My Margaritaville at Sea Islander Review (5-Night Sailing • December 2–6, 2024)
By Chris Martin, Certified Cruise Counselor & Travel Advisor

I recently sailed the 5-night Margaritaville at Sea Islander to personally experience the ship so I could better guide my clients. Sailing from December 2–6 with stops in Progreso and Cozumel, this cruise delivered a relaxed, island-inspired vacation with great service and impressive updates throughout the ship.

Embarkation & Faster to Chill Package

Embarkation was organized and easy to follow. I upgraded to the Faster to Chill package, and it was absolutely worth it. It included priority check-in, priority luggage delivery, Wi-Fi for two devices, early access to get off the ship at each port, and express debarkation at the end of the cruise. If you hate long lines, this is the way to go.

The Ship & Stateroom

The Islander has been renovated into a bright, beachy, laid-back Margaritaville retreat. I’d say about 80% of the ship feels newly refreshed — especially the staterooms, common areas, and high-traffic venues.

I stayed in a Breeze Balcony stateroom on Deck 6 aft. The room was clean, nicely decorated, and had plenty of storage. My only critique was that the room tended to run a little warm in the evenings. Otherwise, our room steward, Jerin, provided wonderful service.

Dining Highlights

Overall, I’d give the dining an 8/10. Some standout experiences included:

• JWB Steakhouse – high-quality and delicious

• Sparkling Brunch – great flavors and great service

• Far Side Sushi – flavorful rolls with excellent presentation

• Cheeseburger in Paradise – a must-try casual option

The Port of Indecision Buffet exceeded expectations, offering fun themed dishes like loaded carbonara fries, tossed chicken tenders with sauces, and rotating specialty pizzas. Breakfast at Fin’s Dining Room was also a pleasant surprise — I had one of the freshest bagels I’ve ever had at sea.

Entertainment & Activities

The main production show experienced some technical difficulties during my sailing, but the comedian/magician was very entertaining with great crowd interaction. The overall vibe onboard was more chill and relaxed, with lots of live music throughout the ship.

There are three pool areas: a lively main pool with entertainment, a quieter pool with a big screen, and an adults-only pool. All were well maintained, and the crew even did a full deep clean of pools and hot tubs during the sailing.

Ports of Call

• Progreso, Mexico: I booked an independent all-inclusive day pass. The service was fantastic and the pools were lovely, though the beach water was murky.

• Cozumel, Mexico: A classic port day, easy and enjoyable.

Drinks & Bars

Cocktails averaged around $15. I enjoyed a White Christmas Martini (note to self: upgrade the vodka next time) and, as always, Margaritaville serves one of the best piña coladas at sea. For craft cocktails, Hemisphere Dancer is a great pick.

Service & Cleanliness

The ship felt clean and well maintained despite being older. The staff was consistently friendly, helpful, and upbeat. Java Joe, Angela at the coffee shop, and our steward Jerin were standouts.

Who This Cruise Is Best For

The Islander is ideal for:

• Budget-conscious travelers

• Adults wanting a relaxed, tropical getaway

• Girls’ trips and friend groups

• Anyone who loves the Jimmy Buffett island vibe

Would I Sail Again?

Yes — absolutely. The ship offers great value, better-than-expected dining, a fun and laid-back ambiance, and attentive service. I would happily book this again for myself or clients looking for a relaxed and affordable vacation at sea.

If you're thinking about sailing Margaritaville at Sea Islander, I’d be glad to help you plan it.