Margaritaville at Sea has confirmed a significant fleet investment with the acquisition of a new ship from the Costa brand. It has appointed Northern Ireland-headquartered Rathbane Group companies, MJM Marine and Mivan, to deliver a significant proportion of the refurbishment programme.
The multi-million-pound project will see a vessel currently operating under Costa Cruises transformed into the Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber. Rebranding is scheduled during a 12-week dry dock period from late September 2026 with shipyard details shortly to be announced.
Christopher Ivy, CEO of Margaritaville at Sea, said, “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. 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. We’re looking forward to bringing Beachcomber to life with their teams and further growing our presence in the cruise market.”
The programme 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, speciality dining venues, nightclub and external VIP areas, alongside signature features such as the Flip Flop Bar.
Gary Annett, Chief Executive of MJM Marine, said, “This project demonstrates the continued confidence of global cruise brands in MJM’s capability and the wider Rathbane Group. 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. Rathbane Group’s appointment reflects both our technical expertise and our ability to work in partnership with clients like Margaritaville at Sea to realise their vision.”
John Cunningham, Chief Executive of Mivan, added, “Having previously partnered with Margaritaville at Sea in 2024, we are delighted to be working together once again on this exciting project. 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.”
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. A total investment figure was not disclosed.
