Sipping Through Margaritaville: Bars, Margaritas & My Favorite Drinks on Islander
By Anna Trosper
June 18, 2026
When you sail aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Islander, one thing becomes clear very quickly—this is a cruise that fully embraces the “it’s 5 o’clock somewhere” mindset.
From lively lounges to laid-back cocktail spots, the bar scene isn’t just about drinks—it’s about the experience, the atmosphere, and finding your perfect vacation vibe.
Do You Need a Drink Package?
This is one of the most common questions I get—and the answer really depends on your travel style.
For me?
I skipped the drink package—and it worked perfectly.
I’m not someone who’s ordering 7+ drinks a day, so paying as I went made more sense. I mostly enjoyed the included options like water and iced tea, and then treated myself to a cocktail here and there.
That said—
If you enjoy multiple drinks throughout the day, a drink package could absolutely be worth it. This is one of those personal-preference decisions where there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
Margaritas… Everywhere
One of the most fun details onboard?
Every bar has its own unique margarita.
It turns the ship into a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure experience—where you can “bar hop” your way around and discover your favorite.
You’ll find:
Classic lime margaritas
Frozen, fruity blends
Specialty house margaritas unique to each bar
My personal favorite?
👉 The Ginger Margarita at the Flip Flop Atrium Bar
Made with Herradura Silver Tequila, honey syrup, lime, and ginger beer, it has the perfect slightly spicy finish.
It’s refreshing, a little unexpected—and definitely one I’d order again.
Flip Flop Lounge
One of the first spaces you’ll encounter when you board, the Flip Flop Lounge sets the tone right away.
Expect:
A lively, social atmosphere
High energy
A great place to kick off your cruise
If you’re looking to meet people, enjoy music, and jump right into the fun—this is your spot.
Bubbles Up Lounge & Champagne Bar
If the Flip Flop Lounge is all about energy, Bubbles Up is its relaxed counterpart.
This is where you go when you want to:
Slow things down
Enjoy a quieter moment
Sip and unwind
It’s the perfect balance to the more upbeat spaces onboard—and a great reminder that this cruise truly offers something for every mood.
Drink Quality
One thing I really appreciated across the ship:
Consistency.
No matter where I ordered from, drinks were well-made, flavorful, and enjoyable. It’s clear that quality isn’t limited to just one bar—you’ll find it everywhere.
The Overall Vibe
What really makes the experience stand out isn’t just the drinks—it’s the atmosphere.
You’ll notice:
Laughter and conversation everywhere
Live music and entertainment
That easy, carefree vacation energy
And the best part?
You can choose your pace.
Be social and join the fun—or sit back, relax, and take it all in.
My Takeaway
The bar scene onboard isn’t about non-stop partying—it’s about options.
You can find:
A high-energy crowd
A quiet place to unwind
Or something perfectly in between
That flexibility is what makes this experience work so well for so many different travelers.
Find Your Perfect Spot
Whether you’re sipping one margarita or sampling your way across the ship, the experience is designed to be easy, fun, and completely pressure-free.
There’s no agenda—just good drinks, great atmosphere, and the freedom to enjoy your vacation your way.
And honestly… that’s exactly what a cruise should feel like.
Ready to Plan Your Cruise?
Thinking about sailing with Margaritaville at Sea? I’d love to help you plan a trip that fits your style perfectly.
Anna Trosper
Wishes Family Travel
📧 annat@wishesfamilytravel.com
Let’s get you booked and into that flip-flop state of mind—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.