Margaritaville is one of the newest cruise lines at sea. As such, even veteran cruisers might not know what to expect on a ship where it's always 5 o'clock onboard!
All jokes aside, I recently sailed onboard Margaritaville at Sea's newest ship, the Islander, on a 4-night getaway from Tampa to Progreso, Mexico. While most of the overall cruise experience was consistent with what you might expect on popular lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival, there were a few distinct features that set Margaritaville apart.
Here are 8 things I wish I'd known before going on a Margaritaville cruise.
The vibe is insanely casual
Similar to Carnival, the overall atmosphere onboard Islander was casual. While passengers did dress up, many decided to embrace the laid-back, island lifestyle that the Margaritaville brand is known for. For example, though one might expect guests to dress up when dining at a specialty restaurant, some guests showed up in shorts and t-shirts!
I packed a few nicer outfits, but I opted for more casual (and comfy) ones. Jean shorts and Hawaiian button-ups are more than appropriate every night if you want!
That said, I'd highly recommend packing your cowboy boots and hats for Islander's country night! Sitting in the theater, my friend remarked that she wished she had brought her new boots for the occasion.
Read more: 16 Packing Tips for First-Time Cruisers
Speaking of the steakhouse, I thought JWB was worth the extra cost
Because my cruise was only four nights, I initially planned to skip Islander's specialty steakhouse. However, Margaritaville at Sea graciously gifted my friend and me an evening at JWB Steakhouse on them, and I'm so thankful they did!
The meal typically costs $59.40 per person, but it's worth the extra cost, especially if you enjoy red meat. The four-course meal includes drool-worthy appetizers like provoleta, lobster bisque, onion soup, roasted beet carpaccio, and more. However, the main event is the steaks.
I ordered the filet mignon with a side of bearnaise sauce, and it was cooked to a perfect medium—not too bloody but retaining the right amount of flavor and tenderness.
The Unlimited Beverage Chill package is worth the cost but lacks one important inclusion
I like to indulge in a few more cocktails than usual on a cruise ship. As such, I often consider drink packages and have tried packages on lines ranging from Royal Caribbean to Celebrity and Princess to enjoy a wider selection of beverages without worrying about the cost.
Because I value convenience, I find they're worth the splurge. However, if you don't plan on consuming, or at least trying, at least five cocktails per day, you're better off paying for each beverage individually.
Overall, I enjoyed the Margaritaville cruise drink package. It included a great variety of cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages like bottled water and soda. However, I wish it included specialty coffee from the Margaritaville Coffee Shop.
Many other mainstream cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Princess, include specialty lattes from the onboard coffee shop in their drink packages. These options are a major upgrade from the complimentary drip coffee and are a great way to start the day, especially if you prefer iced beverages.
With Margaritaville's drink package costing over $80 per person for our 4-night cruise, it was frustrating that coffees weren't included. The cheapest option at the coffee shop was $3.00 for an iced coffee; however, prices went up to $6.25 for a mocha latte.
If specialty coffees are an important part of your cruise experience, budget extra since they're not included in the Ultimate Beverage Chill package. Also, note that the package is only available on Islander. Paradise offers different drink package options, including an unlimited soda package and an alcoholic package that includes up to ten top-shelf cocktails, wines by the glass, or beers.
Cruising from Tampa is so easy
Having been on nearly 30 cruises, I've sailed from different embarkation ports like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Seattle, Piraeus, and Genoa. However, I had never cruised from Tampa until my voyage aboard Islander. I was surprised by how efficient the process was considering the port facilities weren't new.
We ordered a Lyft from our hotel near the Tampa airport for $12.60 and arrived at the port in just 20 minutes. We proceeded inside the terminal after dropping off our bags with a porter, and it took us less than twenty minutes to have our passports checked, go through security, and step foot on Islander for the first time.
If sailing in a suite, you can access the priority lane and VIP lounge stocked with sandwiches, soda, and coffee for an easier embarkation experience. Even still, the regular line was not long, and plenty of port agents assisted guests in at least five lines.
There's tons of unique merchandise
If merch is your thing, you won't be disappointed by the selection on Islander. Everything from shot glasses to t-shirts, insulated mugs, stuffed animals, and dish towels were available.
Plus, there's a lot of merchandise exclusive to the ship. I purchased a shot glass that listed specific facts about Islander, including the gross registered tonnage (GRT), the number of cabins onboard, and its length.
Like other ships, Islander also had alcohol for purchase in the duty-free stores. Don't expect to drink it onboard, though. If you buy your favorite flavored Margaritaville tequila to take home with you, it will be delivered to your stateroom on the last evening.
The Concierge Ambassador is incredibly helpful
As someone who cruises frequently, staying in suites isn't something I usually consider. I'm incredibly grateful for Margaritaville, who graciously upgraded my friend and me from a standard interior cabin to a Grand Terrace Suite.
As such, I got to experience what it's like to cruise on Islander in style, starting with priority embarkation. However, one of my most valuable perks was our Concierge Ambassador, Diana. From the first day, she proved to be an invaluable asset when she called our stateroom and invited us to the Concierge Lounge to introduce herself and go over our suite's benefits.
She also helped arrange a reservation at JWB Steakhouse for the same evening, as well as book a special bridge tour exclusively for suite passengers on the first sea day.
She remained a friendly and familiar face throughout the cruise and would go out of her way to speak to us if she saw us about the ship.
On the last evening, she spotted us in line at Guest Services to get a copy of our onboard statement and whisked us up one deck to the Concierge Lounge, where she printed our statements and took care of a billing issue in minutes.
Margaritaville at Sea doesn't have a mobile app
Cruise line apps make the onboard experience much easier. You can check your billing statement, make specialty reservations, book shore excursions, and more from your mobile device wherever you are on the ship!
Margaritaville doesn't have a dedicated app like other lines. However, you can still access the daily schedule on your phone using QR codes posted throughout the ship. Each night, a paper schedule is also left in your stateroom by your cabin steward.
While I was grateful to pull up the schedule when out and about, the webpage loaded slowly. I also missed checking my onboard statement throughout the cruise without having to wait in line at Guest Services.
Read more: I went on my first cruise as an adult. I enjoyed the food and entertainment more than I thought
Prepare for an in-person muster drill
No matter what line you sail with, you must complete a safety drill on embarkation before sailing away. Most lines have adopted a virtual drill, which does not require passengers to meet at their assigned assembly stations at the same time. Unfortunately, Margaritaville is still stuck in the past with its safety drill.
At 3:30pm, the emergency signal blared, and all guests aboard Islander proceeded to their muster stations on the promenade deck. The deck quickly became crowded and felt like a general admission pit at a concert for a popular artist. Everyone was instructed to stand shoulder-to-shoulder, leaving little room for breathing and personal space.
Plus, with so many guests lined up in a small space, I couldn't see the crew member demonstrating how to use the lifejacket. Thankfully, the muster drill didn't last long, and we were awaiting the sail away festivites by 3:50pm.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
