Onboard Review: Margaritaville at Sea Islander One-of-a-Kind Experience

Recommend Standard Image TemplateMargaritaville at Sea Islander—One-of-a-Kind Experience By Paloma Villaverde de RicoWhen I hopped off Margaritaville at Sea Islander at Port Tampa Bay after a 4-night getaway that sailed to Cozumel and spent two full days at sea, I said to my cruise companion, “That’s got to be one of the most fun, laid-back cruise experiences I’ve ever enjoyed.” It wasn’t just about the many onboard activities—from family-friendly to adult fun—or a seemingly endless array of F&B options, or even the whole Jimmy Buffet-themed delights, there’s a certain vibe that allows for everyone to kick-back without pretensions and just enjoy themselves on a truly entertaining vacation. When Recommend asked one of Margaritaville at Sea’s top advisor partners, Walter Biscardi Jr of Where’s Walter Travel, what makes this cruise line and the Islander specifically so perfect for cruisers who want a quickie vacation, he mentioned, “Islander is a great value and it’s quite simply fun. It’s an unpretentious cruise line that’s really geared itself towards the customer experience. The crew, the ship, the entertainment is all geared toward a fun escape from the everyday. In this age, where cruise lines are building ever larger ships and trying to ‘one-up’ each other with the latest and greatest toys, Margaritaville has put the focus squarely on the guest. They have created a relaxing environment with nice pools, good food, good service and an easy ship to navigate. The Islander is a great relaxing ship.” As you enter the 2,650-passenger Islander you’re transfixed by the colorful 14-story atrium that features a nautical Margaritaville flip flop as well as three multi-story floating margarita glass chandeliers. And soaring high above the atrium’s Flip Flop Bar, passengers will notice floating fish, parrots and a replica of Buffet’s own personal seaplane—with up-close views most appreciated from the atrium’s glass elevators. As Biscardi says, “That atrium is unlike anything I’ve ever seen on any cruise ship, with over 11 cruise lines sailed so far. Such a fun elevator ride up or down.” Adds Biscardi, “The ship is not wall-to-wall, 24/7 Jimmy Buffet on the screens or in the music and decor. But his laid-back ‘come as you are’ attitude is felt throughout the ship. You really do feel welcome from the moment you step on and there’s no pressure to do anything.”Raise a GlassThe array of bar and lounge concepts sprinkled throughout the ship is a lovely nod to the Margaritaville lifestyle, and of course menus at each offer their unique take on the must-have margarita. There’s the Moneyline Margarita at the Love and Luck Casino Bar, where your clients can roll the dice to determine their drink, the Florida Straits margarita at the Havana Daydreamin’ Sports Bar and the Ginger Margarita at the Flip Flop Bar, among many others. When it comes to lounges, we think the most creative—and elegant—space on board is the Hemisphere Dancer Craft Spirits, with a menu featuring inventively named cocktails, including mezcal-based Red-Eye and, our fave, the vodka-based Frequent Flier. Says Biscardi, “I was not expecting a high-end craft bar on a Margaritaville at Sea ship; I don’t know why, but I wasn’t. I only have a few drinks each day and I want them to be really good drinks, and I was impressed with the quality of the Hemisphere Dancer.” Another space we gravitated to? The Havana Daydreamin’ Sports Bar, whose aesthetics is a nod to Old Havana with a replica of an old Chevy for a cute picture backdrop. Swing over in the evenings for the live band playing Latino hits, from salsa to reggaeton. For passengers over 18 who like to dance the night away, the 2-story Hot, Hot, Hot Night Club should be on their to-do list as it offers nonstop pulsating energy. Some more adult time can be found at the adult-exclusive Tiki Bar, featuring a separate pool and hot tub area as well as daybeds and hammocks. Of course, one can’t have said they’ve been on board the Islander if they don’t hang out at the world’s only 3-story LandShark Bar, which takes center stage on the pool deck. This deck also offers plenty of pool time entertainment for the little ones and teenagers, with nonstop music and activities. This is also hub central when it’s time for the 5 O’Clock Somewhere Sail Away Party, which really sets the tune for the rest of the sailing. This is where passengers meet Cruise Director Zee-Jay, who does a fantastic job at offering activities and entertainment that really appeal to everyone. When we caught up with her, we asked how she keeps the mixed bag of guests—from families with little ones and teenagers to mature couples—engaged throughout the sailing. She tells us, “I read the crowd. I know what the demographic is at the start of the cruise, including how many kids [will be on board]. Like this cruise, for instance, we’ve got 600 under 18, and 300 of them are teenagers. So, we adjust the program according to that. If it’s an older demographic, I’ll throw on a ‘TV Name that Tune,’ for example. So, it’s constantly working with what we’ve got and trying to cater to as many people as possible who will not necessarily always be in the bars and lounges drinking and listening to music.” Notes Biscardi, “I really appreciate that Margaritaville at Sea is not trying to be like anyone else. They’re Margaritaville at Sea, they do things their way and they hope you’ll come along for the ride. They’re serving up some great fun at sea.”Recommend Standard Image Template-1725033505The Right IngredientWe explored the ship’s F&B sampling everything from the array of choices at the Port of Indecision Buffet—a great choice for breakfast, lunch and dinner—to traditional steakhouse fare at JWB Prime Steakhouse and were delighted by the range of food options. Margaritaville at Sea debuted six new dining options aboard the Islander, including one of our favorite spots, the Islander Dining Room, serving chef-crafted seasonal specialties such as a salmon entree that melted in my mouth. For a quick slice, there’s Frank & Lola’s Pizzeria; sushi, including a spicy tuna-based Duval Street roll, is served at the new Far Side Sushi; and at the Margaritaville Coffee Shop, passengers can pick up an avocado toast and pastry as well as their coffee of choice with a side of delightful customer service. In fact, this is one of the sweetest crews we’ve ever encountered at sea; beyond being hospitable, they go out of their way to be genuinely friendly and personable. When it comes to its shore excursions, the Islander offers an extensive list to choose from. We headed to Mayan ruins and a chocolate tasting while in port at Cozumel and loved that our group was only 15 persons, thus creating an intimate experience. The guide, too, was a great pick with expert knowledge and interesting side stories. Caribbean VibesWith 1,105 staterooms whose decor is inspired by the Caribbean’s natural beauty, the Islander offers you an ample array of choices for client bookings, including six Signature Grand Suites, themed and influenced by popular Jimmy Buffet songs such as “Come Monday” and “Everlasting Moon.” These suites feature an extra spacious balcony with private loungers, large walk-in showers, upgraded premium furnishings, separate seating area and several exclusive amenities such as priority check-in, boarding and debarkation; exclusive concierge services and lounge access; complimentary nightly dining in the Islander Dining Room; and more. Throughout there are 12 different stateroom and suite types, including 700 balcony staterooms such as the Grand Terrace Corner Suites, featuring an extra-spacious wraparound balcony; Serene Junior Suites, with wide-open balcony views; Wake View Balcony staterooms, located at the aft of the ship with open ocean views; as well as Premium Extended Balcony and Breezy Balcony staterooms. Additional stateroom options include the Picturesque Ocean View featuring scenic views of the sea and Cozy Interior staterooms. The Breezy Balcony stateroom we called home offers more than enough space for two persons (it can accommodate up to four). It features, among other amenities, an ample bathroom, a private balcony with chairs, lounge sleeper sofa and vanity area with stool as well as very comfy deluxe mattresses and bedding. Ideal for New-to-Cruise“Islander is a great ‘new-to-cruise’ line,” says Biscardi, “because it’s easy and relaxing. Some cruise ships can be overwhelming with the amenities and the amount of people. Islander is just the right size to have plenty of space, multiple pools and multiple evening venues for entertainment and relaxation. But it’s not so big and loud that you can feel lost or overwhelmed on board. The sail away from Tampa Bay is one of prettiest in Florida. The crew on board really makes you feel welcome; the entertainment staff does a great job with games and events during the day; and the evening mix of entertainment is perfect for most any cruiser.” Contact InformationMargaritaville at Sea: bahamasparadise.gage.com

COVERSANDALSTable of ContentsSANDALS SPREADEditor's NotesEDU HOUSE ADIndustry Insights: Luxury Travel Continues to SoarAdvisor Speak: Virtuoso Advisor InsightsMexico/Caribbean: Mexico and the Caribbean Redefine ‘Family-Friendly’CAYMAN ISLANDS SCTHE CAYMAN ISLANDSSAINT LUCIA SCSAINT LUCIAOnsite Review: Upscale Sandals Opens Its Doors in St. Vincent and the GrenadinesOnsite Review: “New” Discoveries in Saint LuciaNorth America: What's New—Florida Family AdventuresLEE COUNTY SCFort Myers Islands, Beaches & NeighborhoodsOnsite Review: Quebec City—History, Culture & CuisineMGM RESORTS SCMGM RESORTSCruise: Setting Sail for Fun—What’s New for Family CruisesOnboard Review: Margaritaville at Sea Islander One-of-a-Kind ExperienceOnboard Review: 10 Reasons to Book Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the SeasEurope: Onsite Review—Travels in AndalusiaTURKISH AIRLINES