9 Truly Special Margaritaville at Sea Experiences & Planning Tips That Instantly Elevate Your Cruise
When we cruised on Margaritaville at Sea Islander, we quickly realized that the most memorable moments weren’t the ones you stumble into. Instead, they are the experiences you intentionally plan for and book. Some of the best experiences require a little advance planning, and a few are limited enough that many guests never even know they exist.
If you’re sailing out of Port Tampa Bay or West Palm Beach, Florida, knowing what’s truly worth prioritizing can make a big difference, especially since not every experience is available to each guest. Level up your cruise with these special experiences to maximize your cruise memories.
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Quick Take: What’s Worth Booking (Or Attending) on Margaritaville at Sea for an Especially Memorable Cruise
- Making time for the hidden speakeasy experience, Quietly Making Noise (only on Islander, and soon to be on Beachcomber)
- Booking a suite, for added privileges and space
- Indulging in a spa treatment
- Dining at the steakhouse
- Adding on a specialty dining package
- Getting a drinks package
- Attending the Veterans Salute
- Taking a tour of the ship's bridge
- Getting a tattoo
Our Experience on Margaritaville at Sea Islander
We sailed on Margaritaville at Sea Islander out of Port Tampa Bay. While the ship’s overall vibe is relaxed and casual, there are several experiences that feel far more curated, but only if you know to look for them. Luckily, you've got us to help with that!
These are the experiences we found most meaningful and would prioritize again or recommend if the expeirence piques your interest.
1. Book the Speakeasy, Quietly Making Noise
Who This Experience Is For
Quietly Making Noise is a hidden speakeasy-style experience inspired by Jimmy Buffett’s foundation and legacy. We recommend it for:
- Uber fans of Jimmy Buffett
- Travelers who want an exclusive experience that few guests get to do
- Anyone who wants to learn more about Jimmy Buffett’s life, values, and impact
What You Need to Know
- Cost: $75 per person
- How to book: Ask at the front desk as soon as you board
- Availability: Very limited and not widely advertised
About the Experience
We're Jimmy Buffett fans who thought that going on Margaritaville at Sea was going to be Jimmy Buffett, all day, every day. That was not the case.
We were shocked (and a little disappointed) that we weren't constantly listening to Jimmy's songs or seeing his concerts play on every screen. Sure, we heard an occasional song by Jimmy or were at the pool while one of his concerts was playing, but overall, the music isn't specific to Jimmy Buffett. For some who aren't big fans of his, this is a good thing! But for others, it may leave you craving more of him. We were craving more.
Signing up for a visit to the speakeasy on the ship is one of the most intimate and distinctive experiences onboard, and one that truly sets Islander and Beachcomber apart.
How the Margaritaville at Sea Speakeasy Experience Works
First, you have to book the experience at Guest Services/the front desk on Islander or Beachcomber.
On Islander, you gather with your group at Havana Daydreamin' Sports Bar and Grill on the day and time you're set to meet. You check in with the bartender, who then hands you one of Jimmy's favorite island drinks to sip while you wait. (It's a sweet drink with Malibu coconut rum in it.) Then someone from the entertainment crew—who you could call your “guide” for the rest of your time together—will meet you and take you to a part of the ship hardly anyone goes to.
Once in the “Highway 1” area onboard, we were guided up a set of stairs near the fitness center to a secret door. Inside was a beautiful blue room with memorabilia, photos of Jimmy, and a bar cart ready for guests.
We'll keep the specifics of the stories that our guide, Juan, shared to ourselves to avoid spoiling the experience for guests who are looking forward to going. Yet we will share that you should keep the overall experience in mind when you go, knowing you're a part of something truly special that even guests on land at Margaritaville Hotels & Resorts cannot participate in.
Though specialty cocktails were created for Quietly Making Noise (QNM), the drinks were not a highlight. We found they weren't balanced and thus, not so drinkable. However, you can get plenty of drinks elsewhere on the ship, and we had the drinks package anyway.
The focus, for us, was a more intimate look into Jimmy Buffett's life; we got that in spades. From a replica of his exact record collection that his daughter, Savannah, helped bring onboard, to the stories behind the glass-encased guitars within the QMN walls, and more, this was undoubtedly the highlight of the cruise for us.
Be sure to ask about QMN speakeasy experience at the front desk as soon as you board because there is limited availability. You don't want to miss this!
2. Book a Suite, Which Comes With Special Privileges
Why a Suite Changes Your Margaritaville at Sea Experience
Booking a suite isn’t just about extra space—it comes with additional privileges that elevate your entire cruise.
Depending on the suite category, these can include:
- Priority access or enhanced services, including concierge
- A more private, elevated onboard experience
- Extra comfort that makes sea days noticeably better
- VIP/Priority boarding and debarkation
- Special suites-only additional menu during dinner at the main dining restaurant
If you like your cruise to feel a bit more refined or you’re celebrating something special, this is one of the biggest upgrades you can make. Upon arrival at Port Tampa Bay, we appreciated that we were immediately directed to the special suites-only access area. Though we hardly had to wait to board Islander at the port, there were snacks and drinks available in this special suites-only area in case we had a few minutes before getting onto the ship and we were thirsty or hungry.
There was also a concierge lounge on Islander, complete with soft drinks and a Nespresso machine, which was the feature we appreciated most, since coffee drinks are not included in the beverage package, and we like quality coffee.
3. Book a Spa Treatment (Couples Massage Recommended)
Why This Feels Exclusive
Spa appointments are limited by time and capacity, making them one of the more intentionally planned onboard experiences.
Securing a couple’s massage reservation was a great way to plan a relaxing “slow down” day. We enjoyed the quiet hour together away from the ship’s social areas. Since a couple's massage occupies two masseuses, there's limited availability; it's best to book ASAP after you board, even if for days later.
Pricing & Add-Ons
A Swedish massage starts at a base price ($179/$219 for 50/75 minutes), then there are optional add-ons for $25 each, like:
- Hot stones
- Bamboo massage
- Aromatherapy
- Scalp massage
This is especially worth booking if relaxation is a priority for your cruise.
There were plenty of other spa treatments to book as well, such as:
This is just a fraction of the spa menu. Although we don't have kids, we appreciated that they offer Youth Specials, such as a father/son or mother/daughter 40-minute massage ($195) or a Mommy and Me Mani/Pedi ($199).
You're on vacation, and self-care is important. Treat yourself!
4. Dine at JWB Steakhouse
Why This is Worth Booking
Whether you're celebrating simply being on vacation, a big life milestone, anniversary, or birthday, dining at the steakhouse is the perfect way to commemorate life's events.
While you can include this in a dining package (see #6, below, “Book a Specialty Dining Package”) you can also book it a la carte for $55 per person and save 10% if you book it in advance, before your cruise. In our opinon though, for that price, why not just spend a little more on a dining package that includes the steakhouse?
Our Experience
We had a lovely evening at JWB Steakhouse on Islander. The atmosphere was casual but intentional. It was a fun area of the ship to be in at night, with the prop airplane that hangs in the multi-decked atrium illuminated by evening lights. Dining there was a great way to celebrate our 6-year wedding anniversary.
You don’t need to wear formal attire here. We dressed up a little, giving our evening that “special night out” feeling, but many guests wore jeans and tropical shirts.
Dan started his meal with the meatball appetizer, and I selected the smoked pickled oysters. We each continued with the lobster bisque, then moved onto our mains: Dan had the 12 oz. NY Strip Steak, and I enjoyed the Heritage Duroc 12 oz. bone-in pork chop. We shared a variety of sides: garlic butter broccoli, mashed potatoes, sauteed asparagus, and mac n cheese.
We also indulged in red wine with our meal. If you don't have a drinks package, alcohol is available for purchase here. If you do, the steakhouse honors the package and drinks will be included.
5. Book a Specialty Dining Package
Why a Package Makes Sense
Specialty dining venues at Margaritaville at Sea require planning, whether for reservations or to understand operating hours. If you plan to dine at more than one specialty venue, a specialty dining package can:
- Offer better overall value
- Encourage you to plan special evenings in advance
- Turn dining into a true highlight of the cruise
We really enjoyed having a specialty dining package. It gave us some additional things to look forward to, like the Sparkling Brunch. Luckily, Margaritaville at Sea has three dining package options for you to choose from to fit a variety of tastes and dining desires.
Dining Package Options
Three dining packages are listed below, with two of the three options including a dining credit. This will likely make you wonder, “Is $25 enough to get you a meal at these restaurants?” The answer is yes! It absolutely is. In fact, we found that $25 was enough for both of us to eat a meal each at restaurants. An allowance of $25 each is a feast!
We highly recommend Far Side Sushi and JWB Steakhouse, which is why we recommend the Ultimate Dining Chill package.
🍽️ Ultimate Dining Chill ($159 per person): most comprehensive option, which includes:
- Dinner at JWB Steakhouse
- Sparkling Brunch at Islander Dining Room
- Suite-Exclusive Dinner Menu in Main Dining Rooms (we really enjoyed this during our cruise)
- $25 dining credit for a la carte purchases at Tiki Grill
- $25 dining credit for a la carte purchases at Island Eats
- $25 dining credit for a la carte purchases at Far Side Sushi
- 20% service charge
🍽️ Prime Dining Package ($89 per person): This is ideal for guests who want to experience some of the specialty dining experiences:
- Dinner at JWB Steakhouse
- Sparkling Brunch at Islander Dining Room
- Suite-Exclusive Dinner Menu In Main Dining Rooms
- 20% service charge
🍽️ Far Side Sampler ($75 per person): Choose this package if you want to a bit of a sample of Islander's specialty dining venues. This includes:
- $25 dining credit for a la carte purchases at Tiki Grill
- $25 dining credit for a la carte purchases at Island Eats
- $25 dining credit for a la carte purchases at Far Side Sushi
6. Get a Drinks Package That Matches Your Style
Why This Elevates Your “Experience,” and Is Not Just a Cost
A drinks package isn’t just about convenience—it changes how you experience the ship by changing how you interact with the crew. It very often means finding your favorite bar, bartender, or server in the lounge or bar areas.
For us, a drinks package meant:
- Trying new cocktails without hesitation
- Lingering longer at venues to have another drink and engage in conversation
- Not worrying about individual charges
If you enjoy cocktails, wine, or specialty drinks, booking a package upfront can make the cruise feel more relaxed and indulgent. The cost is from $64.99 per night, per person (price varies by length of sailing, and the price does not include the 20% service charge, which will be in your final price upon purchase). The drink price cap is $20, so if you order a drink that's $25, for example, you'll pay the $5 difference. We never had an instance that we had to pay for a drink, though. That was even true of Dan's orders of Blanton's, neat, which is pretty amazing.
If you don't drink alcohol but drink soda, consider the Unlimited Soda Package for $10 per person, per night. (This doesn't include the 20% Service Gratuity charge, which is automatically added to your bill when you purchase the package.) The cruise line has Coca Cola products.
Our Favorite Drinks Package Tips
After a few days on Islander, we were able to scope out our favorite bars, cocktail menus, and bartenders. So, from our experience, keep the following things in mind:
- Not all bars offer the same menu. In fact, most of them have different menus with some overlapping beverages, like the wine or beer options. If you like Japanese sake, for example, be sure to go to The Far Side Lounge. If you like champagne, don't miss Bubbles Up Lounge & Champagne Bar.
- Hemisphere Dancer Craft Spirits bar (or simply “Hemispheres,” for short) was our favorite, with the cocktail menu we liked most and the best hard liquor, too. Dan was able to have Blanton's bourbon at the bar and I enjoyed several well-balanced drinks there that weren't too sweet and weren't too savory. Just how I like it!
7. Do Not Miss the Veterans Salute
The Most Moving Event During Our Cruise
The Veterans Salute was a powerful, emotional, and deeply meaningful ceremony. The emcee was our Cruise Director and the flag bearers were veterans. Reserve time on your schedule for this thoughtful event as soon as you find out when it will be during your sailing.
Dan and I have never served in the US military, but we know the sacrifices these citizens and their families make. We don’t thank our military members and veterans enough as a country or as individuals. We make it a point to go on tours all over the world that connect us to our troops and our country and this felt like an extension of that. Each of the six branches of the military is named and honored during this ceremny, which lasts approximately 30-minute. Songs are played and attendees salute the United States flag. It's incredibly moving and not-to-miss.
Margaritaville at Sea Continuously Rewards Our Nation's Heroes
Did you know that the cruise line has a “Heroes Sail Free” program? In addition to honoring our active military and veterans onboard, anyone with a verified GovX ID is eligible to participate. This includes active and past military, teachers, nurses, educators, government healthcare workers, and more.
It's important to know that the cruise fare is free but the free cabins are first come first serve, so they may not always be available at your desired time. To manage expectations, it's also good to be aware that the free cabins are interior staterooms. If you're a Hero who wants to book a different cabin category or a specific date, ship or destination, you have access to a 20% discount instead of the free program.
Lastly, Heroes can expect to taxes, fees, and port expenses per person. Once on board, the Hero can add on perks and amenities as desired for purchase, like any specialty dining, beverages, shore excursions or retail items.
8. Tour The Ship's Bridge
This behind-the-scenes experiences available on Islander is one that very few guests ever see.
Why This Is a Special Experience
This tour gives you access to the ship’s bridge, where you can learn how the ship is operated, including steering, navigation, and day-to-day decision-making while at sea. You'll even meet some of the first officers.
While the cruise line often invites Margaritaville at Sea enthusiasts who have sailed multiple times as a kind gesture of gratitude for their loyalty, most guests who participate have purchased the Bridge Tour as an add-on.
What to Know About a Bridge Tour
- It doesn't happen everyday and you don't want to miss it, so ask the front desk/guest services about it within the first day or two you're onboard
- It's typically offered on sea days
- Space is limited, so it’s best to ask about it early
If you’re fascinated by how large cruise ships operate, have any interest in behind-the-scenes experiences, and want to meet some of the ship's officers, this is a rare and memorable experience.
9. Get a Tattoo While Cruising
Uniquely Margaritaville at Sea
One of the most unique souvenirs you can get on Margaritaville at Sea Islander is a, “Permanent Reminder of a Temporary Feeling,” as the Jimmy Buffett song famously says.
While we didn't get any new ink at Permanent Reminder tattoo shop, we were surprised to see how many people do. We always looked to see if someone was getting a tattoo when we walked by that area of the ship—easily, 30-40% of the time, someone was.
Getting Ink Onboard
There is a fixed cost for tattoos, starting at $75 for Margaritaville at Sea–designed tattoos. This entry-price makes it an accessible option for guests who want something simple and symbolic. The artists also offer custom tattoos, with pricing based on the design.
You could get a “5 O'Clock Somewhere” tattoo, a lost shaker of salt (found, on your body, of course), a flip flop, etc. Not into Jimmy Buffett references? The artists can tattoo nearly anything.
If you’ve ever thought about getting a tattoo while on vacation, or perhaps you already know that's the souvernir you most enjoy while traveling, this is about as memorable as it gets.
Planning These Experiences Enhanced Our Islander Cruise Vacation
Our cruise on Margaritaville at Sea Islander reminded us that the most meaningful moments don’t always announce themselves. The experiences that stood out to us were the ones we intentionally booked, asked about, or planned around—many of which are limited, come with special access, or are easy to miss if you don’t know they exist.
Whether a behind-the-scenes bridge tour, a hidden speakeasy inspired by Jimmy’s legacy, or the added privileges that come with booking a suite, these experiences can completely change how your cruise feels and elevate your vacation. You don’t have to do all of them, but choosing the ones that match your travel style can turn a fun sailing into a truly memorable one.
