Margaritaville at Sea (MAS) is definitely disrupting (in a good way) the cruise business out of Port Tampa Bay with its newly announced 2027 itineraries for the MAS Islander, and I can’t help but feel they’re putting some pressure on Carnival and Royal Caribbean, who also call this port home. With just a two-ship fleet, Margaritaville at Sea doesn’t have multiple layers of corporate management and dozens of decision makers that often bogs down the bigger line’s ability to react quickly to what their guests are looking for, like longer cruises and more unique experiences —like an overnight in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Yes, they’re actually doing this!
Margaritaville at Sea just released an interesting and exciting lineup of 2027 itineraries for the Islander, and they’re packed with longer sailings, new ports, and that overnight stay in New Orleans during Mardi Gras which are bookable now.
Margaritaville at Sea 2027 Itinerary Highlights
8-Night Mardi Gras Overnight + Mexico
This itinerary is definitely a game-changer for Margaritaville at Sea, marking the line’s first-ever overnight port call. Guests will sail into New Orleans during the height of Mardi Gras, with plenty of time to catch beads and, um… people watch. After sobering up, the Islander heads to Progreso and Cozumel, Mexico, with a few sea days thrown in.
8-Night Jamaica & Western Caribbean
This itinerary takes you to Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Georgetown, Grand Cayman and offers a little bit of everything, with plenty of time onboard to enjoy the Islander’s unique amenities—like the three-story poolside LandShark Bar.
7-Night Key West & Mexico
This one combines stops in Key West, Florida, with Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico. With several sea days, you’ll have time to unwind between stops.
5-Night Bahamas Duo
This 5-night itinerary is definitely the worst of the bunch, if we’re being honest. Unless you’re one who actually enjoys Freeport and Nassau, Bahamas, skip it. These two port calls are definitely days you’ll want to stay onboard the ship, or choose one of the other itineraries. But if you’re looking for a 5-night getaway, you can use these two port days as “on the ship days” instead and enjoy the onboard amenities of the Islander. You can read my latest article about why cruise lines continue to call on Nassau and Freeport, even though they are the worst rated by guests, by clicking here.
5-Night Key West & Grand Bahama
While not as bad as the 5-Night Bahamas Duo, this 5-night sailing pairs Key West, Florida, with Freeport, Bahamas. If you have to choose between the two 5-night offerings, this is definitely the winner of the two, although there is pretty much nothing to do in Freeport.
The Islander’s new itineraries definitely show that Margaritaville at Sea’s is giving fans what they want!
Margaritaville at Sea Islander History
For those curious about the Islander’s history, it was added to the Margaritaville fleet in June 2024, joining the line’s original ship, the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, which has been sailing from the Port of Palm Beach since 2022. While the Paradise is a much, much, older vessel focused on quick trips, the Islander—originally built in 2000 as Costa Atlantica— received Buffet-inspired upgrades during an extensive drydock before making her MAS debut. The ship has 12 passenger decks and space for 2,650 guests.