Margaritaville at Sea Islander 1st Impressions- Things you NEED to know!

The MH Family sailed onboard Margaritaville at Sea Islander for the media/ Family and Friends preview cruise June 11-13, 2024. We will also be back onboard for the U.S. Inaugural cruise June 14-18, 2024. These are just a few "heads up" and things you should know! This list is not exhaustive and may change as Margaritaville at Sea Islander is a "new" ship, and as with all new things, there may be growing pains.
Margaritaville at Sea Islander 1st Impressions- Things you NEED to know!

[@elizabethburch1423]

It's funny because when my husband and I cruise we don't even use our phones at all. We prefer the paper announcements and events. For us, the whole purpose of cruising is for relaxation. But that's just us.

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

That’s is how some people like it. Some people who work remotely (and travel) need internet. And those like me who are content creators and travel/cruise, and operate a travel agency for a living, appreciate wifi and technology while cruising. I do enjoy disconnecting from time to time though.

[@shirleycompitello3167]

I'm the same way, I'm on vacation to unplug. But again, I'm on vacation not working. I wouldn't think a cruise would be a good place to work. I don't think they were designed for that. lol

[@xocaitlinnpattz]

Correct, that’s just you and other people. Everyone has their own desires on vacation. I like having access because it eases my anxiety and I do Iike scrolling a bit here and there during down times bc it relaxes me

[@maryannpiccirilli454]

Same with us☺️ We are retired and don’t care if we don’t have internet

[@esciteach7997]

this is a BUDGET cruise. This is NOT Royal Carib, Oasis of the Seas, etc. very few deck chairs, Standard cafeteria like food. VERY LITTLE for children to do. One pool. This ship is for sailing to and from port rather than flying. YOU NEED WiFi; it is 2024.

[@pierrunnertravel2426]

Good review of the ship. We sail in July and hopefully some of the bugs will be worked out. One thing that you have to remember is that MAS is a two ship company and we are used to sailing on larger cruise lines with bigger budgets. Since I do work at Port Tampa for the other lines, we have been kept up to date with what was going on with the Islander before she arrived here. They were late to get services in place at the port. It is still a work in progress for the cruise line and the port. Thanks again for the honest review. I appreciate that you did not sugar coat it like some content creators do.

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Good information to know. I’m confident that the bugs will be worked out.

[@PrayShopCruise-fl3po]

Thanks so much for sharing!

[@CarnivalCruiseAddicts]

Appreciate your honest thoughts and impressions.

[@mikeisha19]

Thanks for this video. Helpful tips!:)

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

You are welcome!

[@Destination_Fun]

Great review!

[@SocialCouplepreneur]

Thank you! This is all great information to know. We did watch the live ship tour. Those areas where you have to step up could be a problem. I am glad they've put signs out. I don't see it as negative, it is informative and much appreciated. I hope Hubbie makes the cruise. I look forward to seeing your review after this second sailing.

[@afullerlifenow]

Thanks for the warning!

[@2IRIEJANDJ]

❤ Thanks

[@PsilentKnight19]

My friend, great video! You have a new subscriber!

[@grneal26]

Very very minor things. Good to hear.

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Yep and all of these things will improve with time.

[@maryannpiccirilli454]

Thx so much for the head’s up! Hubby in power wheelchair so accessibility info so important 😉

[@Lboogie13]

Thanks for the review. We have been thinking of cruising with Margaritaville, so this is helpful!...Love your videos! Thought I was a subscriber this whole time....but new sub today!!😂

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

❤️❤️❤️ thank you for subscribing!!! We appreciate the support!

[@LyszSimmons]

I'm going on the 2nd sailing on the 18th. So glad for this video. Traveling with 4yr old and a disabled person

[@CruiseBolero]

Hi MH 👋🏽

[@angelabrown3994]

Good to hear your honest reviews. Looks like there may be some potential with some work in the meantime 😅

[@marybethcarlisle9243]

The kids club limit and location would be an issue for us too. Thanks for the info

[@carolynlewis6232]

It's been a while but I recall one or more of the bloggers reported cruise ships were not allowing walkie - talkies on ships. Might want to check with the cruise line before taking them on board.

[@BeefromSC]

Very good update on Margaritaville!!!! 🛳️🛳️

[@MICROFARMER4]

Hello came over from kicking with the Rooks. We Travel with our Daughters on their Birthdays we do Disney cruises

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Welcome!!! We appreciate you subscribing! ❤️

[@MICROFARMER4]

@@MHFamilyAdventures yes will be watching

[@jonathanpage7710]

A very honest and balanced view i appreciate that totally. Your videos are really informative RacQuelle. I hope the wifi gets sorted so Ron doesn't have to fly home. Im looking forward to hearing all about Busch Gardens! Its been about 30 years since I was there!

[@lauracestero4079]

We were told room service was open but then when we called they said no. But yet the next morning our neighbors said they got room service 😂 it was that bad!

[@floridaobsessed4953]

Young kids should always be accompanied by an adult on cruise ships.

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Absolutely agree.

[@GaryV29]

It sounds like Cheeseburger in Paradise is really tasty. I kind of doubt it is literally Guy's Burger though. They would have to license it, name it accordingly, and pay for all of that just like Carnival does. I love that they have a toppings bar though.

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

I’m pretty sure it’s the same hamburger patty and buns. They don’t have the sauces or menu like Guys, but the burgers themselves taste just like Guys. You’ll probably hear this from other content creators as well I talked with several who mentioned the exact same thing. These burgers definitely aren’t the ones they have on their other ship, Paradise.

[@edvadojunk]

Did you consider the reason the check-in was paper based is BECAUSE the wi-fi is down? The crew can't use tablets to check people in if THEY can't connect.

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

We had connection when we first got on the ship. It went out as soon as we left Tampa. The crew member operating muster said that it will be paper based and she wasn’t sure if they would be doing a digital or online muster check in.

[@michellepj8809]

Good heads up info, especially for those who will be on the ship soon.

[@edvadojunk]

@@MHFamilyAdventures I'm betting when they get the wi-fi fixed, they'll be able to swipe your card and that'll be the end of the paper check-in. Thanks for the video!

[@KBreezy181]

Heard that yhe wifi was fixed... 🤔 From the agent in FB group.

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

That’s what we were told too. So my hubby will be on the next sailing. Hopefully he can work! I’ll post an update. Boarding in an hour.

[@asiasnyder3975]

Did it work?

[@phrewilly8556]

With regards to the casino, can you charge slots to your room like carnival, etc??

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

I’ll find out today. I didn’t even make it to the casino on the media cruise. Boarding shortly for the inaugural cruise.

[@phrewilly8556]

@@MHFamilyAdventures Thx! We board on Tuesday in a Grand Terrace Suite. Very excited!! How was the cabin room temperature?

[@asiasnyder3975]

Hi did the drink package roll over each day?

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

No it doesn’t roll over.

[@busymom7729]

How did you upload this video?

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

I’m not on the ship right now. Got off this morning and will be back on tomorrow for the inaugural. And if you are curious about the other videos I posted- they were posted using cellular service before sailway.

[@busymom7729]

@@MHFamilyAdventures , Now it makes sense 😄

[@d28picker]

I truly understand that some folks are dependent on WIFI, but to hear that a ship doesn't have it and work cant reach me every five minutes...SIGN ME UP!!! Haha!

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

😂😂😂 if it works for you- GO FOR IT! 😃

[@BradyWilliams-rd7oq]

So you went on the pre inaugural 2 day cruise. Need to be more transparent. Didn’t need to present it as you were on such a long cruise.

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

What are you talking about? I SAID I was on the 2 day media preview cruise AND I was preparing to be on the 4 day inaugural (which I am currently on). It’s not a lack of transparency on my behalf- may be your lack of comprehension as I can’t be more transparent than that- but I don’t need to explain anything to you or anyone else. But thanks for watching!

[@lauracestero4079]

We just sailed. It was awful 😢 worse cruise ever. No AC one night. Systems didn’t work at all. Understaffed drastically. Had to wait upwards of 20 minute waits for a drink. Key cards didn’t work. WiFi was a joke yet so expensive. Cozumel was cut short due to storm (couldn’t be helped) but then decks were shut down and nothing to make up for it. Food was awful. Cold and no flavor and nothing is labeled! Never went on a cruise where the buffet was so empty. Just so disappointed. We won’t be sailing again.

[@lauracestero4079]

They are accepting funds for VIP and express packages. But they do not have them installed yet. So don’t pay it!!! You will be merged in with general population. Not honored!

[@thankyouthankyou-zx1mm]

😢 Sounds Terrible.

[@whiskeytango5680]

Especially since cruise lines go all out to impress on preview cruises. For example, check out that of Icon of the Seas. Methinks Islander will be Margarita Paradise 2.0. Low budget for non-discerning people.