Sailing from Tampa offers some major positives. The city has a highly rated airport and is not as busy with traffic as Miami or Fort Lauderdale.
There are some negatives, however, as the size of ships leaving the port is limited by the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Additionally, ships can become stranded at sea or in port when weather conditions make passing under the bridge dangerous or impossible.
Related: Carnival and Royal Caribbean share updates on Hurricane Milton
In recent months, Margaritaville at Sea's Islander has undergone major changes on multiple voyages. The Islander has gotten stuck at sea several times, forcing it to leave late for the next voyage.
The developing Hurricane Milton is also expected to hit Tampa and MAS has proactively made a major change that will be challenging for some customers.
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Image source: Matthew Frankel/Come ride with me
MAS Islander comes out a day early
Margaritaville at Sea shared challenging information with passengers sailing Oct. 8 on the Islander.
Islander will now depart a day early, on Monday, October 7.
Guests wishing to sail on Monday, October 7 can do so without additional taxes, fees, port charges or gratuities as a result of this extension.
Please note that due to navigation changes, the sailing schedule now departing October 7, 2024 will likely be adjusted from the original Key West and Cozumel schedule. More information on the adjusted itinerary will be provided as plans are confirmed.
We are currently expected to depart according to normal operating hours on Monday, October 7, 2024. Guests should plan their arrival based on their pre-assigned arrival time.
If guests have any questions, please contact our customer service team at 877.691.2587 to make alternative arrangements.
The cruise line also shared that information on its website. MAS has not said what will happen to passengers who cannot reach the port to depart a day early. They will likely be offered a future cruise credit to sail at a later date.
MAS has said the change was necessary due to a move by the port.
“Captain Athanasios and our marine team have been actively monitoring the progress of Tropical Storm Milton in the Gulf of Mexico and potential impacts on Margaritaville's upcoming Sea Islander voyages. Due to the storm's currently projected track, Port Tampa Bay has issued a preliminary closure of all port operations on Monday, October 7, 2024,” he shared.
Basically, the ship must leave early before closing or it may not be able to sail at all.
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Passengers on the previous trip had their cruise shortened by one day. The cruise line communicated what that will mean financially directly to those passengers.
Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, which departs from West Palm Beach, has not been affected yet, although the cruise line said to expect more news on Sunday (Oct. 6) morning but has not yet shared an update.
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