Margaritaville at Sea Unveils Name of Its Largest Ship Yet — Margaritaville Beachcomber

by David Lewis - posted 15 Jul 2025 at 19:55

The laid-back cruise line inspired by the legendary Jimmy Buffett is making waves again—this time with the reveal of its third and largest ship, the Margaritaville Beachcomber.

Following months of anticipation since the May 2025 announcement of its fleet expansion, Margaritaville at Sea has officially confirmed the name and details of the new vessel. Set to join Margaritaville Paradise and Margaritaville Islander, the new ship will bring even more of the brand’s signature tropical flair to the high seas.

A Bigger Slice of Paradise

Originally sailing as Costa Fortuna, the ship is being transferred from Costa Cruises and will undergo a full refit to bring it in line with the colorful, carefree Margaritaville aesthetic. Like her sister ships—formerly Costa Classica and Costa AtlanticaBeachcomber will be transformed to capture the beachy, escapist vibe fans expect.

But this one is much bigger. With space for 3,450 guests, Beachcomber is nearly double the size of the original Paradise (1,680 passengers) and significantly larger than Islander (2,650 passengers).

A Brand-New Look (With Nostalgic Vibes)

The ship will enter dry dock for a full redesign, embracing the tropical charm Margaritaville is known for. Expect bright, beachy decor, laid-back bars, and plenty of places to chill.

“With Beachcomber, we wanted to capture the spirit of fun, warmth, and relaxed adventure,” said Martha Brabham, Head of Design. “We’ve taken inspiration from classic beach scenes and vintage surf art to create something truly immersive.”

Familiar Favorites — and New Surprises

Beachcomber will feature many of the fan-favorite venues like the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar, Cheeseburger in Paradise, License to Chill, and the Hemisphere Dancer lounge. But that's just the beginning—Margaritaville promises over a dozen all-new experiences on board, set to be revealed in the lead-up to the ship’s debut.

These additions are expected to be more immersive and playful than anything currently found on Paradise or Islander.

Where Will Beachcomber Sail?

While homeport and itinerary details are still under wraps, it's likely Beachcomber will be based in Florida, following the precedent set by the current fleet.

  • Margaritaville Paradise sails short Bahamas getaways from Palm Beach, and recently received a suite of upgrades including new dining, entertainment, and Nassau excursions.

  • Margaritaville Islander launched in 2024 from Tampa, offering 4- and 7-night cruises to Mexico and the Western Caribbean.

From the Med to Margaritaville

For now, Beachcomber—still operating as Costa Fortuna—continues sailing 7-night Eastern Mediterranean cruises from Athens and Istanbul. Her transition to the Margaritaville fleet is expected to begin after September 2026.

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