A multi-million-dollar project will see a vessel currently operating under Costa Cruises transformed into the Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber.
Margaritaville at Sea has also appointed Northern Ireland-headquartered Rathbane Group companies, MJM Marine and Mivan, to deliver a significant proportion of the refurbishment program.
Rebranding is scheduled during a 12-week dry dock period from late September 2026 with shipyard details shortly to be announced.
“Beachcomber represents an important next step for Margaritaville at Sea as we continue expanding the fleet and investing in the guest experience across our ships,” Christopher Ivy, CEO of Margaritaville at Sea, said in a press release.
“We are bringing together the infrastructure, talent and technical expertise needed for a project of this scale, and Rathbane Group has an outstanding reputation in cruise ship outfitting and refurbishment,” Ivy said. “We’re looking forward to bringing Beachcomber to life with their teams and further growing our presence in the cruise market.”
The program will involve extensive transformation of public and guest areas, with MJM Marine and Mivan delivering key elements of the onboard experience. Works include the central atrium, spa, children’s facilities, specialty dining venues, nightclub and external VIP areas, alongside signature features such as the ‘Flip Flop Bar.’
“This project demonstrates the continued confidence of global cruise brands in MJM’s capability and the wider Rathbane Group,” Gary Annett, Chief Executive of MJM Marine, said in a press release.
“Our teams are highly experienced in delivering complex outfitting programmes within defined dry dock windows across the world and we look forward to adding Beachcomber to that list,” Annett said. “Rathbane Group’s appointment reflects both our technical expertise and our ability to work in partnership with clients like Margaritaville at Sea to realize their vision.”
The vessel will continue in service through the summer before entering dry dock, with completion scheduled ahead of its relaunch as Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber in 2027.
“Having previously partnered with Margaritaville at Sea in 2024, we are delighted to be working together once again on this exciting project,” John Cunningham, Chief Executive of Mivan, said in a press release.
“Alongside MJM Marine and the wider Rathbane Group, we look forward to delivering high-quality, design-led spaces while proudly showcasing the capability and craftsmanship we have here in Mivan and across the Group,” Cunningham said.
About Margaritaville at Sea Cruise Line
Margaritaville at Sea brings Margaritaville’s iconic hospitality to the open ocean, delivering one-of-a-kind offshore vacation experiences inspired by the laid-back lifestyle of its namesake.
With three distinct ships and an expanding lineup of itineraries, Margaritaville at Sea offers something for every kind of traveler. The Paradise provides quick and easy 3- to 5-night getaways from Palm Beach to The Bahamas and Key West, while the Islander departs from Port Tampa Bay on 4- to 7-night adventures to Mexico and the Western Caribbean.
Beginning in 2027, guests can set sail aboard the all-new Beachcomber, the line’s newest flagship vessel, offering 4- to 8-night itineraries from PortMiami to the Eastern and Southern Caribbean.
Onboard, guests can relax in comfort across a range of fully immersive suites and staterooms inspired by the sea, sand, and sun.
Each ship features a wide array of inclusive and specialty dining options with chef-crafted, island-inspired cuisine; uniquely themed bars and lounges with non-stop live entertainment; a kids’ club and arcade; the Margaritaville Casino; the St. Somewhere Spa & Salon; multiple pools and hot tubs; and plenty of quiet spaces to soak up the Caribbean sun.
Photo courtesy of Margaritaville at Sea Cruise Line
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