Margaritaville at Sea Unveils Largest Ship, Beachcomber, for 2026 Debut

Margaritaville at Sea is preparing to launch its third and largest cruise ship, Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber, marking a significant milestone for the Jimmy Buffett-inspired lifestyle brand. The vessel, previously known as Costa Cruises' Costa Fortuna, will undergo an extensive refurbishment to align with Margaritaville’s distinctive Caribbean aesthetic and is expected to debut in late 2026.

A Step Forward: The Largest Ship in the Fleet

At over 100,000 gross tons and capable of accommodating up to 3,450 guests, the Beachcomber will be the first Margaritaville at Sea ship to exceed the 100,000 gross tonnage marker. This new addition will significantly outsize its predecessors, Margaritaville Islander (86,000 gross tons, 2,650 guests) and Margaritaville Paradise (52,000 gross tons, 1,680 guests), enabling expanded public spaces, onboard programming, and guest experiences.

The vessel will continue in service with Costa Cruises until late 2026, after which it will transition into the Margaritaville fleet following a comprehensive refit. Head of Design Martha Brabham shared insights into Beachcomber’s design direction, noting that the ship will feature "breezy blues, sunlit yellows, and warm beachy tones" inspired by nostalgic beach scenes and vintage surf art.

Onboard Experience: Balancing Tradition and Innovation

Beachcomber will deliver an enhanced onboard experience by merging returning guest favorites with more than 15 new offerings designed exclusively for the ship. Passengers can look forward to iconic venues such as the "5 O'Clock Somewhere" bar, "Cheeseburger in Paradise," "License to Chill," and "Hemisphere Dancer," which have become hallmarks of the Margaritaville cruising experience.

Further details on the new experiences remain under wraps, but the cruise line has promised to deliver an atmosphere that "captures the spirit of fun, warmth, and relaxed adventure." CEO Christopher Ivy described the new ship as a "floating celebration of everything guests love about Margaritaville at Sea hospitality, turned up a few notches."

Itineraries and Launch Plans

While exact itineraries and homeport details remain undisclosed, the vessel will likely operate from a Florida port, following the pattern set by Islander and Paradise. The current fleet sails out of Tampa and West Palm Beach, offering short cruises to the Bahamas, Mexico, and the Western Caribbean, with destinations such as Cozumel, Belize, and Grand Cayman.

The cruise line has stated that more information about Beachcomber’s inaugural routes and homeport is expected to be announced later this summer. With its increased capacity and expanded amenities, the ship opens up potential for longer itineraries and a broader range of destinations.

Strategic Growth in the Cruise Sector

Since launching its first ship, Margaritaville Paradise, in 2022, Margaritaville at Sea has steadily expanded its footprint in the cruise industry. The introduction of Margaritaville Islander in 2024 brought a fresh design aesthetic to the fleet and added capacity for Western Caribbean itineraries. Now, the Beachcomber represents the next step in the company’s evolution, promising to enhance both guest experiences and operational scale.

Martha Brabham emphasized the continuity in design ethos, stating that the team "built on the award-winning aesthetic introduced with Islander in 2024." The Beachcomber will not only address growing demand but also reinforce the brand’s unique position with a vibe grounded in carefree escapism and nostalgia-driven cruising.

Key Design and Offering Highlights

• Ship name: Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber.
• Former name: Costa Fortuna (built in 2003).
• Gross tonnage: Over 100,000 tons.
• Guest capacity: Up to 3,450 passengers.
• Debut timeline: Late 2026 after Costa service and refurbishment.
• Onboard highlights: 15+ new exclusive experiences, alongside fan favorites like "5 O'Clock Somewhere" and "License to Chill."
• Design theme: Caribbean-inspired interiors with playful, nostalgic beach elements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is unique about the Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber?

The Beachcomber is the largest vessel in the Margaritaville at Sea fleet, offering expanded space and over 15 exclusive new experiences. It combines fan-favorite venues with a design concept inspired by vintage surf art and beach nostalgia.

When will the Beachcomber start cruising?

The ship is scheduled to enter service in late 2026 after a comprehensive refurbishment. Updates on its exact launch date and itinerary details are anticipated later this summer.

What destinations will the Beachcomber cover?

While specifics have yet to be confirmed, the Beachcomber is expected to focus on the Caribbean region, aligning with the tropical appeal of the brand. Ports of call and cruising schedules are due for release soon.

What features can guests expect onboard?

Returning venues include the "5 O'Clock Somewhere" bar and "Cheeseburger in Paradise," among others. The ship will also introduce over 15 new experiences created exclusively for this vessel, aimed at elevating guest immersion and creativity onboard.

Which other ships are part of the Margaritaville at Sea fleet?

Current ships include Margaritaville Paradise, which launched in 2022, and Margaritaville Islander, which joined the fleet in 2024. Both operate short Caribbean routes out of Florida ports.