Margaritaville at Sea is extending the current cruise of the Margaritaville at Sea Islander by one day due to weather conditions in the Gulf of Mexico.
After leaving Tampa on July 30 for a four-night cruise to the Caribbean, the ship was scheduled to return to its homeport on Aug. 4.
“Due to currently expected weather conditions over this weekend, Port Tampa Bay has proactively suspended cruise operations on Sunday, August 4, 2024,” Margaritaville at Sea said in a statement sent to guests booked on Islander’s upcoming sailing.
“As a result of this temporary closure, your August 4, 2024 sailing onboard the Margaritaville at Sea Islander will now depart Tampa Bay on August 5, 2024,” the company added.
Originally set to operate as a five-night itinerary, the cruise will now sail for four nights with an adjusted schedule.
Dropping a stop in Key West, the sailing will include a visit to Cozumel, Mexico, as well as two days at sea.
“We apologize if this port closure has impacted your sailing or travel arrangements and have already taken actions on your behalf,” Margaritaville said.
Guests sailing on Aug. 5 will receive a $100 onboard credit per cabin, the company added, in addition to a refund of any difference in taxes, fees and port expenses.
Pre-paid excursions for Key West will also be fully reimbursed, while packages priced by the number of sailing days, including beverages, Wi-Fi, and gratuities, will see a pro-rated refund.
All reimbursements will be provided as credits for use onboard the Margaritaville at Sea Islander, the company explained.
According to Margaritaville at Sea, booked passengers can also choose to reschedule their cruise without any change fees.
“The amount you paid for your current cruise can be used as future cruise credit on any future sailing with no change fees,” the company explained.
Any differences in the future cruise must be paid by the guests, Margaritaville at Sea added. If the value of the new cruise is less than the guests’ current cruise, the difference will be provided as onboard credit.
