Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville at Sea has found its sweet spot in the competitive cruise market. The MAS Islander, a ship infused with Buffett’s iconic spirit, stands proudly alongside major players like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
Margaritaville at Sea Makes Waves
Entering the affordable cruise segment dominated by heavyweights like Royal Caribbean and Carnival is no easy feat. Virgin Voyages has made some headway with its adults-only, upscale offerings, and MSC Cruises has gained traction with innovative ships challenging the latest megaships from Royal Caribbean and Carnival.
In this bustling market, Margaritaville at Sea initially seemed like a quirky outlier. The brand’s early days as a single-ship cruise line painted it as more of a novelty than a serious contender. With its branding tied to Jimmy Buffett, it felt closer to a booze or casino cruise than a legitimate alternative to the industry’s giants.
Introducing the Game-Changer: MAS Islander
Enter the MAS Islander, a ship that’s rewriting the script for Margaritaville at Sea. While it’s a remodel of an older vessel, the Islander boasts an expanded pool deck with three pools and a plethora of unique bars and restaurants. This transformation positions the Islander as a compelling choice for cruise enthusiasts seeking a blend of relaxation, fun, and a dash of Buffett’s laid-back charm.
Living the Jimmy Buffett Lifestyle
The Islander is designed for those who embrace the Jimmy Buffett lifestyle. But don’t worry, it’s not just a non-stop Buffett music fest. The ship offers a more diverse musical palette with artists like Tom Petty and Jack Johnson, providing Americana and beach vibes throughout the ship. Live musicians, ranging from solo guitarists to Caribbean bands, fill the air with melodies that complement the relaxed atmosphere.
The Music Never Stops
Music is a cornerstone of the Islander’s daily programming. Performers can be found in multiple venues across the ship, including the pool deck. Nighttime shows in the theaters also heavily feature music, ensuring that guests are entertained at all hours.
Cheers to the Bars on MAS Islander
While major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian offer impressive dining venues and bars, their sheer size prevents them from maintaining a cohesive theme. On the MAS Islander, every space is a tribute to Jimmy Buffett.
The pool deck features classic Buffett bars like Landshark and 5 O’Clock Somewhere, offering tropical drinks galore. There’s also a Tiki Bar in the 18+ area, complete with a small food menu and roaming waiters.
Inside, the beverage options diversify. The Bubbly Bar serves island classics with a champagne twist, and the Hemisphere Dancer, an aviation-themed mixology bar, offers visually stunning cocktails.
Feast Your Eyes and Your Taste Buds
When it comes to food, the Islander doesn’t disappoint. The pool deck offers a small buffet and some of the best free pizza at sea. Just outside the Port of Indecision Buffet is the Mexican Cutie Cantina, a free Mexican eatery. Opposite the Mexican eatery is Cheeseburger in Paradise, serving up simple yet delicious Smashburgers.
The main dining rooms, Fins and Islander, offer diverse and innovative menus. Fins changes its dinner menu daily, while Islander serves elevated specials. Suite passengers enjoy exclusive access to the Islander dining room, though everyone can dine there for an additional fee.
For those craving a more upscale dining experience, the ship features JWB Steakhouse and a limited-menu sushi bar, complete with excellent sashimi and a sake-driven bar menu.
A Fresh Take on Ship Design
The MAS Islander has undergone a top-to-bottom renovation. The ship’s interior is steeped in Buffett iconography, with playful touches like large parrots hanging from the ceiling and a giant flip-flop marking the Flip Flop lobby bar. The cabins are modern and comfortable, featuring smart touches like USB ports, outlets, and large TVs.
A Unique Cruise Experience
While the MAS Islander may not have the fleet size of Royal Caribbean, Carnival, or Norwegian, it offers a distinctive product for adults who appreciate good food, good drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a celebration of the Jimmy Buffett lifestyle that promises a fun, laid-back experience.
The MAS Islander sails four- and five-day Caribbean itineraries out of Tampa, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a cruise experience like no other. So, grab your flip-flops, a margarita, and get ready to sail away into the sunset with Margaritaville at Sea.
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