Casino on Margaritaville at Sea Islander: What You Need to Know Before You Play
By Anna Trosper
June 23, 2026
Let’s talk about the casino—because for some travelers, this is a big part of the cruise experience.
Now I’ll be honest…
I’m not a big casino person.
I don’t love losing my money 😄
But I did spend some time there—and I traveled with someone who loves the casino—so I got a really good feel for how it all works onboard.
Size & Layout
The casino is a great size for the ship.
Not huge like some mega cruise ships
But definitely not small or cramped either
It feels comfortable, easy to navigate, and never overwhelming.
What Games Can You Play?
There’s a solid mix of both slots and table games, so there’s something for everyone.
You’ll find:
Slot machines (a good variety)
Table games like blackjack and other favorites
Plenty of options to keep things interesting
Whether you’re just popping in for a little fun or planning to spend more time there, you won’t get bored.
Smoke-Free Environment
One thing I really appreciated:
The casino is smoke-free.
That makes a huge difference—especially if you’re not a smoker. It keeps the space feeling cleaner, fresher, and much more enjoyable.
Casino Rewards: How You Could Earn a Free Cruise
This is something you definitely want to understand before you play:
You earn points based on how much you play—not whether you win or lose.
Here’s how it works:
Sign up for a casino card
Insert it every time you play
Earn points as you go
As your points add up, you move through levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum), and that’s where the perks come in:
Complimentary drinks while playing
Onboard perks
Free cruise offers
And yes… this really happens.
I saw it firsthand—my friend played the first night, lost about $300 (but had fun doing it), and:
Received a free cruise offer that same night
So if you plan to play, make sure you’re using your card every time.
When Is the Casino Open?
Good to know:
The casino is closed while the ship is in port
You’ll only be able to play when the ship is sailing.
Don’t Forget This on the Last Night
This is very important:
Cash out ALL your payout tickets on the final night.
If you forget?
You lose that money.
Don’t wait—take care of it before the casino closes on the last night.
My Takeaway
The casino on Margaritaville at Sea Islander is:
Fun
Easy to navigate
A good mix of games
Rewarding if you play smart
It’s there if you want it—but it’s not the main focus of the cruise.
Final Thoughts
For me, it was more of a “pop in and check it out” experience.
But for others—like my friend—it can easily become a highlight of the trip… especially with the potential for free cruise offers.
Ready to Plan Your Cruise?
If you’re thinking about sailing with Margaritaville at Sea and want help planning the perfect getaway, I’d love to help!
📧 annat@wishesfamilytravel.com
Let’s get you booked and headed somewhere fun—fins up!
A Quick Note From Me
As a travel advisor, I always want to be transparent—
I paid for this cruise out of pocket at full price and did not receive any discounts or special rates.
These are my honest thoughts and personal experience so I can best help my clients decide if this is the right fit for them.