Families are seeking value-oriented vacation options. Margaritaville At Sea offers wallet-friendly cruises for family reunions and multigenerational vacations.
Cruises are a popular choice for families and multigenerational groups. In fact, Cruise Lines International Association named cruising with multiple generations one of this year’s top trends.
Choosing the right cruise line for family vacations can be a challenge, particularly for those planning budget-oriented multigenerational cruises and reunions. Margaritaville at Sea is a cruise line that meets these needs with short sailings for affordable family vacations.
Margaritaville at Sea brings legendary singer Jimmy Buffett’s global brand to life on its voyages. For several years, Margaritaville at Sea has offered short cruises on a single ship, the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise. These budget-friendly escapes on the 1,680-guest Paradise sail to the Bahamas from the Port of Palm Beach, Florida.
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Now, Margaritaville at Sea has added a newly redesigned ship that doubles the brand’s capacity and expands its homeports to Tampa on Florida’s west coast. Margaritaville at Sea Islander is an exciting step forward for the cruise line, offering a wealth of opportunities in the affordable cruise niche.
The Margaritaville at Sea Islander is an excellent choice for fun family group vacations, reunions and multigenerational trips. These immersive cruises offer a blend of togetherness and freedom with activities and attractions for every family member to enjoy.
“There’s something for everyone aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Islander – from Kid’s Clubs for all ages, nightly family-friendly entertainment in the theater including two high-energy production shows, 12 dining venues ranging from a high-end steakhouse to kid-friendly burger bars on the pool deck and plenty of quiet places to soak up the Caribbean sun,” said Chris Ivy, CEO of Margaritaville at Sea.
Cruises on the newly launched Margaritaville at Sea Islander are some of today’s best family vacation values at sea. These stress-free sailings are a wonderful way for families to reconnect and have fun while making lifelong memories together. Here are 11 reasons families will love this highly affordable cruise option for reunions and multigenerational trips.
Margaritaville at Sea Islander in Cozumel, Mexico. (Photo credit: Nancy Schretter)
Mid-Size Cruise Ship Beautifully Reimagined
Margaritaville at Sea’s newly introduced lslander features 12 passenger decks and accommodates up to 2,650 guests. Fresh from a massive multimillion-dollar makeover, the beautifully branded ship looks gorgeous and new. In fact, the vessel was built in 2000 and originally sailed for Costa Cruises as the Costa Atlantica. Nearly everything on the Islander has been updated, and it feels like a floating Margaritaville island resort ideal for fun-filled adventures.
The Islander’s size is a plus for many family groups as well. The ship is large enough to feature a wide array of amenities and dining venues but not too big to feel crowded and overwhelming. The vacation experience is certainly designed with families in mind, and there are multiple decks with nice-sized pools, restaurants and attractions.
Gigantic Margaritaville flip-flop sculpture in the Islander’s atrium. (Photo credit: Nancy Schretter)
Relaxed Tropical Island Vibe for Your Reunion
Families need to escape life’s stresses to relax and reconnect for a while, and Jimmy Buffett understood the ocean’s soothing appeal. Buffett sang, “Shells sink, dreams float. Life’s good on our boat,” and that’s true on the Margaritaville at Sea Islander. The late musician, businessman and author is widely associated with the laid-back lifestyle of the Caribbean and the Florida Keys, and his spirit and legacy can be felt throughout the ship.
The Islander’s decor is filled with a mix of tropical colors, beachy designs, and tributes to the Jimmy Buffett lifestyle. The soaring 14-story atrium features a massive Margaritaville flip-flop and colorful hanging parrots and fish that are fun to view from the ship’s glass-enclosed elevators. The beautifully redecorated staterooms and public spaces are adorned with island-style artwork and Buffett – related elements that soothe and relax. It’s this vibe, in particular, that makes the Islander’s cruise experience so unique. Families will quickly feel like they’re on “Islander Time” on this ship.
Affordable Pricing And Special Family Cruise Deals
Margaritaville at Sea’s fun-filled sailings are outstanding values compared with land-based vacations and other cruise options. The cruise line’s ultra-low fares make it a superb choice for budget-oriented families and reunion groups, and packages are available. In addition, Margaritaville at Sea features rotating family- focused deals, including free stateroom upgrades, “Kids Sail Free” and “Buy-One- Get-One Free” offers. The cruise line’s recently expanded “Heroes Sail Free” program is also exceptional.
Family groups booking eight or more staterooms can receive special rates and perks. Guests can contact the Groups Booking team, and specialists will create a customized offering with unique benefits to fit their needs.
Balcony stateroom on the Margaritaville at Sea Islander. (Photo credit: Nancy Schretter)
Freshly Updated Staterooms
Family groups can choose from 1,105 attractive staterooms and suites on the Margaritaville at Sea Islander. The comfortable accommodations feature beachy colors, Margaritaville signature bedding, plenty of USB ports, and stylings inspired by the late Jimmy Buffett’s memorable songs. Decorative touches with phrases like, “License to chill, and I believe I will” encourage Islander guests to relax and enjoy their moments at sea.
The Islander offers 12 types of staterooms and suites to fit every need, including 700 balcony staterooms and six lavish Signature Grand Suites. Over 50 adjoining cabins are available in multiple stateroom categories. Online bookings are available, or families can turn to Margaritaville at Sea’s Reservation Specialists or travel advisors to help reserve specific staterooms and suites.
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Exciting Cruise Itineraries for Reunion Groups
Margaritaville at Sea significantly expanded its itineraries with the Islander’s launch, offering 13 fun-filled options. Sailing from its homeport in Tampa, the Islander’s four- and five-night Caribbean voyages head to sunny Key West, Cozumel, and Progreso, Mexico. Multiple sea days make it easy to get into the Margaritaville state of mind when sailing to these palm-studded ports of call. Next year, the Islander sails longer six- and seven-night itineraries featuring additional tropical destinations, including Grand Cayman, Belize and Jamaica.
The Islander’s Conky Tonkin’ at Sea Production Show. (Photo credit: Nancy Schretter)
Outstanding Live Music And Entertainment
As one might expect from a Jimmy Buffett lifestyle brand, the Margaritaville at Sea Islander features a spectacular line-up of live music and entertainment. Performances are continually ongoing throughout the ship, making the cruise experience extraordinarily memorable. While Buffett’s songs are often heard, the ship features a wide variety of music, including country, rock, and beachy tunes.
In addition to the wealth of onboard activities, family groups can also enjoy two outstanding live shows and themed experiences on the Islander. “Conky Tonkin’ at Sea” is a country-themed musical extravaganza featuring singers and dancers performing a mix of classic country and contemporary tunes. “Caribbean Heat Remix” is a Margaritaville at Sea fan favorite, and the incredible acrobatic displays at both shows are dazzling.
Appealing Dining Options for Families
Family meals and culinary experiences are an important part of reunions and multigenerational vacations. The Margaritaville at Sea Islander delivers an array of 12 dining options designed to please family members of all ages. Meals in the Fins Dining Room are included on the Islander, and guests staying in suites can also enjoy complimentary nightly dining in the Islander Dining Room. Some of the other complimentary options are the Port of Indecision Buffet, Mexican Cutie Cantina, Frank and Lola’s Pizzeria and Cheeseburger in Paradise. Don’t miss the free pizza and freshly grilled burgers on the Islander – they’re easily some of the best at sea.
Specialty dining restaurants are available at an extra cost, and several are ideal for family celebrations. Kids’ menus are offered at various dining venues. The ship’s JWB Steakhouse is outstanding, and the Islander Dining Room is also an excellent choice for special dinners and sea day brunch. Additional venues include the Margaritaville Coffee Shop, Tiki Grill, Island Eats, and the Far Side of the World Sushi Bar.
The Islander’s Five O’Clock Somewhere Pool. (Photo credit: Margaritaville at Sea)
Splash-worthy Pools on the Islander Cruise Ship
Families will flock to the Islander’s three nice-sized pools with hot tubs. The Landshark Pool and the Five O-Clock Somewhere Pool are magnets for adults and kids, and the latter pool has a magrodome to cover the pool deck in case of rain. The ship’s Tiki Bar Pool is available exclusively for adults. Kids must be completely potty trained to use the ship’s family-friendly pools.
The Islander also offers a cool tube waterslide for guests ages 12 and older. Children must be at least 48 inches tall and weigh 90 pounds or more to ride, plus be accompanied by a parent. The maximum weight for riders is 300 pounds.
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The Islander’s mini-golf and cornhole course. (Photo credit: Nancy Schretter)
Family-Friendly Activities And Attractions
The Margaritaville at Sea Islander is packed with exciting offerings for family fun. The ship’s Dis & Dat Activity Zone features a first-ever Margaritaville-inspired mini- golf and cornhole course at sea. Families will love playing together at Paradise Pickleball at Sea and the ship’s colorful Caribbean Amphibian Play Pad & Slide. The Islander’s arcade is huge, and the family-forward Far Side of the World Arcade and Lounge is a great place to gather for boba teas and fun games.
The Islander’s expansive array of family programming is also unique, enabling families to have fun and enjoy vacation experiences together. The ship’s innovative “Defying Gravity Experience” includes circus-themed workshops, interactive game shows and scavenger hunts. Family karaoke and comedy shows are offered in the Coral Reef Lounge, and the Islander’s Fins Up Crew leads an engaging mix of family-friendly activities throughout the day.
Included Kid’s And Teen’s Clubs
The Hang Out on the Islander. (Photo credit: Nancy Schretter)
Young guests can have fun together at the Islander’s complimentary kids and teens clubs. Programs are divided by age group and include activities such as:
- Jolly Mon – ages 3 to 5: Ocean-inspired games, arts and crafts, storytelling and character visits. Kids must be fully potty trained to participate.
- Parakeets Kid’s Club – ages 6 to 9: Magic workshops, mini-DJ academy, sports deck play, and crazy hat party.
- The Hang Out – ages 10 to 12: High-energy games and sports, magic workshops, DJ academy sessions, parties and pop star jam sessions.
- The Far Out – ages 13 to 17: Movie nights, scavenger hunt, nightclub takeover, percussion workshops, and Tik-Tok/Instagram content battles.
Teens can check themselves in and out of their designated space, while younger children must be checked in and out by a guardian. An after-hours group sitting service for ages 3-12 is also available for an hourly fee.
Bubbles Up Margarita served at the Islander’s Bubbles Up Lounge. (Photo credit: Nancy Schretter)
Islander Cruise Ship Venues for Adults To Enjoy
The best multigenerational vacations and reunions include an ideal balance of “me” time and “we” time. While the Margaritaville at Sea Islander was created with families in mind, there are also plenty of memorable places for adults to enjoy. The ship features 13 outstanding bars and lounges, each with its own distinctive cocktails and specialty drinks. There’s also a casino, a two-level nightclub, shops, and an excellent spa and fitness center on board. On the Margaritaville at Sea Islander, guests of all ages can find their slice of paradise.
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By Nancy Schretter
Header photo credit: Margaritaville at Sea
