Margaritaville at Sea's new Islander set sail for Florida on May 24. After undergoing a major refurbishment at the Harland & Wolff shipyards in Northern Ireland, the cruise ship departed Belfast on May 19, 2024.
Ready to enter service for Margaritaville at Sea in mid-June, the Islander made a technical stop in Gibraltar.
After arriving at the British port on May 23, the ship set out to cross the Atlantic towards Port Tampa Bay.
The ship, with a capacity for 2,100 passengers, is receiving the final touches and is expected to arrive in Florida in early June.
Before beginning its maiden voyage on June 14, the Margaritaville at Sea Islander will be christened in a special ceremony.
Savannah Buffett, daughter of the late singer, writer and sailor Jimmy Buffett, will be the ship's godmother.
Once in Tampa, the Islander will offer a year-round program of four- and five-night cruises to Mexico and Florida, with visits to Cozumel, Puerto Progreso, Costa Maya and Key West.
In early 2025, the ship will also offer six- and seven-night cruises in the Western Caribbean, with destinations in Belize, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands.
Originally built for Costa Cruises as the Costa Atlantica, the Islander entered service in the early 2000s.
After sailing in China for several years, the Spirit-class vessel was sold to Margaritaville at Sea in late 2023.
Before beginning its inaugural season, the ship underwent a major refurbishment that included upgrades to the cabins and common areas.
The Islander also received new features, including the three-story poolside LandShark Bar at Sea and the JWB Prime Steakhouse.
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