07/16/2024
I recently returned from a cruise upon Margaritaville at Sea the Islander, here’s my honest review.
Margaritaville at Sea is a lower budget cruise line. This ship is a 20+ year old ship that was purchased from Costa cruise lines and totally remodeled for Margaritaville at Sea. She just started sailing in mid-June.
I didn’t have high expectations for this cruise considering the price point. To say I was pleasantly surprised would be an understatement.
What could use some improvements:
The balcony door: When the ship was at “full speed” we heard a constant whistle from the door. I’m sure the seal just needed to be fixed.
AC: The room never got very cold. When I go again I will take a fan. Other areas of the ship were chilly, and I wish I had taken a light sweater. I heard from other passengers they were freezing.
Debarkation: This is a struggle on almost every cruise I have been on. They will find a system that works well for them, but they definitely haven't found it yet.
App/Communication: Currently there is not an app for this ship. Without purchasing WiFi or taking walkie talkies, you cannot communicate with anyone on the ship. I'm sure an app of some sort will be in the works, but there isn't anything at all right now.
Pool Chairs: This is a problem on almost every ship. People would save chairs and never use them.
Port times: I really would have preferred more time at both of our port stops. I know Key West is almost always a shorter day, but Cozumel is usually a pretty long day. We were only there from 8-3:30. It was barely enough time for our private excursion. It didn't help that we were sharing a pier with Icon of the Seas and her 7600 Passengers. The lines trying to get back to the ships were ridiculous. I was afraid we might not make it back to the ship just for waiting in security lines trying to get out of Cozumel.
The food: I was so surprised at how good the food was. The portions were not consistent, some smaller and some larger. I do wish they had a few items each night that were staple entrees. Cheeseburger in Paradise-so good! Far Side Sushi-was the freshest sushi I’ve ever eaten! Definitely will eat there again.
Embarkation: You are assigned an arrival time, and they make you stick to it. You would be surprised how much this helps. We got right on the ship and our room was ready! They did announce when each decks rooms were ready, we were just lucky!
Entertainment: There were 2 main shows for our 5 night cruise, but there was some form of entertainment every night. I really enjoyed the acrobatics in the shows.
Overall, this cruise did not disappoint and I’m looking forward to going again! If you are interested in cruising on the Margaritaville at Sea Islander let me know and I would be happy to help you try it out!
Fins Up!
