Margaritaville at Sea Islander's bevy of new F&B concepts

From sushi and tacos to prime steaks and cocktails, the former Costa Atlantica will have six new dining concepts and 11 bars and lounges exclusive to the Islander, alongside familiar Margaritaville favorites such as JWB Prime Steakhouse and Cheeseburger in Paradise. 

'Our new options are lively hubs of relaxation and indulgence, each offering its own elevated blend of flavors, cuisine, ambiance and island-inspired charm. Every moment and meal aboard the Islander will be a celebration of the Margaritaville lifestyle,' said Eric Neuwirth, VP food & beverage, Margaritaville at Sea.

New concepts

Among the new venues is Far Side of the World Sushi Bar with creations like Signature Sea-Cuterie Boards and twisted favorites like Crunchy Volcano Rolls and Far Side Sushi. At the Mexican Cutie Cantina, a complimentary concept, diners can customize their own street-style tacos or dig into a breakfast burrito before the first margarita of the day.

Tucked inside The Tiki Bar, an adults-only haven at the aft of the ship, the adults-only seafood shack Island Eats will offer bites like peel-and-eat shrimp, tuna nachos and crab salad. And The Tiki Grill will serve tropical-inspired items like Crispy Smothered Wings, Fire-Grilled Filet Skewers, and Piña Colada Crème Brulée.

Islander Dining Room, located on the upper floor of the main dining room, will provide all the Fins Dining Room favorites along with chef-crafted seasonal specialties.

Three-story LandShark Bar

The ship will also have the world’s only three-story LandShark Bar at center stage on the Islander pool deck. Featuring two levels of shaded and seated bar areas and topped with the LandShark Lookout, this venue will offer 360-degree views and serve as a prime spot for catching all the action on a big screen.

Other new venues include the Flip Flop Atrium, a central lounge serving signature cocktails and libations. The aquarium-themed Coral Reef Lounge will provide entertainment and ocean-inspired cocktails.

Far Side of the World Arcade and Lounge is the spot for bubbly boba teas and games by day, and adult-friendly sakes and sake-infused cocktails by night. And passengers can dance the night away at the double-deck Hot, Hot, Hot Night Club.

Something more serene

Hemisphere Dancer Craft Spirits provides a more tranquil spot where conversation mingles with the gentle clinking of glasses amid a warm atmosphere. Bubbles Up Lounge and Champagne Bar will also serve upscale wines and featured cocktails beneath the stars.

Still more places to hang out and be entertained include The Love and Luck Casino Bar and Havana Daydreamin’ Sports Bar and Lounge, combining island vibes with live Latin beats, craft beers and an extensive rum menu, all paired with classic pub games.

Returning favorites

Concepts carried over from Margaritaville at Sea Paradise include Fins Dining Room, Port of Indecision Buffet, Frank and Lola’s Pizzeria, Cheeseburger in Paradise, JWB Prime Steakhouse and the Margaritaville Coffee Shop.

JWB Prime Steakhouse

The 2,650-passenger Margaritaville at Sea Islander is undergoing a transformation at Harland & Wolff in Belfast before its first revenue sailing, June 14's four-night cruise round-trip Port Tampa Bay to Cozumel.