The Margaritaville at Sea Islander made its first call to Progreso on July 18, the Yucatan Tourism Board announced in a press release.

The operation marks the second time a new cruise ship has sailed to the port this month, the agency added.

To commemorate the first visit, the ship’s captain, Theodore Mitropoulos, hosted local authorities for a plaque exchange event.

The ceremony took place at the Islander’s Coral Reef Lounge and was attended by Yucatan Tourism Board’s Technical Secretary Raul Paz Noriega; ASIPONA’s Director General for the Port of Progreso, Rear Admiral Victor Manuel Fernandez Carrasco; SSA Mexico’s Director Rodolfo Barron Avalos; and Port of Progreso’s Cruise Terminal Operations Manager Carlos Lopez Vivas.

A total of 2,931 people were onboard the vessel during the maiden call, including 1,958 passengers and 973 crew members, the Yucatan Tourism Board said.

During their nine-hour visit, guests were able to tour the various attractions that the Port of Progreso and Yucatan have to offer, the board added.

Arriving from Tampa, the 2,100-guest vessel then sailed for Cozumel as part of a five-day cruise to the Western Caribbean.

After its maiden call, the Islander is set to make an additional 12 visits to Progreso in 2024, as well as 29 more calls in 2025.

After being acquired in late 2023, the Margaritaville at Sea Islander made its debut for Margaritaville at Sea in June.

Now sailing from the Port of Tampa Bay on a year-round basis, the 2000-built vessel offers four- and five-night cruises to Florida and the Western Caribbean. In addition to Progreso, the itineraries include visits to Key West and Cozumel.

Starting in 2025, the Islander is also set to offer longer cruises to the Caribbean that sail to additional destinations, such as Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Jamaica, and Belize.