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Image credit- Margaritaville at Sea cruises
Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber is now officially entering a new phase of the major makeover of the former Costa Fortuna following the final cruise for Costa Cruises that saw the ship receive a new name ahead of its passenger service set to begin in 2027.
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Originally launched back in 2003, the cruise ship has already been renamed and reflagged to Portugal in preparation for a big renovation and subsequent cruises across Caribbean, Bahamas, and Mexico.
The process is an important step in the company’s expansion as it now starts offering services aboard a bigger vessel with a brand new onboard environment, dedicated to casual dining, entertainment, and relaxed vacations.
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Following the completion of the final Costa Cruises voyage in early September 2026, the vessel arrived at a port in Brindisi, southern Italy. There it was renamed Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber and flagged to Portugal.
The ship is currently on its way to its next phase of preparation before the start of passenger cruises.
For travelers, this means a new opportunity to travel on a cruise from the US, visiting some of the most popular places in Caribbean, Bahamas, and Mexico.
Why This Matters for Travellers Choosing Caribbean Cruises
The arrival of the Beachcomber creates another choice for passengers searching for Caribbean holidays that combine destinations with a distinctive onboard lifestyle.
Modern cruise travellers increasingly consider more than just ports of call when choosing a holiday. Dining options, entertainment, ship design and overall atmosphere now play a major role in cruise decisions.
The Beachcomber transformation follows this trend by introducing Margaritaville’s relaxed island-inspired identity to a larger cruise vessel.
The ship will allow passengers to enjoy a holiday experience where the onboard environment becomes part of the destination.
Key Details About Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Previous name | Costa Fortuna |
| New name | Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber |
| Original launch year | 2003 |
| Ship class | Destiny-class vessel |
| Passenger capacity | Approximately 2,720 guests |
| Gross tonnage | 103,000 tons |
| Current flag | Portugal |
| Previous cruise operator | Costa Cruises |
| New operator | Margaritaville at Sea |
| First passenger season | Early 2027 |
| Initial homeport | PortMiami |
| Future homeport | Galveston, Texas |
The introduction of the Beachcomber gives Margaritaville at Sea additional capacity while strengthening its presence in the competitive Caribbean cruise market.
What Has Changed From Costa Fortuna to Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber?
The conversion involves significant changes beyond the ship’s name.
The vessel has already completed important administrative updates, including receiving a new identity and registration. The next major stage will focus on physical improvements and the introduction of Margaritaville-themed spaces.
The refurbishment will take place at the Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The project will include updates to public areas and features across the ship.
Major Transformation Work Planned Before Passenger Service
- New Margaritaville at Sea branding and exterior appearance.
- Refurbished public spaces.
- Introduction of signature Margaritaville venues.
- Updated dining and entertainment areas.
- Preparation for Caribbean cruise operations.
The refurbishment will allow the ship to move from its previous Costa Cruises identity into a completely new holiday concept.
The project also highlights the continued importance of cruise ship conversions, where existing vessels receive major upgrades to serve new markets.
How Will Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber Change the Cruise Experience?
The Beachcomber will introduce several well-known Margaritaville concepts designed around food, entertainment and relaxation.
The cruise line plans to bring signature venues onboard, creating a casual atmosphere focused on enjoyment and social experiences.
New Margaritaville Experiences Planned Onboard
| Venue | Expected Experience |
|---|---|
| 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar | Margaritaville’s signature entertainment and relaxation venue |
| JWB Steakhouse | Speciality dining concept |
| Cheeseburger in Paradise Burger Bar | Casual dining experience inspired by the Margaritaville brand |
These additions will help create a different identity from traditional cruise experiences.
Instead of focusing only on formal dining and traditional cruise activities, the Beachcomber will highlight casual entertainment, music and food-driven experiences.
For travellers, this means the ship itself becomes an important part of the holiday.
What Destinations Will Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber Visit?
The Beachcomber will begin its maiden season from PortMiami in early 2027.
The ship will operate a range of three- to eight-night cruises, giving passengers flexibility when planning Caribbean holidays.
The initial deployment will include destinations across Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean.
Initial Destinations Planned for Beachcomber Cruises
| Destination | Country or Region |
|---|---|
| Cozumel | Mexico |
| Freeport | Grand Bahama |
| George Town | Cayman Islands |
| Bahamas ports | Caribbean region |
| Florida departure routes | United States |
These destinations remain popular among cruise travellers because of their beaches, cultural attractions and accessibility.
The variety of cruise lengths also allows different passenger groups to choose suitable journeys.
Shorter cruises may appeal to first-time cruise passengers, while longer voyages provide more time for exploring multiple destinations.
Why PortMiami Is Important for the Beachcomber Launch
The decision to begin operations from PortMiami places the Beachcomber in one of the world’s most recognised cruise markets.
Miami serves as a major departure point for Caribbean cruises and provides access to numerous regional destinations.
For travellers, the location offers convenient connections and a wide range of holiday options.
Benefits of Starting From PortMiami
- Access to established Caribbean cruise routes.
- Convenient departure point for US travellers.
- Strong cruise infrastructure.
- Multiple itinerary choices.
- Connection with popular regional destinations.
The Miami deployment will introduce the Beachcomber to a large cruise audience before the ship expands its operations.
How Will the Galveston Move Expand Cruise Options?
The Beachcomber is scheduled to reposition to Galveston, Texas, in late 2027.
The move will mark Margaritaville at Sea’s Texas debut and provide another departure option for travellers outside Florida.
Galveston has become an important cruise location, particularly for passengers from Texas and nearby regions.
Future Destinations From Galveston
| Destination | Region |
|---|---|
| Aruba | Southern Caribbean |
| Curaçao | Southern Caribbean |
| Belize | Central America and Caribbean region |
| Veracruz | Mexico |
| Additional Caribbean ports | Caribbean region |
One notable itinerary feature will include a visit to Veracruz, one of Mexico’s oldest cities.
The Galveston deployment will expand the cruise line’s reach and introduce different Caribbean experiences for passengers.
Why This Matters for the Cruise Industry
The Beachcomber launch reflects broader changes across the cruise sector.
Cruise companies are increasingly developing unique identities to attract specific traveller groups. Ships are no longer selected only by destination routes. Passengers also compare dining, entertainment and lifestyle experiences.
Margaritaville at Sea’s expansion demonstrates the growing popularity of themed cruising.
Industry Impact of the Beachcomber Expansion
- Expands Margaritaville at Sea’s fleet.
- Creates additional Caribbean cruise choices.
- Supports cruise tourism growth from US ports.
- Gives an existing ship a new operational purpose.
- Strengthens competition among cruise brands.
The transformation also shows how cruise operators continue investing in existing vessels to create new passenger experiences.
What Travellers Should Know Before Booking Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber
Travellers interested in booking the Beachcomber should review cruise schedules, destinations and onboard experiences before choosing a sailing.
The ship is expected to begin operations in early 2027, with future plans including departures from PortMiami and Galveston.
Before Booking
- Check official sailing dates.
- Review included destinations.
- Confirm cruise duration.
- Check passport and entry requirements.
- Compare onboard dining and entertainment options.
- Review departure port convenience.
Cruise requirements may vary depending on nationality and destinations visited. Travellers should confirm official guidance before departure.
The Beachcomber is expected to appeal to passengers seeking a relaxed cruise atmosphere combined with Caribbean exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber
What was Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber previously called?
The ship previously operated as Costa Fortuna under Costa Cruises.
When will the Beachcomber begin sailing?
The vessel is expected to start its maiden passenger season in early 2027.
Where will the ship depart from?
The initial cruises will operate from PortMiami before the vessel moves to Galveston, Texas.
Which destinations will the Beachcomber visit?
Planned destinations include Mexico, the Bahamas and Caribbean locations such as Cozumel, Freeport and George Town.
What Margaritaville venues will be onboard?
The ship will feature venues including the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar, JWB Steakhouse and Cheeseburger in Paradise Burger Bar.
Closing Update
The conversion of Costa Fortuna to the Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber constitutes a significant breakthrough for Caribbean cruises. This ship merges a tried-and-tested cruise base with a fresh lifestyle concept revolving around eating, entertainment, and tourism.
After the completion of the refurbishing process in Belfast, the Beachcomber will commence operations in PortMiami and later move to Galveston. The new itineraries of the ship, the signature Margaritaville facilities, and the Caribbean destinations will offer tourists yet another choice for tropical exploration.
This launch underscores the fact that cruise lines keep reinventing themselves by offering more than just transport services on sea to satisfy the changing demands of the tourists.
