Margaritaville at Sea has announced a major new step in its fleet growth strategy with the addition of a ship from Costa Cruises.
To carry out the transformation of the vessel, Margaritaville at Sea has selected MJM Marine and Mivan to oversee a significant part of the refurbishment programme. Both companies are part of Northern Ireland-based Rathbane Group and specialise in cruise ship outfitting and refit projects. The programme includes an extensive transformation of public areas and guest spaces. MJM Marine and Mivan will be responsible for key elements of the onboard experience, including the central atrium, spa, children’s facilities, speciality restaurants, nightclub, and outdoor VIP areas. Among the new signature features will be the iconic “Flip Flop Bar”, a distinctive element of the Margaritaville brand.
The project, representing an investment of several million pounds, will involve a ship currently in service with Costa Cruises, which will be fully transformed into the new Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber. The refurbishment works and brand transition will take place during a 12-week dry dock period scheduled to begin at the end of September 2026. The shipyard hosting the project will be announced in the coming weeks.
Christopher Ivy, CEO of Margaritaville at Sea, highlighted how the Beachcomber project represents an important evolution for the company, which is focused on expanding its fleet and continuously enhancing the onboard guest experience. According to Ivy, the creation of the new vessel requires a combination of infrastructure, specialised expertise and technical capabilities suited to the complexity of the project — factors that led to the collaboration with Rathbane Group, a company recognised for its expertise in cruise ship outfitting and refurbishment programmes.
The CEO also emphasised the company’s enthusiasm for working with the Rathbane Group teams to bring the new Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber to life and further strengthen the brand’s presence in the international cruise market.
Gary Annett, Chief Executive of MJM Marine, noted that the project represents further recognition of the confidence placed by leading international cruise operators in the capabilities of MJM Marine and the wider Rathbane Group. The company has extensive experience in managing complex ship outfitting programmes, delivered within highly demanding timelines during dry dock periods around the world. The Beachcomber transformation project adds to the group’s long track record of successful assignments and further confirms MJM Marine’s ability to support its clients in turning ambitious concepts into reality.
John Cunningham, Chief Executive of Mivan, recalled the company’s previous collaboration with Margaritaville at Sea in 2024, expressing his satisfaction at renewing the partnership on another highly significant project. Together with MJM Marine and Rathbane Group, Mivan will contribute to the creation of onboard spaces featuring high-quality standards and sophisticated design, highlighting the technical expertise, creativity and craftsmanship that distinguish the company and the wider group.
The ship will continue to operate regularly throughout the summer season before entering dry dock for the refit period. Upon completion of the works, scheduled for 2027, the vessel will return to service under its new identity as Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber, ready to offer guests a completely renewed experience in line with the brand’s philosophy. The overall investment dedicated to the ship’s transformation has not been disclosed, but the project confirms Margaritaville at Sea’s growth strategy and its ongoing commitment to strengthening its cruise offering.
Giorgia Lombardo
