Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Ship Departs on First Cruise from Tampa

Margaritaville at Sea Islander set sail on its inaugural revenue cruise last Friday. The recently renovated ship underwent a complete refurbishment at a Belfast dry dock for three months before making its debut in Tampa, Florida, earlier this week.

margaritaville islander cruise ship
(Photo courtesy of Margaritaville at Sea)

Margaritaville at Sea Islander’s maiden voyage is a 4-night sailing that will head to Cozumel, Mexico, and offer two sea days. After the first trip, it will embark on 4-, 5-, 6-, and 7-night itineraries to the Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Belize, Key West, and Mexico’s Cozumel and Progreso.

Built 24 years ago, the cruise vessel has received a complete makeover at the Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast, Northern Ireland. All 1,100 staterooms have been renovated with new fixtures, furnishings, spacious walk-in showers, and 700 large balconies.

MARGARITAVILE AT SEA ISLANDER
Margaritaville at Sea Islander (Courtesy of Margaritaville at Sea)

Six premium suites have been redesigned. They are inspired by selected Jimmy Buffett songs, including Everlasting Moon and Come Monday. 

Overall, there are 12 different types of staterooms to choose from, including Breezy Balcony Staterooms, Grand Terrace Suites, Corner Suites, and exclusive Islander Signature Suites.

Margaritaville at Sea Islander Suite
(Photo courtesy of Margaritaville at Sea)

At the entrance, the 14-story atrium has been designed to impress and welcome passengers. Inside the 85,619-ton ship, guests can look forward to a casino, three pools, 13 lounges, two new shows with live music, and 12 dining options. 

Margaritaville at Sea Vice President of Entertainment Karen Maybury informed the Herald-Tribune that the Islander’s entertainment line-up appeals to different guests.

“From adults to young travelers, everyone onboard the Islander will find their own entertaining slice of paradise—including live music enclaves, thrilling outer deck adventures, an all-ages lounge and arcade, and a first-ever cornhole-meets-mini-golf challenge course,” she said.  

Deep Discounts and Special Incentives

Margaritaville at Sea Islander
(Photo courtesy of Margaritaville at Sea)

To generate interest from the cruising public, the company introduced a few special offers:

  • 50% discount on most cruise fares 
  • Allowing kids to sail for free on select itineraries
  • Teachers, first responders, and military veterans get free cruises and special incentives under the Heroes Sail Free program

Last December, Margaritaville at Sea announced its acquisition of the Islander, doubling the cruise line’s fleet. 

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