Margaritaville at Sea Islander has been named the “Best Cruise Ship for Families” in the 2025 Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards, beating out several larger and more established cruise lines.
The award, determined by a panel of industry experts and public voting, highlights the ship’s focus on multi-generational travel and family-friendly entertainment.
Launched in June 2024, the Islander was originally built in 2000 as Costa Atlantica before being refurbished to match the Margaritaville brand’s tropical theme.
The 12-deck vessel accommodates up to 2,650 passengers and offers a variety of family-focused amenities, including a waterslide and play area, interactive game shows, and a dedicated teen lounge.
The ship operates four- to ten-night itineraries from Port Tampa Bay, visiting destinations such as Key West, Aruba, and Jamaica.
The recognition from Newsweek follows a series of accolades for the cruise line. In 2024, the Islander was awarded No. 1 in Cruise Critic’s “Best in Cruise” awards and placed in multiple categories in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, including No. 1 for solo travelers and No. 3 for families.
Specific to the Islander, everyone from adults to young travelers will find their own entertaining slice of paradise.
Highlights of family-friendly offerings include:
• Dis ‘N Dat Activity Zone – The whole family can join the challenge with the first-ever cornhole-meets-mini-golf course at sea. This unique take on two fan-favorite games on the outer deck puts skills to the test for one-of-a-kind fun.
• Paradise Pickleball at Sea – Join the craze with some friendly competition on the high seas with the ultimate pickleball match.
• Caribbean Amphibian Play Pad & Slide – Designed for young adventurers, this paradise playground features a waterslide and elevated play space for fun-filled exploration.
• Defying Gravity Experience – A family experience for all ages with unbelievable circus-themed workshops, interactive game shows, and scavenger hunts.
• Far Side of the World Arcade and Lounge – Teens can sip on Boba Milk Tea, sing their favorite karaoke songs, and take the arcade by storm in this family-forward lounge area.
• Coral Reef Lounge – Dive into this aquarium-inspired lounge with mermaids and mocktails, family karaoke, hilarious comedy acts, and other surprises.
For kids and teens ages 3 to 17, Islander offers four complimentary kid’s programs organized by age group, including:
• Jolly Mon (ages 3-5) – A fun-filled day of ocean-inspired games, arts and crafts, immersive experiences, mermaid storytelling, and visits from friendly characters.
• Parakeets Kid’s Club (ages 6-9) – A full itinerary featuring magic workshops, the “Escape from Chichen Itza” game, mini-DJ academy, sports hour on deck, ship tour, and crazy hat party.
• The Hang Out (ages 10-12) – High-energy games and sports such as pickleball classes, mini golf and corn hole tournaments, along with DJ academy sessions, magic workshops, Mar-glo-ritaville glow party, pop star jam sessions, and more.
• The Far Out (ages 13-17) – This teens-only club offers a movie night, a nightclub takeover, a scavenger hunt with prizes, percussion workshops, and plenty of time in the arcade.
In addition to its family-friendly focus, Margaritaville at Sea is expanding its niche offerings. In November 2025, the Islander will host its first-ever dog-friendly cruise, allowing passengers to travel with their pets.
The dog-themed cruise will feature onboard activities for dogs and their owners, including training sessions, costume contests, and friendly entertainment.
