I sailed on Margaritaville at Sea’s newest ship. The 5-night cruise is a pretty great value, but I wouldn’t go again. [Video]

Margaritaville at Sea had a rocky entrance into the cruise industry — but things could be looking up with its newest ship.

A partnership between Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Margaritaville at Sea had its maiden voyage with Paradise in 2022.

It didn’t go well. Early cruisers called Margaritaville at Sea the “Spirit Airlines” of the sea, criticizing Paradise as having quality issues and a lack of engaging entertainment, dining options, and thematic touches.

I didn’t absolutely love my time on Paradise, either, but I recently gave the brand another chance with its second ship, Islander.

I was more prepared for my second Margaritaville at Sea cruise.

The Margaritaville at Sea Islander made its maiden voyage in June.

Like Paradise, Islander is not a new ship but a former Costa Cruises ship. Islander is about 24 years old and has …