Margaritaville at Sea Islander - August 3, 2025
Just the Facts
Ship: Margaritaville at Sea Islander (former Costa Spirit-Class-86K tons, 2652 max pax, 902 crew)
Captain: Theo — Cruise Director: Ms. Zee-Jay
Ports: Tampa, FL - Key West, FL - Isla Cozumel, Mexico - Tampa, FL
I’m sailing solo on Margaritaville at Sea’s new Spirit Class ship, Islander, on a five-day cruise out of Tampa. This was my first time on a Margaritaville at Sea ship, but my 223rd cruise overall.
Sunday, August 3rd, 2025 - Tampa, Florida - Embarkation - Day 1.
My designated boarding time was 10:30 a.m., so the DW, DD, & Granddaughter and I left Meadow Oaks at about 9:30 a.m.. Sunday traffic was light, and we arrived at Tampa Port Authority’s Pier number 6 before 10:15 a.m. Security and check-in were super quick, and I was on the ship gangway by 10:30 a.m. I’ve never boarded a ship this early that wasn’t a B2B … Amazing. The ship has Margarittavilla's pastel colors and themes throughout. I dropped my carry-on bag in my Lido Deck interior cabin and was enjoying a Cheeseburger in Paradise Hamburger with Fries before 11:00 a.m.. As cabins don't officially open until 1:30, I casually checked out the buffet areas and specialty areas, sampling a very nice Pizza before going to the Landshark Bar for the drink of the day, a Margarita. I then went early to my stateroom and met my attendant, Elsie. I set up my tastefully decorated cabin, and my first concern was alleviated as it was nice and cool. Three wardrobes, a large bed, a desk, surfboard shelves, a lighted wall mirror, and an adequate bathroom. Plenty of room, especially as a solo. I did a walkabout, and the layout is familiar to Carnival Spirit Class ships, with decks 2 and 3 being the public areas with a central atrium. Another throwback is the old-fashioned muster drill held outside on deck three with the external boat deck at 3:00 p.m. (photo). I knew to go late and lucked out being on the shadier side on this hot summer day. Afterward, I went to the Bubbles Bar for a lovely Elderflower Martini and had a nice cool window view of our 4:00 p.m. sailaway. It was a little different sailing from the upper pier, but there were no other ships today, so it was smooth sailing. It was well past nap time, and I knew sleep would be good in the cool interior cabin, so I decided to eat early and retire early. I watched some of the sailaway activities on the Lido Deck and had another burger as it was conveniently on the way to my cabin. I updated this blog and checked out the program of events for the cruise before retiring. One advantage of being a frequent cruiser is that I’m free to do as I please, including nothing. The day was nice on this retro embarkation day.
I woke early and had breakfast in the Fins MDR on Deck 2 aft. I had my usual first-day breakfast of Eggs Benedict with Bacon and Hash Browns. They prepared the eggs in an egg poacher, so the consistency was perfect (I could tell by the shape). No hot milk, but the Guava Juice was delicious. We've been sailing in circles as we don’t arrive in Key West until 1:00ish, so I got a lovely small table on the pool deck with a picture window view and near my cabin. A serious people-watching location, and I enjoyed a couple of Coca-Colas in the morning. They began a 2015 Jimmy Buffett concert from Key West on the large outdoor screen that everyone enjoyed. Parrot Heads are much older now. I was now in the mood for a specialty drink in a Blender glass, not a Margarita, but a Mango Daiquiri with spiced rum. It was both tasty and large. Sailing into Key West on Margarittaville at Sea, watching Jimmy Buffett on the outdoor big screen with Booze in the Blender. Sweet. After the show, I finished my drink and had lunch at the Mexican Cutie Cantina. I had a street Taco and a Taco Bowl. It was excellent. I then returned to my cool cabin as we arrived in Key West to rest a bit before heading off the ship. I plan to do a Key Lime Pie tour/crawl and skip dinner tonight. I left the ship at about 2:15 p.m., and it is miserably hot in Key West at midday. I went first to Mattheessen's Homemade Bakery for my first slice of Key Lime Pie ($7). I then strolled to Kermits' original location (they have three) for a second slice of pie. Kermits makes the pies for most of the restaurants in Key West and is probably the most popular Key Lime Pie in town. I then moseyed back to the First Flight restaurant located in the original Pan-Am Airlines flight headquarters. It has been a favorite of mine for many years, and they still have the 4:00 p.m. Happy Hour. Currently, pints are $4, a bargain, and close to the ship, and not very many cruise guests. I was back on board ship by 5:15 p.m. and a nice shower felt so good on this HOT day. I updated this blog and relaxed until Elise came at about 6:30 to clean the cabin. I guess she was allowed off the ship today. I did a walkabout, and it was still hot on the outer decks. I’m enjoying the various Margarittaville/Jimmy Buffett themed signage…it is very clever and makes me smile. It was a great day on board the ship and in Key West.
Smooth seas overnight, and I slept well. At about 8:30 a.m. I went to the Fins MDR for breakfast. A repeat of yesterday, but with the addition of fresh melon, which was very good. I plan to avoid the open decks today, although since I’m on Lido, there will be some pass-throughs. I returned to the cool cabin for some internet time this morning, then went to the atrium to watch a French-Canadian fiddle player, people-watch, and play some online games. I also picked up my five complimentary drink coupons that were a part of my booking (as was the WiFi). The MDR is not open midday, so at about 12:45 I went to the Lido for Lunch. Salad and entrees were fine, but the Cakes were outstanding. I had a slice of Hummingbird and a slice of pineapple. These are layered cakes with moist frosting between. Sweet. I returned to a nice, clean cabin around 2:00 p.m. and found a giant Elephant on my bed, made from a pillow and towels. I did internet work the rest of the afternoon. At about 5:00 o'clock, I went down to the Hemisphere Dancer Cocktail Bar with an early 1940s era Seaplane theme. This would be the Alchemy Bar on Spirit Class ships. I met Maria from Macedonia, and she prepared some very nice Elderflower cocktails for me. It was a first for her, and they were perfect. She is a good bartender. At about 7:00 p.m. I went to the Stars on the Water Theater for the big production show of the cruise: Conky Tonkin’ at Sea with a country theme. It was a good show featuring enthusiastic Singers and Dancers, along with some impressive acrobatics. The Dancers were excellent. Many of the other ship musicians have solo spots during the show, too. I would see it a second time. Western Boots was also the theme for the evening on the ship, and a large number of guests dressed the part, especially the ladies. A bit surprising for a new ship. I did a walkabout as it’s actually my first late night on board. Lots of activities and shows on deck two and three. I again passed on dinner this evening and was back at the cabin by 9:00ish. Updated this blog before retiring and was able to reserve a spot at Del Mar Latino for tomorrow. It was a good sea day on the Islander.
Smooth seas overnight, and I slept well. At about 8:00 a.m., I had a very nice Breakfast Burrito from Mexican Cutie, which was excellent. We are one hour ahead of local time, so at about 9:00ish, I walked over to Del Mar Latino Beach Club. There are only four guests today, so we have lots of room and excellent service. Jazy is still here; I enjoy her service, and she likes seeing return guests. I bought a new straw hat on the way over since I had given my old one away in Guadalajara during my last trip, and I was wearing my sunglasses at the time. Once I took it off at the club, I discovered that my new hat is pink. Oh well, I guess I make a statement. I jumped into the pool to cool off from the walk and enjoyed several Coca-Cola Lights with ice to start. I ordered Guacamole & Pico de Gallo and my favorite Coconut Shrimp, both of which were very good. I finished the day with several refreshing Mojitos and a scoop of Coconut ice cream. It was a hot day, but I stayed comfortable in the shade all day, thanks to numerous coolings in the pool. Fortunately, it clouded up as I leisurely strolled back to the cruise terminal at about 2:15 p.m. I assume I was on board by 3:30, and most guests had already been aboard as we sailed by 4:00 p.m. The Beach Club is ideal if your ship is docked at the International Pier (see photo). After returning my beach towel, I cleaned up and did a walkabout of the interior of the ship. I did go to the Fins MDR for the first time tonight. I had a lovely two-top table in the center of the beautiful dining room. I loved the Parrots and Fish flying across the ceiling. No tablecloths on the lower level, but I noticed there were on the upper level. I had a nice Cajun Gumbo as a starter and ordered two entrees ($7 for extra). Antiqua Shrimp and Tuscan Porchetta, unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy either. My waiter noticed and brought me the recommended Huli Chicken, which was better. The dessert was nice and the service was excellent. I listened to a bit of music before retiring early. I updated this blog and took care of some travel business. It was a fun day in Cozumel.
Smooth seas in the Gulf of America, and I slept well. At about 8:30 a.m. I went to Mexican Cutie for a couple of Breakfast Burritos, which were very convenient for me being on the Lido Deck, or as on this ship, it’s called the 5 o’clock Somewhere Deck. Early enough, I could get my two-top table to lounge a while after eating breakfast in the cooler sea air. When it warmed up, I returned to the cool cabin to do some internet business and review future travels. I did a walkabout and stumbled upon the buffet, where I had a plate of BBQ Ribs that were delicious, probably the best food I had on the ship. I visited the shops before returning to the cabin for a wee nap. At about 6:30, I went to the Hemisphere Dancer Cocktail Bar, where Marie prepared an excellent Elderflower Martini for me. I then went to the Stars on the Water theater for the second major production show: Caribbean Heat Remix. It was a good show with music and dance from various Caribbean islands introduced by a colorful electronic Parrot. I then had a late dinner in the Fins MDR. I ordered a lovely Spinach Salad, a Caribbean Soup, and the Beef Short Ribs entree, which was much better than the previous night. Same dessert, Pina Colada Lush, but with vanilla ice cream. I soon retired after a short walkabout. Not as busy tonight, I think guests are packing for tomorrow's early debarkation. It was a restful sea day on the Islander.
Friday, August 8, 2025. - Debarkation Day
I woke early to pack and went down to Deck 2 just after 7:00 a.m.. By 7:30, the self-debark guests were on their way off, and with facial recognition at Customs, I was on the street before 8:00 a.m. and with the good Uber driver at home before 9:00 a.m. Easy Peasy.
Comments
I felt like I was on a ‘blast from the past’ cruise from 15 years ago with the class of ship, old-fashioned muster drill, newspaper schedules, and basic activities. The beautiful nautical decor and Margaritaville names for events and locations wowed me. It was a fun cruise.