Margaritaville at Sea has appointed Northern Ireland-headquartered Rathbane Group companies, MJM Marine and Mivan, for work on its upcoming vessel, the Beachcomber.
According to a statement, the duo will deliver a significant proportion of the refurbishment program for the multi-million-pound project.
Currently sailing as the Costa Fortuna for Costa Cruises, the vessel will continue in service through the summer before entering drydock at an undisclosed shipyard for 12 weeks in late September 2026.
Following rebranding, it will relaunch as the Beachcomber in 2027, sailing mainly week-long Caribbean cruises during its inaugural season from its homeport in Miami.
“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,” said Christopher Ivy, CEO of Margaritaville at Sea.
“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.”
MJM Marine and Mivan will work on the transformation of public and guest areas, including the central atrium, spa, children’s facilities, specialty dining venues, nightclub and external VIP areas, as well as the “Flip Flop Bar.”
Gary Annett, CEO of MJM Marine, added: “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 programs within defined drydock 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 realize their vision.”
John Cunningham, CEO of Mivan, noted that his company is delighted to be working with Margaritaville at Sea again following their joint project in 2024.
Margaritaville at Sea also recently announced an expanded lineup of bars and lounges onboard the ship.
