Thank you for this tour guys. Wife and I are very impressed with the looks of that ship. Aside from being Buffett fans (RIP Jimmy) we would certainly consider a trip to Tampa to sail on the Sea Islander! 👍
What a great tour of this ship. I love how the theme flows through the ship. The casino looks amazing...lot's of room...not cramped....Thank you for doing this!
Those coconut chairs are pretty dang cute. What a huge improvement over the Paradise! I'm pleasantly surprised to hear the entertainment has been so good! Great tour; the decor is a lot of fun. I'd try it, for sure!
Loved the video. Looks like they did a great job with the branding and remodel of the Costa ship. It was interesting watching the various areas. I've been on the Carnival Spirit and Carnival Pride many times so the layout and even yhe restroom locations are identical.
Same. I’ve sailed the Carnival Legend and can see all the identical layouts. I could take this cruise and know exactly where to go for anything because the layout is identical. It’s just interesting though because like Coral Reef Lounge is the Punchliner Comedy club. I haven’t seen where MAS does comedians so they’re using it as just a “multi-purpose” space. Some of it feels like a little wasted space because MAS doesn’t offer all the amenities and entertainment options (at least yet) as say Carnival and Costa did
Omg alot of crazy memories when it was Costa Atlantica I was on it 3 times. Especially Coral Reef Lounge on deck 1. That design was like that the same on Costa Atlantica
love it! the spirit class is one of my favorite cruise ship designs. very easy to navigate and very spacious for a ship of its size. good move purchasing it from costa!
Hello Jordan. I would actually like to try this new Margaritaville at sea. Maybe come early try a short cruise before a longer one. Hope you and Jared are having a great time😊😊❤
Thank you for your very detailed review. We booked this cruise over for the 4th of July and I was a little nervous after we read reviews about their sister ship out of Fort Lauderdale.
We have a cruise booked with them next month. So excited! I watched another video that said the ship was understaffed but I don’t recall you mentioning that…was that your experience?
Just because of the cruiseline's name and price point, I was predisposed to a negative opinion of Margaritaville at Sea. Your tour is making me rethink that.
Thank you for another excellent walk through Jordan. The ship does look awesome for Margaritaville theme. When it comes to the price though, it is on par with Celebrity cruises. I expected it to be way cheaper. I would love to see a walk through Constellation which just got refurbished. We sailed on her just before she left for the dry dock and would love to see the difference. Hopefully they did as good or better job on her as on Millennium.
We hear Millennium is wonderful! She’s the last ship of Celebrity’s Fleet for us to go on and sounds like we left one of the best for last 😁 As for price, timing matters as Islander gets as affordable as $99/person/day. Sometimes Celebrity can get that affordable with Resident rates or last minute rates for guaranteed cabins but it is super rare. This all said, there are increased prices for certain sailings due to supply and demand for both cruise lines and we are certain the timings aren’t the same as the demographics onboard are vastly different. Connie tends to do longer voyages out of Tampa and has a much older demographic than one will find on MAS Islander. Thus, peak periods are definitely different to appeal to those differing demographics. 😊
I am a Jimmy Buffett fan and the ship really looks fantastic. However, is it really a “budget cruise?“ After watching your live video, we decided to take a good look at this ship for a cruise were planning in January 2025. I need to hear more about the food on the islander, but everything in your live blog was just OK. To compare, we looked at some cruises on Celebrity next January and found we can get some of those even cheaper per night than the Islander. We took a celebrity cruise last January and the food was fantastic and the ship was wonderful. We had zero complaints and were in an inside cabin. As you said in response to my comment on your live video, celebrity offers a better product. If we can get a better product for the same money or less, why wouldn’t we choose that? There’s definitely an element of fun with the Jimmy Buffett theming that we’d miss, but is that enough? I’ll be looking for your food and entertainment reviews.
Overall, we would always go with Celebrity. That said, this ship compared to Celebrity Constellation are two completely different vibes. Connie tends to have an elderly demographic on an old ship with little to do for families. Islander is more family fun and feels modern. Food will always be better on Celebrity, but we did enjoy the Pizza and Cheeseburgers on Islander! Connie is meant to relax on and enjoy good food and service. Islander is more for fun activities for all ages and younger clientele. Hope this helps and didn’t just confuse things more! 😅
I think your response mirrors my thoughts. I’ll keep an eye on Islander for hopefully longer cruises (7 nights) in the future and maybe even some deals after the newness wears off.
@@martybuehler3116 Interesting. I think there a Buffet fun factor that will draw some people in but it’s not really a budget cruise when you actually compare.
The price looks reasonable! And the ship looks fresh,new and as you have pointed out themed very well. Is everything very loud or could you hear each other talk? How comfortable was your room after a few days in it?
Yes! But these are theoretical points so it takes a lot to get one point. (At least $200-300 from what we’ve seen) and this is every day or upfront. 2 pts per day or 8 pts to cover 4 days.
We're booked for this October 2024. They have done an awesome job on this ship. They want to get away from their other ship and the bad reviews. This ship will be their money maker. I'm looking forward to our cruise this year.
Since they don't have an app, how do you know the daily schedule of events aboard? Also, what are the communication options with people aboard? Do you have to get wifi to communicate? Are walkie talkies allowed? How was the wifi service? Was there a comedy show or any other shows besides the one in the theatre? Thanks. We are going in July! Excited! But we are coming with kids, so I need to know how to keep in touch with them!
I can tell as an avid Carnival cruiser this is an old Carnival Corp (not cruise line because I know she was previously the Costa Atlantica) spirit class ship
@jjcruise what is served at the upstairs dining room? Would that area be considered specialty dining? Not sure if I missed it but is there a steakhouse?
Hey Jordan, Tampa here. You did a GREAT job on the ship tour of MAS Islander. I have sailed on the CCL Legend, and Miracle, which are both "Spirit Class" vessels. BUT, I will be sailing on Aug 23rd and really look forward to the new ship we have in Tampa. I think they did a wonderful job on the rehab, and I'm loving the "Coral Reef Lounge". However, I am the guy that was questioning the whereabouts of all the "Pool Loungers". I do see them on Deck 10, and elsewhere, however, the Adult area Aft, has some loungers, and addt'l ottomans and loveseats, but I just don't get the concept. I would be interested in your take on your sea days, as to the pax were desperately trying to grab a lounger. The pool at "It's 5 o'clock somewhere" has those bed loungers, which will be hogged all day. NOT good in my design of a pool area. There used to be tables/chairs in that area on the CCL LE/MI. Again, thanks for your info and can't wait until I get onboard the MAS Islander. Stay safe and sail safe. 😎
They definitely had loungers but not in ideal locations for all guests like by the pool like you saw as well. Maybe they will move some loungers around with some feedback 😅
There are steps to get into the wading area, but no steps into the deeper area of the pool. Accessibility measures are one downside of this ship for pools and nightclub
I wonder if they will totally refurbish the ship in Florida to a look more resembling the islander? If they do it right alot of money to be made because people will definitely come.
The only thing I might of changed is ditch the kids stuff as I don't see families going on this ship. I see the concept as more of a adults short 4 to 7 day get away. When I went to Jimmy's concerts I don't recall little kids being there. I saw more couples and groups of friends in a wide age range say 30's and up? I would go on a ship like this depending if the staterooms are upgraded as well?
Even as someone without kids, I recognize that the "adults only" model doesn't always pan out financially in the long run for many lines. When you factor in the cost of a sitter, traveling without kids is often not an option. Plus, more revenue for an additional passenger who probably won't eat that much food. Why not? Don't get me wrong, my wife and I are huge fans of Virgin Voyages, because they are 100% adults only. The difference being that it's explicitly stated the line is 18 and up. With Margaritaville at Sea, I imagine they'll lose a good bit of business if they make it harder for families with kids to cruise. But let's just hope those adults drink responsibly. Lastly, I don't think the comparison to Buffet concerts really works here. A multi-day cruise is much different than a four-hour concert.
The VP of Margaritaville said they were surprised at the number of families with children booking the 2-night cruises on their older ship, the Paradise, so when they purchased the Atlantica and remade her into the Islander making her more family-oriented was stated as a priority for the company.
We were not impressed at all. Just got off boat last week. One issue after another. And the food was just awful! Cold and no flavor. No AC one night and the folks next door to us smoking weed the whole time. You could smell it through the walls into our room all day. Even as a budget boat it’s not worth it. We won’t be booking again.
I've been following along on IG (go do that, y'all, for the inside scoop!), so I'm now so excited to see your critique! 😊🛳️🩴I think the first ship was to gauge interest, get customer feedback and raise revenue. This ship is the beginning of the real Margaritaville at Sea launch.
Wow! They did an incredible job with the renovation!! This is a great example for their brand. I am tempted to book now!
Great video! Love you guys, so good!
Thank you for a great tour. After the bad PR about their other ship, I've been waiting to see what the Islander would be like.
Thanks for watching! This ship is night and day different from what Paradise is ☺️
Fantastic video bro, and this ship looks amazing! I'll look into this ship later on in the future!
Thank you for this tour guys. Wife and I are very impressed with the looks of that ship. Aside from being Buffett fans (RIP Jimmy) we would certainly consider a trip to Tampa to sail on the Sea Islander! 👍
What a great renovation! It looks so colourful and fun. Seems to have a relaxed vibe too.
What a great tour of this ship. I love how the theme flows through the ship. The casino looks amazing...lot's of room...not cramped....Thank you for doing this!
Looks like they did a really nice job with the ship's conversation. Love the colors throughout.
Great post! Thanks 😊
Thanks for watching!
Great video Jordan we will need to check this out. 👍
Thanks for watching! 🥳
Thank you for sharing! I can’t wait to go in December for the Nee Years cruise on this ship!!🚢
Beautiful ship. Love the colors and decor. Watching this video makes me want to take a cruise on this ship.😊
Those coconut chairs are pretty dang cute. What a huge improvement over the Paradise! I'm pleasantly surprised to hear the entertainment has been so good! Great tour; the decor is a lot of fun. I'd try it, for sure!
So many cute choices for seating and branded decor! Worth the try for the e price!
Great job Jordan thanks for sharing the ship w us 🎉
Thanks for watching!!
Love it all. Booking my cruise.
Great ship tour - thanks for sharing this surprising ship with us! And that is a very spacious casino! Looking forward to the GBU!
We loved having space in that casino! 🎰
Super surprised by this ship and look forward to sharing more soon! 🥳
LOVE LOVE LOVE ❤️ this ship!!! Theming is on point!!! And exactly like The Carnival Miracle!!!! Same exact ship! I want on this ship so bad!
Some of the best Margaritaville cruise reviews I’ve seen. ❤
Thanks for watching! 🥳
Thank you for a very inclusive video… Looking forward to the good the bad and the ugly… I really like what I saw in this video…🚢
Thanks for watching! We can’t wait to share our GBU Review soon! 😉
Great video, you really did a great tour of the ship and explained it well. We can't wait till October.
Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed!
Thanks for the video! Looks like a great ship and fun layout. I'm considering looking into cruising this ship. 🎉
The ship was impressive for a Budget Cruise Line! Definitely worth the look!
We just booked! Excited to check it out ❤
We'll definitely try this one!!! The Paradise was ok, but this ship & itinerary looks so much better!!!
Thank you, great video
Thanks for watching!!
Loved the video. Looks like they did a great job with the branding and remodel of the Costa ship. It was interesting watching the various areas. I've been on the Carnival Spirit and Carnival Pride many times so the layout and even yhe restroom locations are identical.
Yes! This is like a Modern Carnival Pride which fixes the main outdated feel of that class with the great renovations onboard!
Same. I’ve sailed the Carnival Legend and can see all the identical layouts. I could take this cruise and know exactly where to go for anything because the layout is identical. It’s just interesting though because like Coral Reef Lounge is the Punchliner Comedy club. I haven’t seen where MAS does comedians so they’re using it as just a “multi-purpose” space. Some of it feels like a little wasted space because MAS doesn’t offer all the amenities and entertainment options (at least yet) as say Carnival and Costa did
I love all the green in the atrium!
Looks like a fun time!
I love it! I would definitely try this ship! 🍹
Looks beautiful
Great tour! I would absolutely try that ship!
Thanks for watching! 🥳
Looks really nice!
She looks great especially for her age!
Omg alot of crazy memories when it was Costa Atlantica I was on it 3 times. Especially Coral Reef Lounge on deck 1. That design was like that the same on Costa Atlantica
Wow, looks like they did a real nice job of refitting this ship, might have to check it out for myself one of these days, thanks for the vid!
Thanks for watching!
As a Parrot Head, this literally looks like heaven on earth to me!
They absolutely nailed the theming. Rehire them for all of your work Margaritaville.
looks like they did a great job on this ship. Great video, thanks. Will you be doing a stateroom video?
Yes! Coming soon! 🔜
Hello guys checking out your vlog thanks 🙏 ❤
Thanks for watching! This ship is worth the look ! 🥳
love it! the spirit class is one of my favorite cruise ship designs. very easy to navigate and very spacious for a ship of its size. good move purchasing it from costa!
We agree!
Awesome video
Thanks for watching!
Yep. You sold me 😊!
I might have to check this out. I miss sailing out of Tampa. Plus I have friends nearby to go visit!
She’s perfect for am affordable friends getaway
I watched you guys leave from the port of Tampa Cam. Also, glad margaritaville new ship was/is better than their 1st ship
Hello Jordan. I would actually like to try this new Margaritaville at sea. Maybe come early try a short cruise before a longer one. Hope you and Jared are having a great time😊😊❤
It would be perfect for that! 🙌🏽
Margaritaville got it right! Looking forward to cruising on this ship.
Have a wonderful cruise!
I love the décor, very tropical 🦜
Yes! We love it too!
I just booked a cruise on this ship for october thanks to their amazing first responder sale that i got advertised... taking my mom for her birthday.
Thank you for your very detailed review. We booked this cruise over for the 4th of July and I was a little nervous after we read reviews about their sister ship out of Fort Lauderdale.
We had low expectations and those were far surpassed 🥳
Looks like they hit a home run with this new ship!
We have a cruise booked with them next month. So excited! I watched another video that said the ship was understaffed but I don’t recall you mentioning that…was that your experience?
It doesn’t look that crowded 👀 I like!
Just because of the cruiseline's name and price point, I was predisposed to a negative opinion of Margaritaville at Sea. Your tour is making me rethink that.
Glad to hear! We also had low expectations but this ship exceeded those expectations!
As always another great ship tour. Wondering what you thought of the food quality. Any food reviews?
Our Full Good, Bad and Ugly Review coming soon!
Thank you for another excellent walk through Jordan. The ship does look awesome for Margaritaville theme. When it comes to the price though, it is on par with Celebrity cruises. I expected it to be way cheaper. I would love to see a walk through Constellation which just got refurbished. We sailed on her just before she left for the dry dock and would love to see the difference. Hopefully they did as good or better job on her as on Millennium.
We hear Millennium is wonderful! She’s the last ship of Celebrity’s Fleet for us to go on and sounds like we left one of the best for last 😁
As for price, timing matters as Islander gets as affordable as $99/person/day. Sometimes Celebrity can get that affordable with Resident rates or last minute rates for guaranteed cabins but it is super rare. This all said, there are increased prices for certain sailings due to supply and demand for both cruise lines and we are certain the timings aren’t the same as the demographics onboard are vastly different.
Connie tends to do longer voyages out of Tampa and has a much older demographic than one will find on MAS Islander. Thus, peak periods are definitely different to appeal to those differing demographics. 😊
So are any of the secret specialty drinks at any of the bars a must have? Does each bar really have a different drink or do they repeat?
I am a Jimmy Buffett fan and the ship really looks fantastic. However, is it really a “budget cruise?“ After watching your live video, we decided to take a good look at this ship for a cruise were planning in January 2025. I need to hear more about the food on the islander, but everything in your live blog was just OK. To compare, we looked at some cruises on Celebrity next January and found we can get some of those even cheaper per night than the Islander. We took a celebrity cruise last January and the food was fantastic and the ship was wonderful. We had zero complaints and were in an inside cabin. As you said in response to my comment on your live video, celebrity offers a better product. If we can get a better product for the same money or less, why wouldn’t we choose that? There’s definitely an element of fun with the Jimmy Buffett theming that we’d miss, but is that enough? I’ll be looking for your food and entertainment reviews.
Overall, we would always go with Celebrity. That said, this ship compared to Celebrity Constellation are two completely different vibes. Connie tends to have an elderly demographic on an old ship with little to do for families. Islander is more family fun and feels modern. Food will always be better on Celebrity, but we did enjoy the Pizza and Cheeseburgers on Islander! Connie is meant to relax on and enjoy good food and service. Islander is more for fun activities for all ages and younger clientele.
Hope this helps and didn’t just confuse things more! 😅
I think your response mirrors my thoughts. I’ll keep an eye on Islander for hopefully longer cruises (7 nights) in the future and maybe even some deals after the newness wears off.
😊
It was double the cost of a Carnival cruise. I see alot of people losing money soon....it's super hard to compete with the bigger lines. sad
@@martybuehler3116 Interesting. I think there a Buffet fun factor that will draw some people in but it’s not really a budget cruise when you actually compare.
The price looks reasonable! And the ship looks fresh,new and as you have pointed out themed very well. Is everything very loud or could you hear each other talk? How comfortable was your room after a few days in it?
This looks better than the Margarita at sea in Florida.
Killed it, it looks like a lot of fun! P.S. is two points in the casino everyday to continue to drink for free??
Yes! But these are theoretical points so it takes a lot to get one point. (At least $200-300 from what we’ve seen) and this is every day or upfront. 2 pts per day or 8 pts to cover 4 days.
We're booked for this October 2024. They have done an awesome job on this ship. They want to get away from their other ship and the bad reviews. This ship will be their money maker. I'm looking forward to our cruise this year.
Have a wonderful cruise!
Since they don't have an app, how do you know the daily schedule of events aboard? Also, what are the communication options with people aboard? Do you have to get wifi to communicate? Are walkie talkies allowed? How was the wifi service? Was there a comedy show or any other shows besides the one in the theatre? Thanks. We are going in July! Excited! But we are coming with kids, so I need to know how to keep in touch with them!
It was a pleasure meeting you onboard!!
So nice meeting you onboard! 🤗
@@JJCruise Where is the Steakhouse?
I can tell as an avid Carnival cruiser this is an old Carnival Corp (not cruise line because I know she was previously the Costa Atlantica) spirit class ship
This review makes this ship look so much better than the first one. They should pay you to use this on their own marketing. Love spirit class too,
We wish we were getting paid! 😅
But happy to share this as just our honest reviewed full ship tour ☺️
@jjcruise what is served at the upstairs dining room? Would that area be considered specialty dining? Not sure if I missed it but is there a steakhouse?
There is a steakhouse! JWB Steakhouse.
As for the upstairs dining, it’s open to anyone for $20/person and included for suite guests. ☺️
this ship seems great, its a nice comprehensible size and cohesive style. its far less overwhelming than most huge ships ive seen so far
They did a great job!
Hey Jordan, Tampa here. You did a GREAT job on the ship tour of MAS Islander. I have sailed on the CCL Legend, and Miracle, which are both "Spirit Class" vessels. BUT, I will be sailing on Aug 23rd and really look forward to the new ship we have in Tampa. I think they did a wonderful job on the rehab, and I'm loving the "Coral Reef Lounge". However, I am the guy that was questioning the whereabouts of all the "Pool Loungers". I do see them on Deck 10, and elsewhere, however, the Adult area Aft, has some loungers, and addt'l ottomans and loveseats, but I just don't get the concept. I would be interested in your take on your sea days, as to the pax were desperately trying to grab a lounger. The pool at "It's 5 o'clock somewhere" has those bed loungers, which will be hogged all day. NOT good in my design of a pool area. There used to be tables/chairs in that area on the CCL LE/MI. Again, thanks for your info and can't wait until I get onboard the MAS Islander. Stay safe and sail safe. 😎
They definitely had loungers but not in ideal locations for all guests like by the pool like you saw as well.
Maybe they will move some loungers around with some feedback 😅
@@JJCruise He Jordan, I wanted to also ask you if they offered a Meet & Greet for LGBTG pax ?
This ship reminds m of one of the Carnival ships
I think yall just sold me on an anniversary cruise as a short & inexpensive option.
Definitely an affordable option to get away! 🥳
I’m not seeing many stops in key west until next year?
They are there today! But definitely not the most frequent stop ☺️
Do any of the three pools have steps to get in or only ladders?
There are steps to get into the wading area, but no steps into the deeper area of the pool. Accessibility measures are one downside of this ship for pools and nightclub
I wonder if they will totally refurbish the ship in Florida to a look more resembling the islander?
If they do it right alot of money to be made because people will definitely come.
Best intro on CZcams to the ship the rest are so set on that it’s ghetto etc
You used the correct word “impressed” it is a regular ship, it has everything, this one compared to the other one, looks like an Ocean Liner, LOL
The company did good by purchasing a ship in what I think was Carnival's nicest class of ships
review their other ship
You are not on your world cruise temporary permenant home cruise ship? What happened? Was it too good to be true?
Update coming soon!
Was there a kids club area? U showed 2 teen/tween areas
How was the food ? It’s all inclusive food right ?
Yes! We loved the 🍕 Full review coming soon!
What a dramatic difference from their first ship. I would go on that ship.
Huge difference for sure!
Didn't this ship fail inspection and was claimed a Dirty Ship?
That’s the other Margaritaville ship. This is basically a new ship purchased from Costa and refurbished.
It seems like that hit a homerun with this ship considering all the complaints they got from the 1st one
15:20 Most popular?? It's like 15 ppl in there 😂
There are lounge spaces upstairs and downstairs by the dance floor that were packed as well. Just the dance floor was shown 😉
I went on this cruise and I was very disappointed. I have been on other cruise lines and the Margaritaville cruise did not compare well at all
How come I keep hearing the cruiseship is old and need updating? Heard it was a cruise from hell.
That’s the other ship, Paradise, out of Port Canaveral. ☺️
The only thing I might of changed is ditch the kids stuff as I don't see families going on this ship. I see the concept as more of a adults short 4 to 7 day get away.
When I went to Jimmy's concerts I don't recall little kids being there.
I saw more couples and groups of friends in a wide age range say 30's and up?
I would go on a ship like this depending if the staterooms are upgraded as well?
We definitely saw kids on our sailing, but we agree that an adults only budget cruise ship would be great!
Even as someone without kids, I recognize that the "adults only" model doesn't always pan out financially in the long run for many lines. When you factor in the cost of a sitter, traveling without kids is often not an option. Plus, more revenue for an additional passenger who probably won't eat that much food. Why not?
Don't get me wrong, my wife and I are huge fans of Virgin Voyages, because they are 100% adults only. The difference being that it's explicitly stated the line is 18 and up. With Margaritaville at Sea, I imagine they'll lose a good bit of business if they make it harder for families with kids to cruise. But let's just hope those adults drink responsibly.
Lastly, I don't think the comparison to Buffet concerts really works here. A multi-day cruise is much different than a four-hour concert.
The VP of Margaritaville said they were surprised at the number of families with children booking the 2-night cruises on their older ship, the Paradise, so when they purchased the Atlantica and remade her into the Islander making her more family-oriented was stated as a priority for the company.
Glad I found this video before I bought. It doesn’t look that great
It’s a budget cruise line and a renovated Costa Cruise Ship. They did a great job, but it’s not a New Ship on a Mainstream Line.
We were not impressed at all. Just got off boat last week. One issue after another. And the food was just awful! Cold and no flavor. No AC one night and the folks next door to us smoking weed the whole time. You could smell it through the walls into our room all day. Even as a budget boat it’s not worth it. We won’t be booking again.
Karen Alert 😯
I've been following along on IG (go do that, y'all, for the inside scoop!), so I'm now so excited to see your critique! 😊🛳️🩴I think the first ship was to gauge interest, get customer feedback and raise revenue. This ship is the beginning of the real Margaritaville at Sea launch.
Thanks for following on IG! We Absolutely agree! Here’s hoping this ship does great ☺️