Margaritaville at Sea Confirms Fleet Investment with Appointment of Rathbane Group

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.

Ends

For further press information, please contact Maria Hayworth, Hayworth PR on maria@hayworthpr.com or Deborah Loughran King Communication on Deborah.Loughran@Kingcommunication.co.uk

About Margaritaville at Sea Cruise Line

Margaritaville at Sea brings Margaritaville’s iconic hospitality to the open ocean, delivering one-of-a-kind offshore vacation experiences inspired by the laid-back lifestyle of its namesake. With three distinct ships and an expanding lineup of itineraries, Margaritaville at Sea offers something for every kind of traveller. The Paradise provides quick and easy 3- to 5-night getaways from Palm Beach to The Bahamas and Key West, while the Islander departs from Port Tampa Bay on 4- to 7-night adventures to Mexico and the Western Caribbean.

Beginning in 2027, guests can set sail aboard the all-new Beachcomber, the line’s newest flagship vessel, offering 7- to 10-night itineraries from PortMiami to the Eastern and Southern Caribbean. Onboard, guests can relax in comfort across a range of fully immersive suites and staterooms inspired by the sea, sand, and sun.

Each ship features a wide array of inclusive and specialty dining options with chef-crafted, island-inspired cuisine; uniquely themed bars and lounges with non-stop live entertainment; a kids’ club and arcade; the Margaritaville Casino; the St. Somewhere Spa & Salon; multiple pools and hot tubs; and plenty of quiet spaces to soak up the Caribbean sun. Sail away to an island state of mind at MargaritavilleAtSea.com.

About The Rathbane Group

The Rathbane Group is a second-generation, family-led business, headquartered in Newry, Northern Ireland with locations across the UK, Ireland and Poland and is the parent brand for a group of companies comprising MJM Marine, Mivan, Topglass, NTS and Rathbane Holdings.

The Rathbane Group delivers high end outfitting and manufacturing services across a range of sectors on both marine and land-based projects across the globe.

It offers a complete spectrum of services - from pre-construction, design, manufacturing and technical, through to resourcing and project management. The Groups take a partnership approach and believes in building long term relationships with its clients and communities. With a Values centric approach, the highly experienced team aim to go above and beyond in its project delivery.

• MJM Marine: Global leading marine outfitting company

• Mivan: Leading specialist joinery and land/marine fitout company

• NTS: (Nautical Technical Solutions) Bespoke technical marine outfitting services contractor

• Topglass: Specialist glazing and facades contractor

• Rathbane Holdings: Diversified property & investment portfolio with commercial, retail and renewables assets

• Rathbane Group Services oversee the strategic management of the business units and brings together centralised expertise in areas such as business systems & innovation, logistics, sustainability, financial and legal.