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Some people collect magnets. Some people collect shot glasses.
I collect tattoos. Permanent reminders of temporary feelings.
So when I stepped onboard the Margaritaville at Sea Islander for a Christmas cruise and saw there was a tattoo studio at sea, my brain went straight to “yeah… that’s happening.”
Welcome to Permanent Reminder Tattoo Studio, where bad decisions turn into great stories and even better ink.
Why I Decided to Get a Tattoo at Sea
This entire trip was part of my ongoing travel and healing journey. I’ve learned that tattoos are like timestamps for your life. You remember exactly where you were, what you were feeling, and why you needed that reminder.
I’ve dreamed about getting a tattoo at sea for years. So seeing a legit tattoo studio onboard wasn’t just tempting. It was inevitable.
I booked my appointment the moment I got onboard.
Meeting the Artist and Creating the Design
I met I GEDE, the artist onboard, and within minutes we were sketching out a concept that felt very me.
The idea was built around a simple black and grey compass. Clean. Minimal. Purposeful.
The compass represents direction, movement, and choosing to keep going even when life gets sideways. It ties directly into my “Just Go” mindset and my habit of using travel as both therapy and fuel. No fluff. No overthinking. Just a permanent reminder that forward is still forward.
From idea to final design took only a few minutes. That’s when I knew this wasn’t some gimmick setup. This was legit.
Why I Chose a Sea Day for My Tattoo
Pro tip if you’re thinking about getting a tattoo at sea: book it on a sea day.
I wanted zero rush. No ports. No excursions. Just chill vibes, ocean views, and nowhere I needed to be afterward. That decision paid off big time.
People walked by. Asked questions. Checked out the stencil. We chatted about travel, tattoos, and life. It felt like a pop up tattoo shop meets floating therapy session.
Within about an hour, I was walking away with a killer new tattoo and a story I’ll be telling forever.
Let’s Talk Pricing (Because the Internet Loves Complaining)
Yes, I’ve seen the comments.
Yes, I’ve seen the complaints.
So let me throw in my two cents.
Is Permanent Reminder more expensive than your neighborhood tattoo shop?
Absolutely.
But context matters.
You’re getting:
- A professional tattoo
- On a moving cruise ship
- In the middle of the ocean
- On vacation
- With a story most people don’t have
That alone changes the value equation.
A lot of people walk in expecting a $75 tattoo that’s going to be life changing. Reality check: $75 is the shop minimum. That’s not a full custom piece.
Here’s the move that works better:
Talk to the artist. Be upfront about your budget. Work on a custom design together.
I’ve noticed people who do that walk away a lot happier than those who pick straight from the flash book and then complain later.
Everything is what you make of it.
For me, this was a no brainer. If you’ve got onboard credit burning a hole in your pocket or you want a once in a lifetime souvenir that actually means something, this is it.
Can You Get a Tattoo on Other Cruise Lines?
Right now, tattoo studios at sea are still rare. As of now, there are only two cruise lines offering this experience:
- Virgin Voyages
- Margaritaville at Sea (on the Islander)
That alone makes it a unique experience. Not everyone’s going to do it. Not everyone’s supposed to.
Want to see a video of my experience, check out my video on TikTok here!
Would I Do It Again?
In a heartbeat.
Getting a tattoo at sea was one of those ideas that lived in my head for years. Seeing it come to life on a Christmas cruise, surrounded by ocean, movement, and a little healing energy made it even better.
It wasn’t just a tattoo.
It was a moment.
A reminder.
A damn good story.
If you’ve ever thought about getting a tattoo at sea, stop overthinking it.
Just Go.
If your looking for suggestions of things to do on the ship, other excursions, and to follow my journey, make sure you follow me on Social Media and contact me if you need any help getting on the ship!
