When it comes to cruise ship awards, Margaritaville at Sea is having a moment.
Jimmy Buffett’s laidback cruise line just added another traveler-voted honor to its growing list of recent recognitions.
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This time, the honor specifically goes to the cruise line’s newest ship, the Margaritaville at Sea Islander, which sails out of Port Tampa Bay offering four- to 10-night voyages to Key West, Aruba, Curaçao, Jamaica, Mexico, and beyond.
The cruise line also offers short cruises from Palm Beach to Key West and The Bahamas aboard its maiden vessel, the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, which launched in 2022.
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MAS Islander has a completely remodeled pool deck.
Image source: Margaritaville at Sea.
Margaritaville at Sea Islander voted ‘Best Cruise Ship for Families’
Although Margaritaville at Sea probably wouldn’t be the first cruise line that comes to mind for many travelers considering family-friendly cruises, the Margaritaville at Sea Islander was recently voted the No. 1 “Best Cruise Ship for Families” in the 2025 Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards.
“While many offerings cater to adults, such as a casino and plenty of bars, families will feel welcome with daily children’s programs, a teens’ club, poolside games, and kid-friendly concerts and acrobatic shows,” the readers’ choice list reads. “Your license to chill also lets you live it up on the mini golf course and waterslide.”
Related: Margaritaville at Sea Paradise getting massive overhaul
The family cruise ships featured on the top 10 list were selected by Newsweek panelists and contributors and voted on by readers. Other cruise ships that made the list include three Norwegian cruise ships and three Disney cruise ships as well as Carnival Mardi Gras, Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas, and MSC Seaside.
Other recent awards received by Margaritaville at Sea include No. 1 “Cruisers’ Choice” in Cruise Critic’s 2024 “Best in Cruise” Awards, as well as No. 1 “Best Cruise Line for Solo Travelers,” No. 2 “Best Ocean Cruise Line,” and No. 3 “Best Cruise Line for Families” in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
Islander includes a number of family-friendly features
Family-friendly activities and venues aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Islander 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 – Families can join the pickleball craze with some friendly competition on the high seas.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 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 – Families can dive into this aquarium-inspired lounge with mermaids and mocktails, family karaoke, comedy acts, and other surprises.
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The 2,650 passenger Margaritaville at Sea Islander also offers four kids’ programs that are included in passengers’ cruise fares. The four kids’ clubs are organized by age group and available for kids and teens ages three to 17.
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