Bigger Buffett cruise ship to sail out of Tampa next year
Jimmy Buffett has died, but his brand lives on in the cruise line Margaritaville at Sea, which has been offering low-cost cruises departing out of Palm Beach.
The company recently announced that Tampa will be the port of call for its next, much larger cruise ship, offering trips to Mexico and Key West.
The ship, called the Islander, will have its first sailing June 14 on a fournight itinerary from Port Tampa Bay, with a stop in Cozumel, Mexico, and two days at sea.
It will offer four- and five-night cruises with stops in Key West, Cozumel and the Mexican
Yucatan town of Progreso.
The ship, once known 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 multistory floating margarita glass chandeliers,” the company’s news release says.
It will feature a threestory poolside LandShark Bar at Sea and a Margaritaville-inspired cornhole and mini-golf course alongside new familyfriendly 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 Beachbased 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 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).