Margaritaville at Sea

Click Here to Start Planning Your Cruise Vacation! 

Margaritaville at Sea Islander Review: A Parrothead’s Paradise! 

By Lori Maldonado | September 6, 2024

As a lifelong Jimmy Buffett fans and travel advisor, I’ve experienced dozens of cruise vacations, but nothing compares to sailing on the Margaritaville at Sea Islander! This cruise perfectly captures the spirit of the laid-back, beachy lifestyle that Jimmy's fans love. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or new to cruising, this ship delivers an unforgettable island escape at sea.

Atmosphere: From the moment you step aboard Islander, you're embraced by a relaxed, tropical vibe that’s all about leaving your worries behind. The ship’s island-inspired design, the easygoing music, and the laid-back dress code (flip-flops are practically a must!) immediately transport you to “island time.” As a Parrothead, I couldn’t help but grin every time Jimmy’s music floated through the air, adding an extra layer of paradise to the whole experience. One of my favorite parts was discovering some of the "not-so-obvious" Jimmy Buffett references scattered around the ship—like the AIA Promenade, which brought back memories of living in South Florida and driving the iconic 113-mile stretch from Key Largo to Key West on the Overseas Highway. Whether you’re new to cruising or a seasoned pro, Islander offers the perfect, welcoming atmosphere to kick back and ease into the Margaritaville lifestyle. The only downside? We were a little bummed we couldn’t check out the QNM (Quietly Making Noise) Speakeasy—I’d heard it was by invitation only before sailing, but we found out once onboard that there was actually an extra charge to visit.

Service: As seasoned cruiser with over 40 years of experience, exceptional service is always a top priority for me, and Islander does not disappoint. The crew is warm, attentive, and truly embodies that laid-back “no worries” vibe that Jimmy Buffett fans cherish. From the dining staff to the cabin stewards and bartenders, every team member goes above and beyond to make sure your experience is unforgettable. Whether you need assistance with shore excursions or just a recommendation for the perfect cocktail, the crew is always ready to help. Just a reminder, you’ll need to access your stateroom account information at guest services, as there isn’t an app or smart TV option available yet, but they are more than happy to print your statement for you at any time. We did notice a couple of extra charges on our account, but they were promptly removed once we brought it to their attention. Special shoutout to our amazing cabin steward, Rudi, who not only serviced our stateroom twice a day but also surprised me with an incredible towel animal extravaganza for my birthday—such a thoughtful touch! (Note: if you are a veteran, be sure to ask for your 20% discount at the retail shops. We purchased some souvenirs on board and did not realize until we got home that we needed to ask at checkout for the discount.)

Accommodations: Get ready to feel like you've stepped right into one of Jimmy's iconic songs! The staterooms are designed with that signature Margaritaville charm—bright, beachy, and irresistibly cozy. We stayed in a breezy balcony cabin that felt like our own little island hideaway, complete with tropical décor, a plush signature linens, and a spacious private balcony. One thing I really loved was the attention to detail—the bathroom had liquid hand soap, along with spa-quality shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, all with a light, refreshing citrus scent. They even provided a special makeup washcloth, which was a thoughtful touch. We did experience a plumbing issue on embarkation day, but it was promptly repaired after contacting guest services. The TVs also feature Margaritaville TV, where you can enjoy a mix of Jimmy Buffett music videos, live concerts, and tunes from other artists—including Bob Marley, Kenny Chesney, Stick Figure, and Mishka. We packed a small bluetooth speaker and didn't even need to take it out of the suitcase! If you’re looking to splurge, the suites are absolutely worth it, offering extra space to relax and extended balconies for taking in those breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. And for budget-conscious travelers, even the interior cabins are well-appointed, giving you all the comfort you need with a dash of paradise. 

Dining: Dining aboard Islander is a true delight for any Buffett fan! You’ll be humming “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes” as you enjoy a meal at the Islander or Fins Restaurant, perfectly paired with a blended margarita or one of their signature cocktails. For a more upscale experience, JWB Steakhouse is the place to be, serving up mouthwatering steaks and fresh seafood that outshines other cruise lines we have sailed on. (Make sure to secure a reservation on embarkation day to lock in your preferred day and time.) Don’t miss the Bubbles Brunch, where you can sip mimosas while indulging in a variety of breakfast and lunch favorites—if you’re from the South like me, go for the southern fried chicken and mac ‘n’ cheese, a true comfort food win! For a more laid-back vibe, the Port of Indecision Buffet offers casual, delicious options for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. And of course, if you're craving a Cheeseburger in Paradise, the one on Islander is hard to beat—possibly the best at sea! Late-night hunger? Frank and Lola's Pizzeria is the perfect stop before heading to the Havana Bar for a nightcap and some live music. We ran out of time to savor the Mexican Cutie Cantina, Far-Side Sushi, and Island Eats, but those will be first on our list next time!

Entertainment: This is where the Margaritaville at Sea Islander truly shines, especially for Parrotheads like me! The ship’s live entertainment brings Buffett’s greatest hits to life, and the Conky Tonkin' at Sea and Caribbean Heat shows are packed with high-energy, feel-good vibes and aerial performances that will have you dancing in your flip-flops. From the poolside bands to live music at the thirteen bars and lounges, and even karaoke nights, there’s always something happening. For a more laid-back evening, the Stars on the Water Theater is perfect, offering comedy and variety acts (the comedian and magician on our sailing were top-notch!) Just another heads-up, you’ll want to refer to the hard-copy of your "Checklist to Chill," as there isn’t currently a Margaritaville at Sea app for your phone or cabin TV. But honestly, we embraced the old-school vibe and loved being unplugged from technology!

Activities: Onboard activities on Islander are designed to appeal to every type of cruiser. Looking to relax? The Tiki Bar Pool (18+) is the perfect spot to unwind, complete with flowing tropical drinks and breathtaking wake views. If pampering is on your agenda, the St. Somewhere Spa and Salon offers a serene escape with a variety of treatments, from massages to facials. For those who prefer to stay active, the Fins Up! Fitness Center is fully equipped, and there’s always something going on at the LandShark and 5 O'Clock Somewhere pools, including live music, games, and contests. We did find it challenging to secure a cabana or lounge chair during sea days, but had no problem finding a quiet spot in the pool to sip a refreshing boat drink. Sports enthusiasts will love the Havana Daydreamin' Sports Bar, where you can catch a game while enjoying a cold bevvie. Don’t miss the Dis 'N Dat Activity Zone, the first-ever cornhole-meets-mini-golf course at sea! If you’re interested in reviewing the Checklists to Chill from my 5-night Key West and Cozumel cruise, you can find them on my Margaritaville at Sea Islander Facebook Page.

Final Thoughts: As both a travel advisor and Jimmy Buffett fan, I can wholeheartedly say that the Margaritaville at Sea Islander Cruise is the ultimate tropical escape. The mix of outstanding service, tantalizing cuisine, vibrant entertainment, and breathtaking destinations makes this a bucket-list experience for anyone who loves the Margaritaville lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to party with fellow Parrotheads or simply kick back and relax, this cruise delivers the perfect slice of paradise. I will definitely be recommending Islander to my clients—and I can't wait to set sail again myself in 2025!

I would be thrilled to help you plan the ideal Margaritaville at Sea cruise tailored to your needs and preferences. Click HERE to schedule your 30-minute complimentary discovery call with me today!