Real-life family travel tips, cruise hacks, and points and miles guides from Sheila Hayes — helping families travel smarter, not harder, one trip at a time.
How to Get to the Black Sand Beach in Vieques, Puerto Rico (Playa Negra) If you’re looking for one of the most unique beaches in Puerto Rico, Playa Negra in Vieques belongs at the top of your list. This isn’t a “park-and-walk” kind of beach—but that’s exactly why it still feels wild and untouched. When we decided to go, I had no idea how much of an adventure it would actually be. This isn’t the kind of beach where you pull into a paved lot, grab your towel, and walk 30 seconds to the water. It requires effort — and honestly, that’s what makes it unforgettable. The first glimpse of the black sand against the turquoise water stopped us in our tracks. It didn’t feel touristy. It felt earned. Below is the exact, step-by-step route we used to get there, plus tips so you don’t miss the trail (or ruin your shoes). Ready? Let’s go! Step 1: Fly to San Juan, Puerto Rico Start by booking a flight into San Juan (SJU). This is the easiest jumping-off point for getting ...
5 Days on Margaritaville at Sea Islander: Our Complete Cruise Experience from Tampa, Progreso, and Cozumel
If you’re considering a cruise on Margaritaville at Sea Islander, here’s a complete look at everything we experienced during a 5-day sailing from Tampa, Florida. From relaxing beach days in Progreso and swimming with dolphins in Cozumel to exclusive behind-the-scenes access on the ship, this cruise delivered far more than we expected.
Whether you’re researching Margaritaville at Sea Islander reviews, planning a Western Caribbean cruise, or simply looking for cruise vacation inspiration, here’s everything we did during our unforgettable 5-day voyage.
First Impressions of Margaritaville at Sea Islander
The excitement started before we even stepped onboard. Seeing Margaritaville at Sea Islander docked in Tampa immediately put us in vacation mode.
Boarding was straightforward, and once we stepped inside, we were impressed by the ship’s open design and welcoming atmosphere. The atrium quickly became one of our favorite gathering spots, serving as the hub for activities, entertainment, and socializing throughout the cruise.
One of the first things we noticed was the relaxed island-inspired vibe. Unlike some larger mega-ships that can feel overwhelming, Islander offered a balance between amenities and accessibility, making it easy to explore everything without feeling rushed.
Exploring the Ship
Before sail away, we spent time walking around the ship and checking out everything available during the voyage.
Some of our favorite areas included:
The pool deck
Outdoor lounge spaces
Entertainment venues
Dining locations
Observation areas with ocean views
The ship offered plenty of places to relax whether you wanted to enjoy live music, grab a drink, or simply watch the ocean pass by.
For first-time cruisers, Islander felt approachable and easy to navigate, while experienced cruisers will appreciate the variety of spaces available throughout the ship.
Sail Away from Tampa
There’s something special about sail away day.
As the ship departed Tampa, passengers gathered on deck to watch the city skyline slowly disappear into the distance. Live music added to the atmosphere, creating the perfect beginning to the vacation.
The first evening was spent exploring the ship, enjoying dinner, and taking in our first Caribbean sunset.
Moments like these are a big reason why cruising remains one of the most popular vacation options. The transition from everyday life to complete relaxation happens almost instantly once the ship leaves port.
Our Stateroom Experience
Our stateroom became the perfect home base during the trip.
It was comfortable, clean, and well-maintained throughout the sailing. Every evening, we returned to a refreshed room thanks to the incredible work of our stateroom attendant, Yoga.
Storage was practical for a five-day cruise, and the room provided everything we needed to relax after busy days in port and onboard.
One of the biggest factors that can impact a cruise experience is cabin service, and the attention to detail from the housekeeping team made a noticeable difference throughout the voyage.
Progreso, Mexico: An All-Inclusive Beach Day
Our first port of call was Progreso, located on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.
For the day, we visited an all-inclusive beach resort, which turned out to be one of the most relaxing experiences of the cruise. The combination of white-sand beaches, unlimited food and drinks, and beautiful ocean views made it easy to forget about schedules and simply enjoy the moment.
Why We Loved Progreso
Relaxed, laid-back atmosphere
Excellent food and drinks
Beautiful beachfront location
Perfect for families and couples
Great value for a shore excursion
If you’re cruising to Progreso and looking for a stress-free beach day, an all-inclusive resort excursion is definitely worth considering.
Cozumel: Swimming with Dolphins
The next stop on our itinerary was Cozumel, one of the most popular cruise destinations in the Caribbean.
While Cozumel offers incredible beaches, snorkeling, and shopping, our highlight was swimming with dolphins.
This experience had been on my travel bucket list for years, and it absolutely lived up to expectations. Getting in the water and interacting with these intelligent animals was unforgettable and easily became one of the standout memories of the entire trip.
Why Cozumel Remains a Top Cruise Port
Feature
Why Travelers Love It
Clear Water
Perfect for snorkeling and water activities
Excursions
Wide variety of adventure options
Shopping
Great local markets and souvenir shops
Beaches
Some of the best beaches in the Caribbean
Family Activities
Suitable for all ages
For many travelers, Cozumel alone is worth booking a Western Caribbean cruise.
Life Onboard Margaritaville at Sea Islander
While the ports were fantastic, some of our favorite moments actually happened onboard.
Cruising is about more than destinations—it’s about the entire experience, and Islander delivered plenty to enjoy between ports.
Dining and Drinks
Throughout the sailing, we enjoyed a variety of dining experiences, from casual meals to special treats like chocolate-covered strawberries and celebratory champagne.
Food is a major part of any cruise vacation, and there was always something new to try.
Live Entertainment
One thing that stood out throughout the cruise was the live entertainment.
Whether it was musicians performing around the ship or evening entertainment, there was always something happening. These experiences created a fun and energetic atmosphere that made the ship feel alive day and night.
Stunning Sunsets at Sea
No cruise is complete without unforgettable sunsets.
Each evening offered incredible views from the deck, creating those perfect vacation moments that remind you why cruising remains one of the most popular ways to travel.
Exclusive Bridge Tour with Captain Christos
One of the most unique experiences during our sailing was an exclusive bridge tour with Captain Christos.
For cruise enthusiasts, this is a rare opportunity to see what happens behind the scenes on a cruise ship. Learning about navigation systems, daily operations, and how the ship is managed provided an entirely new appreciation for the work that goes into every voyage.
It was easily one of the most fascinating experiences of the trip.
Outstanding Service from the Crew
Great service can make a good cruise unforgettable.
Throughout our voyage, the crew consistently went above and beyond to ensure guests had a memorable experience.
A special thank you goes to our concierge, Milan, and our stateroom attendant, Yoga. Their professionalism, friendliness, and attention to detail helped elevate the entire cruise experience.
These personal interactions are often what travelers remember most long after the vacation ends.
Is Margaritaville at Sea Islander Worth It?
After five days onboard, our answer is yes.
The combination of:
Convenient departure from Tampa
Exciting Caribbean ports
Relaxing sea days
Great onboard entertainment
Memorable excursions
Friendly crew members
Unique experiences like the bridge tour
made this cruise an excellent value and an experience we’d gladly repeat.
Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, Margaritaville at Sea Islander offers a fun and memorable getaway packed with opportunities to relax, explore, and create lasting memories.
Final Thoughts
Our 5-day Margaritaville at Sea Islander cruise included everything we love about cruising: beautiful destinations, memorable excursions, delicious food, live entertainment, breathtaking sunsets, and exceptional service.
From our all-inclusive beach day in Progreso to swimming with dolphins in Cozumel and touring the bridge with Captain Cristos, every day brought something new to experience.
Five days, two incredible ports, countless unforgettable memories—and somehow, it still wasn’t long enough.
Cruise Highlights at a Glance
🚢 Departed from Tampa, Florida
🌴 Relaxing all-inclusive beach day in Progreso
🐬 Bucket-list dolphin swim in Cozumel
⚓ Exclusive bridge tour with Captain Cristos
🎶 Live music and onboard entertainment
🌅 Beautiful Caribbean sunsets
🍾 Special onboard treats and celebrations
❤️ Exceptional service from the crew
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Margaritaville at Sea Islander family friendly?
Yes. The ship offers activities, dining options, and entertainment suitable for families, couples, and groups.
Where does Margaritaville at Sea Islander sail from?
The ship sails from Tampa, Florida.
How long is the Progreso and Cozumel itinerary?
The itinerary we experienced was a 5-day cruise.
What was the best excursion?
Swimming with dolphins in Cozumel was our personal highlight.
Is five days enough on Islander?
Five days is a great introduction, but we definitely wished the cruise had lasted longer.
What was the most unique experience onboard?
The behind-the-scenes bridge tour with Captain Cristos was one of the most memorable experiences of the trip.
Have you sailed on Margaritaville at Sea Islander? Share your favorite experience in the comments below!
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