From the Tampa Bay Times: Bigger Jimmy Buffett cruise ship will sail out of Tampa next year
A larger ship called the Islander on the Margaritaville at Sea cruise line will offer four- and five-night cruises to Mexico and Key West starting in June.
While Jimmy Buffett may have passed away, his brand lives on in the cruise line Margaritaville at Sea, which has been offering low-cost cruises out of Palm Beach. On Monday the company announced that Tampa will be the port of call for its next, much bigger cruise ship, offering trips to Mexico and Key West.
The ship, called the Islander, will have its first sailing June 14 on a four-night itinerary from Port Tampa Bay, with a stop in Cozumel, Mexico, and two sea days. It will offer four- and five-night cruises with stops in Key West, Cozumel and the Mexican Yucatan town of Progreso.
The ship, which once sailed as Costa Cruises Atlantica, has not sailed since being docked during the pandemic. It is undergoing a major overhaul that spans 12 passenger decks accommodating 2,650 passengers. The company says it is redesigning all 1,100 staterooms.
“The ship will feature a soaring 14-story atrium with a unique nautical Margaritaville flip flop and a lively atrium bar with three awe-inspiring multi-story floating margarita glass chandeliers,” the company’s news release says.
It will also have a three-story poolside LandShark Bar at Sea and a Margaritaville-inspired cornhole and mini-golf course alongside new family-friendly spaces like the Caribbean Amphibian Splash and Slide. Dining options will include JWB Prime Steakhouse and Rita’s Taco House. Those who have sailed aboard the Palm Beach-based Margaritaville at Sea Paradise will find several familiar favorites, including Paradise Pickleball at Sea, Frank and Lola’s Pizzeria, Margaritaville Coffee Shop and Cheeseburger in Paradise.
Guests can reserve 2024 sailings online starting today at margaritavilleatsea.com and take advantage of preview incentives available for a limited time.
Prices for the ship’s four-night sailings start at $209 per person, while its five-night cruises start at $265 (both rates include a 30% early preview discount).
What is all included in the 5 night cruise to Key West and Cozumel? I’m looking at a Terrace Suite for my husband and myself
Interested in total cost on a 4 or 5 night cruise
Very interested on a 4 or 5 night cruise. What is the total cost?
I can’t believe Jimmy would like to see these large cruise ships steam into Key West. Talk about irony. Suggest y’all read what his buddy Carl Hiassen thought about cruise ships and read his book “Wrecker”.
Need wheelchair access info,please.
Looks awesome. How much per couple for the five night cruise in a balcony room?