guitarist Emman as we raised carefully crafted signature cocktails in cheers to the start of our unforgettable journey.
Ahead of the ship’s highly anticipated 5 O’Clock Somewhere Sail Away Party, we were able to stop by our stateroom for a quick refresh and admiration of our new home for the next 4 nights. Having booked a Grand Terrace Suite for our stay which easily accommodates 1-4 guests, my husband and I were more than comfortably situated for our cruise to paradise. The impressive balcony stateroom featured a separate seating area, upgraded linens and pillows, and even a comfy lounge sofa accompanied by premium amenities like concierge services, complimentary nightly dining in the Islander Dining Room, priority boarding and debarkation, and much more. It would’ve been easy to kick our sandals off and spend the rest of the day soaking up the sun on our private balcony loungers, but we both knew there was much left to be seen outside our doors.
Beyond the Flip Flop Atrium Bar that greeted us upon our arrival, there were still 12 other bars and lounges that we were able to explore and enjoy over the course of our sailing. Three poolside bars provided the perfect setting to enjoy an ice cold beverage outdoors in the gentle Caribbean breeze. The three-story Landshark Bar and Lookout took center stage on the Islander’s pool deck with shaded seating, a 360-degree lookout tower island and a jaw-dropping outdoor screen for live sports and entertainment. The adults only Tiki Bar was another outdoor location offering up stunning views from a covered pavilion while the Islander’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar was the signature poolside lounge to grab a tasty bite while enjoying live island music at the accompanying Six String music stage.
For my husband and I, we became particularly fond of the beautifully designed indoor crafted lounges situated around the vessel with each boasting a unique vibe and theme. Hemisphere Dancer Craft Spirits was an intimate location where soft conversation flowed by day and live latin music had us on our feet by night. As a Cuban man and sports fan, my husband obviously had to stop by Havana Daydreamin’ Sports Bar and Lounge while the Prosecco-lover in me delighted in a glass of perfectly chilled bubbly at Bubbles Up Lounge and Champagne Bar. The Far Side Lounge was easily a fan-favorite amongst ourselves and our fellow passengers as we frequently returned to the venue to enjoy refreshing drinks alongside family friendly games and activities taking place on the Far Side Lounge stage. The aquarium-themed Coral Reef Lounge was a fitting setting for ocean-inspired cocktails while cheering on our fellow cruisemates in lively karaoke and hilarious game shows that kept the laughter going all night long. The Hot, Hot, Hot Night Club brought opportunities for even more after hours fun as DJ Kash kept the two-story nightclub pulsing with our favorite dancing hits. The only way we were able to tear ourselves away for bed each night was reminding ourselves that we could do it all over again tomorrow!
Every day we received a new ‘Checklist to Chill’ booklet with daily itinerary highlights and a full hour-by-hour breakdown of the various Islander activities taking place under the direction of our lively and energetic Cruise Director Orlando Majic. To say we were at a loss for choices of what to experience each day is an understatement, but we quickly learned that it was impossible to make any decision that we would regret. From happy hours featuring $5 Blackjack in the Margaritaville Casino to a salsa dance class in the Far Side Lounge and so much more, every day was jam packed with unique adventures and creative experiences including nightly entertainment shows in the Stars on the Water Theater. Award-winning Illusionists Ernesto Pico and Andrea Gonzalez kicked off the first night’s astounding Adrenaline Magic show while our second day at sea featured the captivating production, Conky Tonkin’ At Sea which had us singing along from the beginning to end. Comedian Jay Whitaker headlined night three while another original Margaritaville at Sea production—Caribbean Heat Remix—brought our final night to a close with incredible must-see acrobats, dancers and singers that lit up the stage on a musical journey through the islands.
As I reflect on the many highlights of our time on the Islander, I would have a hard time narrowing my favorite down to just one singular activity or offering. That being said, one highlight that both my husband and I can agree on is that each and every single meal, bite and sip on board was a complete and utter culinary delight. In addition to numerous specialty dining options, the Islander also featured five complimentary restaurants that kept us continually fueled in between our poolside cocktails and the fun-soaked activities we embarked on. Mexican Cutie Cantina presented the opportunity to build our own street-style tacos while Cheeseburger in Paradise Burger Bar was the ideal location to enjoy a savory burger with freshly prepared ingredients and toppings. Fins Dining was the Islander’s main dining room boasting mouth-watering island-inspired dishes like Avocado Lime Mahi Mahi while the Port of Indecision Buffet staff saw our faces return again and again as we continuously enjoyed an impressive variety of tantalizing all you can eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. When late-night hunger struck, Frank & Lola’s Pizzeria provided our rumbling stomachs with hand-tossed classic pizza pies. For our final Islander meal, however, we opted to treat ourselves to a lavish and upscale dinner at the Islander’s JWB Prime Steakhouse. The elegant eatery paired the ship’s island charm with various culinary masterpieces boasting the highest quality ingredients such as my Colorado Rack of Lamb with Apricot Chutney or the perfectly prepared Prime Ribeye that my husband joyfully devoured.
With so much to do, eat, and see upon stepping aboard the Islander, it was almost easy to forget that a whole day of activity still awaited us in Cozumel, Mexico. To make the most of our port day—and for added peace of mind—we opted to book an excursion through Margaritaville at Sea’s preferred partners which proved to be a decision we would not regret. There were a host of excursion options available to passengers, but we felt particularly called to the Stingray, Sharks and Beach Party. When port day finally arrived, we woke up to the ship pulling up to Mexico’s breathtaking tropical paradise located off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Together alongside a dozen other passengers that would quickly become new friends, we hopped aboard a catamaran for a trio of aquatic adventures that included snorkeling over spectacular underwater coral reefs, enjoying a shallow water swim with friendly nurse sharks and petting gentle, barb-free stingrays in interactive enclosures. Our extraordinary journey concluded with a generous beachside lunch featuring endless chicken tacos in fresh corn tortillas and an open bar with delightfully tasty margaritas that would’ve made Jimmy Buffet himself proud.
Even though the Margaritaville crooner sadly passed away before the Islander was launched, I like to think he’s looking down on it from that big Margaritaville in the sky and smiling fondly at the way his life’s work culminated into the Margaritaville at Sea brand and this newest addition to their growing fleet. From lyrics plastered on the walls to cleverly titled menus and everything in between, the Islander was the ultimate tribute to the late singer-songwriter and sailing aboard this remarkable ship was an exceptional experience from sunrise to sunset. From hitting the shops for the perfect souvenir to enjoying world-class performances or relaxing moments by the pool… there was something exciting happening onboard at every corner of Margaritaville at Sea’s newest and most innovative vessel. My husband and I are already eager to set sail towards another unforgettable moment on board and were further excited by the news that Margaritaville at Sea is adding several new ports of call to their Islander sailings in 2025 and 2026. This year, they will sail to Costa Maya, Belize, Ocho Rios, Roatan and Grand Cayman. In 2026, they will sail to Aruba, Curaçao, Montego Bay and New Orleans. If you’re also ready to experience the bliss of a cruise to paradise “where it’s always 5 O’Clock,” it may be time to plan your own future sailing. No matter the occasion for your trip, I can guarantee that the endless options for fun, quality dining and much needed relaxation will make this a decision you too won’t regret.
Margaritaville at Sea
Phone: 888.536.9140
www.margaritavilleatsea.com
