If you’ve ever dreamed of trading your office chair for a deck chair, your morning commute for a sunrise over turquoise waters, and your daily grind for a never-ending playlist of Jimmy Buffett hits, then let me entertain you with tales from my recent voyage aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Islander May 6-11, 2025!
Setting Sail from Tampa Bay
We embarked from Terminal 6 in Tampa Bay, and let me tell you—it was smoother than a key lime pie martini. But here's a little tip from your cruise-savvy friend: do yourself a favor and take a ride share like Uber or Lyft. Parking is limited at the terminal and sells out faster than a Parrothead at a Buffett concert. Spare yourself the stress and start your vacation the easy-breezy Margaritaville way.
Check-in was fast, friendly, and infused with island vibes. Once aboard, the Islander—a charming older ship with that classic cruise feel— that surrounded me in tropical charm and steel drum melodies; my vacation had officially begun.
Onboard Delights: Bars, Lounges, and the QMN Experience
Thirteen bars and lounges meant one thing: hydration was never an issue—especially if your definition of hydration includes margaritas. The Flip Flop Atrium was the beating heart of the ship, always buzzing with energy and live music. But let me tell you where the real magic happened…
The Tiki Bar in the adults-only area was a hidden oasis. With its own pool and no kids cannonballing your mojito, it was my go-to relaxation zone. But my favorite watering hole? That would be the Hemisphere Dancer—named after Jimmy’s own seaplane. The cocktails here were next level. They made me a mean extra dirty Grey Goose martini that had me forgetting what day it was... which is exactly the point, right?
Now, if you want to take your cruise to legendary status, you've got to find your way into QMN—Quietly Making Noise. It's not on the map and it is an additional charge experience. It’s a secret speakeasy-style lounge decked out with exclusive Jimmy Buffett memorabilia, including his first acoustic guitar. With a Buffett historian spinning tales and craft cocktails you won’t find anywhere else.
Oh, and don’t miss the piano player at the Bubbles Up Lounge—he’s got magic in those fingers and a setlist that’ll have you swaying, singing and toe tapping along with your drink.
Casino, Entertainment, and Dining
Need a break from island time? The Margaritaville Casino could be your slice of neon-lit, dice-rolling heaven. Slot machines, table games, and a Queen of Hearts cocktail in hand—it was a great way to wind down (or up, depending on how your luck went).
Now, let’s talk food. Overall, it was solid—not five-star gourmet, but good and satisfying. And hey, I didn’t come aboard looking for fine dining and white tablecloths—I came for cheeseburgers in paradise, and that’s exactly what I got. The Cheeseburger in Paradise Burger Bar was THE SPOT for lunch. Juicy burgers, crispy fries, and that signature laid-back flair. I may or may not have eaten there more than once a day (don’t judge).
Frank and Lola’s Pizzeria kept the cravings at bay with fresh pies all day long, and after 10 p.m., they switched it up to a thicker, square-cut, late-night version that hit just right when you were dancing your flip flops off at one of the bars.
Ports of Call: Key West and Cozumel
Our first stop: Key West—basically the spiritual headquarters of the Jimmy Buffett lifestyle. It’s home to the original Margaritaville on iconic Duval Street, but the real fun is hopping from one legendary bar to the next. I hit up Captain Tony’s, Sloppy Joe’s, and the Flying Monkey, and yes—I took a pickle shot at Pickles Pub (shout out to my taste buds for surviving that one). There’s Buffett history everywhere, and the whole town feels like a living tribute to his laid-back, salt-rimmed legacy.
Then we docked in Cozumel, where paradise really turns it up. Right at the cruise port, there’s another Margaritaville restaurant, perfect for sipping a cold beer while gazing admiringly at the bright, tropical paint job on the hull of the Islander. It was the perfect bookend to an already colorful trip.
Value for Money
Here’s the deal—Margaritaville at Sea isn’t trying to be a luxury liner with robot butlers and water parks the size of Manhattan. It's a more budget-friendly, throw-your-cares-overboard kind of cruise, and it delivers big time on chill vibes, tropical tunes, and Jimmy Buffett soul.
Sure, it’s an older ship. But that classic cruise feel adds to the charm. The amenities are simpler, but the experience? That’s what you make of it. I went in with zero expectations, and I came out with a tan, a head full of Buffett songs, and some unforgettable memories. For the price point, especially if you’re a Parrothead, it’s absolutely worth it.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re craving some time in the sun, a stiff drink in your hand, or just a break from reality with a cheeseburger in one hand and a margarita in the other—this cruise delivers. It's not just a vacation; it’s a state of mind.
If you're thinking about setting sail for Margaritaville, reach out to me! I’d be more than happy to help you book your own island-style escape aboard the Islander.
As Jimmy said best - “If we couldn't laugh, we would all go insane.” And after this cruise? I'm feeling pretty sane.
