Margaritaville Islander at Port Tampa Bay
Everything you need for boarding Margaritaville Islander (Margaritaville at Sea) at Port Tampa Bay. Terminal info, parking, restaurants, hotels, and pro tips.
Upcoming Sail Dates
Official schedule · Verified Aug 9, 2026
Sources: CruiseTimetables, Port Tampa Bay cruise schedules, Port Tampa Bay cruise schedule events feed
| Date | Terminal |
|---|---|
| Mon, Aug 10, 2026 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Sat, Aug 15, 2026 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Sat, Aug 22, 2026 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Sat, Aug 29, 2026 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Sat, Sep 5, 2026 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Tue, Sep 15, 2026 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Sat, Sep 19, 2026 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Sat, Sep 26, 2026 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Sat, Oct 3, 2026 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Sat, Oct 10, 2026 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Sat, Oct 17, 2026 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Sat, Oct 24, 2026 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Wed, Oct 28, 2026 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Sun, Nov 1, 2026 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Sat, Nov 7, 2026 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Sat, Nov 14, 2026 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Fri, Nov 20, 2026 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Wed, Nov 25, 2026 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Mon, Nov 30, 2026 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Sat, Dec 5, 2026 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Thu, Dec 10, 2026 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Mon, Dec 14, 2026 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Sat, Dec 19, 2026 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Wed, Dec 23, 2026 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Mon, Dec 28, 2026 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Sat, Jan 2, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Sat, Jan 9, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Sat, Jan 16, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Thu, Jan 21, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Mon, Jan 25, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Sat, Jan 30, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Sun, Feb 7, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Mon, Feb 15, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Sat, Feb 20, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Sat, Feb 27, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Thu, Mar 4, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Tue, Mar 9, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Sat, Mar 13, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Thu, Mar 18, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Tue, Mar 23, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Sat, Mar 27, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Thu, Apr 1, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Mon, Apr 5, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Sat, Apr 10, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Thu, Apr 15, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Mon, Apr 19, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Sat, Apr 24, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Thu, Apr 29, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Mon, May 3, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Sat, May 8, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Thu, May 13, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Mon, May 17, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Sat, May 22, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Thu, May 27, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Mon, May 31, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Sat, Jun 5, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Thu, Jun 10, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Mon, Jun 14, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Sat, Jun 19, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Thu, Jun 24, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Mon, Jun 28, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Sat, Jul 3, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Thu, Jul 8, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Mon, Jul 12, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Sat, Jul 17, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Thu, Jul 22, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Mon, Jul 26, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
| Fri, Jul 30, 2027 | Terminal: Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea) |
Most cruise lines assign an arrival window during online check-in, and arriving inside that window is the best way to avoid the longest terminal lines. General boarding usually runs from late morning into the early afternoon, but the exact timing varies by ship, port, and sail date. Follow the check-in instructions your cruise line sends you — they always take priority over general guidance.
Where does Margaritaville Islander depart from at Port Tampa Bay?
The current schedule lists Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea). Confirm your terminal with the cruise line before traveling.
Drop-off: Terminal 6 is at 1333 McKay Street, separate from Terminals 2 and 3. Follow signs for Terminal 6 or McKay Street once you're in the port area. The drop-off lane has porter service — hand off luggage curbside before parking. This terminal is a bit farther from the main Channelside area.
When should I board Margaritaville Islander?
Most cruise lines assign an arrival window during online check-in, and arriving inside that window is the best way to avoid the longest terminal lines. General boarding usually runs from late morning into the early afternoon, but the exact timing varies by ship, port, and sail date. Follow the check-in instructions your cruise line sends you — they always take priority over general guidance.
Windows and opening dates vary by ship, homeport, and loyalty tier, so always follow your cruise line's instructions for your specific sailing.
Where can I park for a Margaritaville Islander cruise?
- Driving & Port Parking: a rate the port quotes at booking rather than publishing at the port garage. Off-site options like Rightway Parking start at $10-14/day with shuttle service.
Rates change — check parking and transportation options near Port Tampa Bay before you travel.
Official Terminal
Terminal 6 (Margaritaville at Sea)
Drop-off: Terminal 6 is at 1333 McKay Street, separate from Terminals 2 and 3. Follow signs for Terminal 6 or McKay Street once you're in the port area. The drop-off lane has porter service — hand off luggage curbside before parking. This terminal is a bit farther from the main Channelside area.
Parking: Terminal 6 has its own parking area on McKay Street at a rate the port quotes at booking rather than publishing. It's a smaller lot than the main garage, so arriving early is smart on busy days. Pre-book online through Port Tampa Bay's website. Credit cards and cash accepted.
Check-in tips:
- Use the Margaritaville at Sea app to complete check-in before arrival
- Have your boarding pass and photo ID ready at the security checkpoint
- Terminal doors close at 2:30 PM sharp — arrive well before the cutoff or you will be denied boarding
- Guests with Express Passes, Signature Packages, or suite bookings get the earliest arrival windows and VIP check-in lane
Getting to the Port
From Tampa International Airport (TPA)
TPA is about 10 miles from Port Tampa Bay — roughly 20 min by car, making it one of the most convenient airport-to-port transfers in Florida. The airport is modern, well-organized, and rarely has the chaos you see at MIA or FLL.
From Orlando International Airport (MCO)
MCO is about 75-90 minutes west of Tampa. Some cruisers fly into Orlando for better flight deals or to combine a Disney trip with their cruise. Factor in the longer drive and possible I-4 traffic.
Driving & Port Parking
Port Tampa Bay has a covered parking garage across from Terminals 2 and 3 on Channelside Drive, plus a separate lot at Terminal 6 on McKay Street. The port is easy to reach from I-4 (Exit 1) or the Crosstown Expressway (SR-618). Follow signs to your specific terminal once on Channelside Drive.
Hotel Shuttle Services
Several Tampa hotels offer park-and-cruise packages with shuttle service to the port. The Hampton Inn Channel District is walking distance. The Barrymore Hotel, Quality Inn Airport, and several others include port shuttles in their cruise packages.
Nearby Restaurants
Sparkman Wharf Food Hall
Waterfront food stalls in shipping containers. Everyone picks what they want and the kids run on the lawn.
$-$$Columbia Restaurant
Florida's oldest restaurant with tableside salad prep that kids think is a show
$$-$$$Splitsville — Channelside
Eat, bowl and burn energy in one stop at an upscale bowling alley with solid food.
$$The Sail Pavilion
Open-air Riverwalk spot where kids can watch boats and play while you eat
$$Nearby Hotels
Affiliate links. If you book a stay through Booking.com we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — it helps keep CruiseDayGuide free, and it never changes which hotels we recommend.
Hampton Inn Tampa Downtown Channel District
The closest hotel to the cruise port, with a walk to the terminal, free breakfast and discounted parking.
Home2 Suites Tampa Downtown Channel District
Extended-stay suites with kitchenettes and a rooftop pool — two blocks from the cruise port
Embassy Suites Tampa Downtown Convention Center
All-suite hotel with free made-to-order breakfast and an evening reception, where families spread out and save.
The Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk
Riverwalk hotel with free port shuttle and a park-and-cruise package that covers everything
Local Tip
Margaritaville Islander docks at Terminal 6 on McKay Street, which is separate from the main Channelside terminals and has its own a rate the port quotes at booking rather than publishing parking lot. Terminal doors close at 2:30 PM sharp with no exceptions, so arrive well before the cutoff. There are limited food options near Terminal 6, so eat before you get to the port area. The Florida Aquarium plaza is nearby for a quick bite if needed.
Other Ships Sailing from Port Tampa Bay
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Carnival Miracle terminal & parking
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Carnival Paradise terminal & parking
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Celebrity Constellation terminal & parking
Celebrity
Celebrity Summit terminal & parking
Celebrity
Grandeur of the Seas terminal & parking
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Jewel of the Seas terminal & parking
Royal Caribbean
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