First Cruise Review - Margaritaville at Sea Islander & Overview of 'Heroes Sail Free'

Note: This weblog is loaded with photos (including an extensive gallery of food we enjoyed) and a few videos covering this seven-day cruise to the western Caribbean aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Islander.

Even with my youthful exposure to the popular television comedy series “The Love Boat,” I never felt an itch to say, “I need to take a cruise.” Traveling on land, with my own car or a rental in a foreign country, was always the norm. I shy away from bus tours, with the gaggle of people following tour guide on time-constrained stops at tourist destinations. In many ways, my preferred way to travel reflected my approach to life – namely trying to jam as much living and experiences as possible into each day – on my own terms. Relaxing has never been a strong suit; “driven” more aptly describes things. Then, following a visit to Florida, where I stayed for a day at the beautiful Capitana Resort on Key West, away from the hubbub of the party section of town, I heard about Margaritaville at Sea, a fairly new cruise line that has taken a couple of older (but far from ancient) ships and given them a complete makeover with a theme that reflects all things Jimmy Buffett and the laid back sand-between-my-toes and cold-drink-in-my-hand lifestyle his music and shows promoted. I also learned about a program they offer called “Heroes Sail Free.” Would I like to see what it is all about? Absolutely!

Before explaining the Heroes Sail Free program, let me share some of our observations and details of the cruise, with one caveat. I have no basis for comparison and have never been on a cruise ship (unless a reception on an aircraft carrier counts). I understand that they can be all over the board in terms of accommodations, food, activities and dress requirements. That Margaritaville at Sea welcomes you at dinner whether you’re wearing flip flops and shorts or a dinner jacket and tie appealed to me. I don’t feel a need to “dress up” for dinner, having worn that uniform for years on the job. Emphasizing Buffett’s casual vibe appealed to me.

With tickets and boarding details in hand – or at least in our smartphones – my wife Maria and I headed to Tampa, Florida, where we’d spend an evening and then board the Margaritaville at Sea Islander, a 960-foot, Spirit-class cruise ship launched in late 1999 and previously sailing as Costa Atlantica. It first sailed as Islander in 2024. The ship’s 12 decks feature 12 types of staterooms, from interior cabins to opulent corner suites. We were on Deck 6, the “Last Mango” deck, in a Grand Terrace Suite, which had a spacious balcony with a small sofa, lots of storage, great bathroom and additional upgrades. (see my video tour). Another nine classes of rooms offer balconies. I learned that the stateroom class preferred by people often depends on what they like to do on a cruise. For some folks looking for economy, the stateroom is just a place to clean up and crash after a full day on the decks or enjoying shore excursions. For others, having a balcony affords a measure of privacy and quiet away from the crowded pool and lounge scenes. The rooms have televisions and, honestly, ours never got turned on during the week. Our room stewards were amazing – ensuring everything was perfect every day.  

The ship is loaded with things to do and see. There are two main dining rooms (Fins and Islander), a huge buffet and a signature (for fee) steakhouse, a Cheeseburger in Paradise hamburger stand (most excellent burgers), plus specialty taco and pizza stations, an omelet station – oh, ice cream, too. There is also a spa and fitness center and casino. We ate all dinner meals in the Islander dining room. I’d rate six out of the seven meals as exceptional – a prime rib was a little overcooked at one meal. Guests staying in suites are offered an additional menu that provides a couple extra appetizer, entrée and dessert choices. Often, though, we ate from the main menu, generally relying on the sound advice of our table server Sandi. After all, he sees what’s coming out of the kitchen and once he got to know us a little he offered reliably good suggestions. Braised lamb shank, coffee-rubbed tenderloin, spice-rubbed snapper – yum. The photos below are from some of our meals. Click on each to enlarge.  

The ship has numerous live music venues and a host of unique lounges and bars including the Tiki Bar, at the ship’s stern near the “adults only” pool area. A massive statue graces the stern, the slender maiden hoisting a glass skyward. A couple of our favorite lounges were the Bubbles Up Lounge and Champagne Bar, where bartenders like Mirkko specialized in creating amazing, visually tantalizing drinks. The Flip Flop Atrium Bar features soaring views up through the atrium, designed to carry you through the varying levels of the tropics, from a the sky to a rain forest canopy to an underwater reef.

Each stateroom receives a daily four-page newsletter with an overview of the day's activities, daily deals and specials aboard the ship, and information about which port you are visiting. There is also a listing of the various venues and restaurants and their operating hours that day. The photos below show the typical front and last page of this newsletter. With so much available, it can sometimes make for tough choices.

Sailing Itinerary and Shore Excursions

Sailing itineraries from the Port of Tampa Bay range from 4-10 days. Port calls often include Key West. We booked a seven-day trip with four port calls: Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico, Roatan, Honduras, and Belize City, Belize. Many shore excursions were available in each port and deciding which one to take is a very personal experience, usually based on a person’s interests, physical capabilities, time constraints and more. I got the sense it doesn’t matter what cruise ship you’re on; the basic excursions appear to be the same or similar. Some people skip the excursions, sometimes just hanging around on the ship or visiting the port area, which is usually “built up” and features restaurants, bars, more pools, and shops and vendors with local stuff. Some people book directly with local tour operators or use a third-party booking operation.

We booked a tour in each port but used the Margaritaville at Sea booking service. For one, it was very convenient. Two, booking with the ship guarantees you that if your shore excursion is delayed returning for whatever reason, the ship won’t sail without you. The cruise line’s web site offers a good rundown of the many excursions available in each port. We noticed in Belize, which was the first time our ship had ever visited there, that many shore excursions were late in returning. Some, like ours to the superb Lamanai Mayan Temples, required a lengthy bus ride followed by a boat cruise on the New River to the jungle destination.

Belize – Excellent Mayan History

The Lamanai Temples tour begins on a bus, with a guide offering entertaining and informative details about life in Belize, which was formerly known as British Honduras before gaining self-governance. The first stop is at Ayinha Adventures, where you can hit the restroom, visit the gift shop, and make sure you have water to take with you into the jungle. Good walking or hiking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and bug spray are essential. Small binoculars are nice, too. We saw howler monkeys lounging in the treetops around the temples. The boat ride from Ayinha takes about 20 minutes. The Lamanai name derives from Lama'anayin, which means "submerged crocodile" in Yucatec Maya. This Mesoamerican archaeological site was once a major city of the Maya civilization, in heavy use from at least the 4th century BC through the 1st century AD. Most of the site was unexcavated until the mid-1970s. Today, three major structures are restored -- the Mask Temple, Jaguar Temple, and High Temple. The Mask Temple features a 13-foot stone mask of an ancient Maya king. Visitors are allowed to climb to the top of the High Temple, using steep stairs that scale the side and back of the structure. We spent about 90 minutes on site. It was hot and humid. When the guides tell you to bring water, you better listen. There wasn’t time to visit the small onsite museum. A Belizean lunch buffet greeted us at our return to Ayinha.

Cozumel – Beautiful Island

In Cozumel, we selected the “Hop On, Hop Off with Beach Break” tour. Despite the name, it really wasn’t the classic bus experience you might have enjoyed in Europe or many United States cities. No, it was more of a narrated tour of the waterfront and the city adjacent to the port. The guides then stop downtown and point you to favored shops, including one selling black coral and another with a wide range of souvenirs. You can tag along or set out on your own to browse Benito Juarez Square and the nearby small, beautiful Iglesia de San Miguel in the brief time allotted. From there, you head to a roadside tequila tasting venue just outside the famous Chankanaab park. Of course, you are offered the chance to buy some bottles on your way out. The last stop was the new KUZÁ Beach & Adventure Park. The beach is huge, with comfortable lounge chairs and tiki-top tables. Food is available and there is occasional musical and dancing entertainment. It would be a great place to hang out for several hours, foregoing the preliminaries on this excursion. Unfortunately, it rained almost the entire time we were at the beach.

Roatan – Chocolate and Critters

In Roatan, we joined an excursion going to Daniel Johnson's Monkey and Sloth Hangout, a small, family-run animal sanctuary. Of course, there was an obligatory stop for shopping and a chocolate tasting, which was informative and tasty. When we got to the “hangout,” most visitors enjoyed getting into the cages with the colorful macaws, letting them briefly perch on your arm. You could also remove all jewelry and secure your pockets and then let rambunctious Capuchin monkeys scramble all over you as you stood in a circle and took selfies. They also had a couple of sloths hanging on a tree. You used to be able to hold the sloths, but that practice has been discontinued over concerns that it stresses the animals. The sloths were going nowhere in a hurry, but they are curiously photogenic. From there, it was on to an iguana farm, where you could hand feed the reptiles. I did score some hand-rolled Honduran cigars in the modern port before re-boarding the ship. 

Costa Maya – Getting Krazy

In Costa Maya, our last port of call, we finally signed up for a snorkeling adventure. It was cancelled due to weather – mainly wind. Oh well. The port area in Costa Maya is very nice if you just want to hang out there. Costumed performers greet you as you exit the pier and enter the port area. Photos available; tips appreciated. Or, as a seasoned traveler recommended, hop in a taxi and head to the Krazy Lobster, one of several businesses that fronted a nice sandy beach with protected waters. Someone greets you at the cab and escorts you to your own covered table along the beach. Order a bucket of beers ($7 – for the bucket, not just one beer) and enjoy a variety of food offerings – seafood, tacos, fajitas. A strolling mariachi stopped by and sang a couple of tunes, including Cielito Lindo (the Ay Yi Yi Yi song). He let me play a little “Can’t You See” on his nylon-stringed guitar. The entire strip along the beach is lined with souvenir shops. Prices are cheaper than found in port. There are also dozens of massage tables set up, and you can get an hour-long massage for $20-$25, about half the price of that service in the port area. Note: Many of the shop vendors also hustle on the beach trying to sell stuff. We bought a beautiful handbag as a gift and, yes, more cigars.   

Margaritaville at Sea - Heroes Sail Free – A Most Generous Offer

I’m not going to delve into the myriad shows and theme nights that take place on every cruise. Just know that there is always something fun going on. Now, let’s turn to the unique Heroes Sail Free program.

As noted earlier, the “Flip Flop Bar” area of the Margaritaville at Sea Islander cruise ship is expansive, with a small stage, a large open space and wraparound balcony. It is almost midships and it is the area you first enter when boarding the Islander. On the final “day at sea,” this venue is packed for a “Salute to Heroes,” emceed by Cruise Director Zee-Jay (Zoltina Medwik-Daley). She is an Aussie - tall, blonde, and delightfully personable and energetic, as you would expect from a cruise director, a job that requires a seemingly boundless level of energy and enthusiasm. She also professes unending love for the American military, crediting them with rescuing her teenage Polish grandmother from a German work farm during World War II.

Zee-Jay stages a couple of military-related get togethers during the cruise. The first, early on, is a “meet up” near the Bubbles Up bar, where she welcomes everyone and outlines a special ceremony planned for the final day at sea. Military members and veterans are asked to fill out a small card, outlining their years of service, branch and rank upon separation. It also has space for any unique military honors, tours of duty (including combat) and more. Then, a ship’s photographer snaps a photo. The photos are compiled into a slide show that plays in one of the ship’s main gathering areas.

She uses those cards to select individuals for recognition during the Salute ceremony. A handful of people are asked to carry the flag of their service. For example, retired Col. Rachel Mathes, the first woman to pilot a V-22 Osprey and a combat veteran, waved the Marine Corps flag. By the time Zee-Jay shares her personal story of love and respect, few eyes remain dry among the hundreds of people gathered. The event includes rousing renditions of the official song of each service.   

Now, here is where it gets interesting and appealing. Some cruise lines offer nominal discounts or other perks to service members. Margaritaville at Sea, though, is unique in offering military members and veterans (plus first responders, some healthcare front-line pros and educators) free 3-10-day cruises. And, just recently announced, the program now includes free cruises for two on selected available dates. Perks and discounts also come with the program. Participants pay taxes, fees, and port call charges, plus any drink plans, tips, shore excursions or add-ons beyond the basic cabin and food. Heroes Sail Free passengers also get Express Pass (priority embarkation and disembarkation) and other benefits as part of the enhanced program. Eligibility is verified through GovX.com.

During the August 18-27, 2025, cruise that I went on, some 150 people were sailing free, a significant number given the ship has 1,105 available guest staterooms. The sailing free offer for the first and second guest sailing together is for the Cozy Interior Stateroom. The number of free cabins can vary by sailings, and they’re offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. The free cabins are “Auto-Assigned,” meaning the company picks the room. But, if a guest wants to select a stateroom, then the value of the discounted Auto-Assigned fare is credited to that rate. Now, I don’t think eligible people availing themselves of this opportunity can expect one of the bigger suites as part of this offer, but I do believe a nice option is the possibility of upgrading to desired staterooms as they’re available – even after you’re initially assigned a room. It can still be an impressive savings. Of course, things can change, so check out the latest, best offers at the company’s website.     

The company’s first vessel “Paradise” launched in 2022 and travels to places like Key West and the Bahamas. The Islander ventures down into the western Caribbean. A third ship “Beachcomber” begins operation next year out of Miami. Since 2022, more than 100,000 free trips have been provided on both Islander and Paradise! This isn’t a one-shot deal. Qualified participants can sail as many times as they are able and there is availability.

Cruising Review Summary - Margaritaville at Sea

As noted earlier, relaxation has never come easy to me. And, as I explained, I've never been on a cruise so doing a review of Margaritaville at Sea is something new. A couple of things I discovered on this first cruise was that 1) the crew and support staff were exceedingly professional and friendly 2) the food in the dining room was tasty and the service impeccable, and 3) the environment sometimes compels relaxation, even when I'm trying as hard as I can to be productive and gather good material and images for an article or weblog. When I’m on a boat, I’m usually fishing, thinking about fishing, or driving or helping to navigate. On the cruise, there was nothing to do on occasion but decide when and where to eat, enjoy a drink, watch the waves and the people. A couple of times, I chilled out on the balcony and watched various seabirds use the ship as a tool. They’d fly nearby and monitor the bow, waiting for flying fish to escape to the side. Then they’d swoop in and dive on the fish. I also liked rising early and catching the sunrise, often as we were nearing port. Many of the late-night crowd were still sleeping. The peacefulness was palpable and the morning coffee refreshing. In a way, time slowed down. Oh, I gained 7 pounds.

Will I go on another cruise? I don’t know. Probably. It was fun! There’s a lot of world still to see and sometimes the view approaching from the water is among the best. Safe traveling! And if you’re a military member, veteran, first responder, educator or medical professional, look into that Margaritaville at Sea Heroes Sail Free deal. Thanks for reading!