Margaritaville at Sea has selected the Harland & Wolff shipyard to convert the Costa Fortuna into the new Beachcomber.
According to Navantia UK, which acquired the facility in late 2024, the project is expected to generate about £40 million in economic impact for the Belfast region.
Set to be delivered to Margaritaville at Sea this September, the Costa Fortuna will become the largest ship in the company’s fleet.
Originally built for Costa Cruises at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the 103,000-ton vessel will undergo a significant transformation that includes updates to public areas, staterooms and technical features.
Navantia UK said the multi-million-pound project will be supported by local contractors and suppliers, including MJM, Mivan and Madden Marine.
“This project is another major vote of confidence in our Belfast yard’s growing reputation as a destination for world-class cruise ship repair, refurbishment and revitalization,” said Graham Couser, director of ship repair at Navantia UK.
“Being selected for a second major vessel from the Margaritaville at Sea fleet demonstrates the trust that international cruise operators have in our facilities, our people and our ability to deliver complex projects to demanding schedules,” he added.
“The transformation of the Beachcomber represents the next step in the continued growth of Margaritaville at Sea, and we’re pleased to once again partner with the team in Belfast to help bring that vision to life,” said Minas Miliaras, chief maritime officer of Margaritaville at Sea.
The Harland & Wolff shipyard also transformed the former Costa Atlantica into the Margaritaville at Sea Islander in 2024.
“Their work on the Islander demonstrated the quality, craftsmanship and expertise required for a project of this scale, giving us the confidence to return as we prepare the Beachcomber for its global debut,” Miliaras continued.
“As we continue expanding our fleet, having trusted partners who understand our commitment to delivering an exceptional guest experience is invaluable.”
Navantia UK said that with the Beachcomber refit, it has secured the largest investment in a cruise ship revitalization since the Islander.
The Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber is scheduled to enter service in early 2027, with year-round Caribbean cruises from PortMiami.
