Set Sail on the Margaritaville at Sea Islander: Your Floating Island Escape
If you are looking to trade your everyday routine for a tropical state of mind, the Margaritaville at Sea Islander is your ultimate ticket to paradise. Launched as the sparkling new flagship of the Margaritaville fleet in June 2024, this fully transformed cruise ship brings Jimmy Buffett’s iconic "island escapism" lifestyle straight to the open ocean.
Sailing primarily out of Port Tampa Bay, Florida, the Islander invites cruisers to kick off their flip-flops and enjoy laid-back luxury, thrilling entertainment, and world-class dining as they journey to sun-soaked destinations like Key West and Mexico.
Islander Ship Details & Quick Facts
The Islander (formerly the Costa Atlantica) underwent a massive multi-million dollar transformation to become a true floating Margaritaville resort. Here is a quick look at the ship's impressive stats:
85,619 GT
Gross Tonnage
2,650 Maximum
Passenger Capacity
920
Crew Size
1999
Year Built
Tampa, Florida
Home Port
Accommodations: Casual-Luxe Comfort
Your stateroom is your private oasis at sea. The Islander offers 12 distinct cabin categories to fit any budget or travel style, all featuring the signature breezy, sun-and-sand inspired décor.
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Interior & Ocean View Cabins: Perfect for budget-conscious travelers, offering super-soft linens, separate vanities, and plenty of space to recharge.
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Breezy Balcony Staterooms: Step outside to enjoy the ocean breeze. These rooms feature separate seating areas, spacious bathrooms, and upgraded amenities.
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Signature Grand Suites: For the ultimate VIP experience, these Jimmy Buffett-inspired suites boast wraparound balconies, private sun loungers, jetted tubs, and premium perks like concierge service and priority boarding.
Dining: A Sea of Deliciousness
With 12 unique dining venues, you will never run out of incredible culinary options. Whether you are craving a quick poolside bite or an elegant multi-course dinner, the Islander has you covered.
Complimentary Dining Options Include:
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Fins Main Dining Room & Islander Dining Room: Serving fresh, island-inspired courses for elegant nightly dinners.
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Port of Indecision Buffet: Your go-to spot for an expansive breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
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Cheeseburger in Paradise: It wouldn’t be a Margaritaville ship without this iconic burger bar located right on deck 9!
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Frank & Lola’s Pizzeria & Mexican Cutie Cantina: Perfect for casual, quick, and flavorful bites.
Specialty Dining (For an extra touch of luxury):
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JWB Prime Steakhouse: A premier dining experience offering top-tier steaks and fresh seafood.
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Far Side Sushi: For those craving expertly crafted sushi rolls with ocean views.
Drinks, Entertainment & Activities
From sunrise to sunset, the Islander is packed with engaging activities and spaces designed for pure relaxation or high-energy revelry. The ship features 13 bars and lounges, each with its own signature cocktail menu.
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Pools & Splashing: Families will love the Caribbean Amphibian Splash and Slide, while adults can escape to the serene, adults-only Tiki Bar pool area at the back of the ship.
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Live Entertainment: Catch the spectacular "Stars on the Water" theater shows, or listen to live music echoing through the stunning 14-story Flip Flop Atrium.
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Thrills & Chills: Try your luck at the Margaritaville Casino, pamper yourself at the St. Somewhere Spa, or get active with Paradise Pickleball at Sea, mini-golf, and cornhole.
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Kids Programs: Jolly Mon & Parakeets Kid’s Clubs keep younger sailors entertained all day long with curated, supervised activities.
Popular Itineraries
The Islander specializes in short, accessible getaways that are easy to plan and budget-friendly. Most sailings depart from Tampa, Florida, and feature:
4-Night Voyages: Visiting Cozumel, Mexico, with plenty of relaxing sea days.
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5-Night Voyages: Stopping at tropical hotspots like Key West, Florida, and Cozumel or Progreso in Mexico.
Hidden Details & Quirky Features
When Margaritaville took over, they didn't just slap on some pastel paint—they leaned heavily into the theming while preserving some of the ship's eccentric architectural bones. Here are a few unique features to look out for on board:
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The 14-Story Flip Flop Atrium: When you walk in, you aren't just greeted by glass elevators. The centerpiece of the ship is a massive 14-foot-tall blown-out blue flip flop statue, surrounded by palm trees and surfboards. Look straight up, and you'll spot a life-sized biplane suspended from the ceiling near Deck 10.
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The LandShark Bar at Sea: This isn't your standard pool bar. It is a sprawling, three-story venue that overlooks the main pool deck, complete with an LED screen for movies and a lively, multi-level party atmosphere.
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Unexpected Top-Deck Activities: The Islander went out of its way to offer unique games. Alongside a dedicated pickleball court, you will find a surprisingly elaborate miniature golf course and a fully custom cornhole course with obstacles—a rarity at sea.
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A Nod to the Author: For guests staying in the Signature Grand Suites, the rooms come with "Livin' on Islander Time" pillows, a make-your-own-margarita setup, and copies of Jimmy Buffett's actual books, like A Salty Piece of Land and A Pirate Looks at Fifty.
The Margaritaville at Sea Rooms
The Margaritaville at Sea Main Dining
The Margaritaville at Sea Paradise
The Margaritaville at Sea Pools
The Margaritaville at Sea Tikki Bar
