Cheeseburgers in Paradise & More: Food on Margaritaville at Sea Islander
By Anna Trosper
June 11, 2026
Alright… let’s talk about something just as important as the vibe on this cruise—
the food.
Because let’s be honest… good food can make or break a vacation. And on Margaritaville at Sea Islander? There are definitely some standouts you don’t want to miss.
Let’s Start with the Star of the Show
Yes… the Cheeseburger in Paradise lives up to the hype.
And I don’t say that lightly 😄
10 fins up from me.
It’s exactly what you want it to be—simple, flavorful, and totally satisfying. This is one of those “you have to try it” items when you’re onboard.
Poolside Favorites
One of my biggest surprises?
The Mexican Cantina by the pool.
Fresh tacos
Quick and easy (perfect for a pool day)
Great flavor
This quickly became one of those spots we kept going back to.
And of course…
Ice cream was always happening.
Because honestly, is it even a cruise without ice cream every day?
JWB Prime Steakhouse (Worth the Upgrade)
We booked the steakhouse (upcharge) one night, and I’ll say this right now:
100% worth it.
I had the New York strip
My friend had the ribeye
Both were cooked perfectly (medium rare done right!)
The blue cheese dressing? Easily one of the best I’ve had in a long time
Service was fantastic
This was hands-down one of the best meals of the trip.
Main Dining Room (Keeping It Real)
Now let’s talk about the main dining room.
Service was very friendly
A little on the slow side
Food was… average
You definitely won’t go hungry—but this is one area where there’s room for improvement.
Buffet Thoughts
The buffet was good—but a little different from what seasoned cruisers might expect.
Smaller than most cruise buffets
Fewer options
BUT…
Everything I tried was genuinely good.
So while the variety wasn’t huge, the quality was solid.
Included vs. Upcharge Dining
This cruise follows a pretty familiar pattern:
Included dining = Good
Specialty dining = Great
If you’re someone who enjoys standout meals, I definitely recommend budgeting for at least one specialty dining experience—it’s worth it.
Come Hungry (and Ready to Try It All)
Overall, the food on Margaritaville at Sea Islander is:
Fun
Casual
Easy
Perfectly on theme
It’s not about being ultra-gourmet—it’s about enjoying good food, trying new things, and leaning into that laid-back island vibe.
And yes… I had five cheeseburgers 🍔😉
No regrets.
Honestly? That cheeseburger alone might be reason enough for me to go back.
Ready to Plan Your Cruise?
Thinking about sailing with Margaritaville at Sea?
I’d love to help you plan the best experience—from choosing the right sailing to making sure you don’t miss the must-try dining spots.
📧 annat@wishesfamilytravel.com
Let’s get you booked and headed somewhere delicious—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.