Margaritaville at Sea Charts a Course for Expansion with New, Larger Ship
Parrotheads, get ready to set sail on even bigger adventures! Margaritaville at Sea is significantly expanding its fleet, adding a third ship in 2026 to meet the rising demand for its unique blend of Jimmy Buffett-inspired relaxation and cruising. The cruise line announced on Wednesday that it will acquire the Costa Fortuna from Costa Cruises, marking a substantial step in its growth strategy. The Costa Fortuna will continue to operate under the Costa Cruises banner until late next year before undergoing a major transformation to align with the Margaritaville at Sea brand.
The announcement comes on the heels of the impressive performance of the Margaritaville at Sea Islander, the line’s second ship. According to Christopher Ivy, CEO of Margaritaville at Sea, the Islander "really outperformed expectations" since its launch last summer. Speaking to USA TODAY prior to the public announcement, Ivy expressed his enthusiasm for the company’s trajectory. “I think we’ve been able to really refine the model with Islander, and had the opportunity to acquire the Fortuna and it just made sense, given all the momentum that we have at the moment,” he stated, highlighting the strategic alignment of the acquisition with the cruise line’s current success.
The Islander, during a preview cruise last year with USA TODAY, proved to be a hit with both dedicated Jimmy Buffett fans and those less familiar with his music. The ship provided a balanced experience, creating an atmosphere that appealed to a wide range of passengers seeking a laid-back and fun-filled vacation.
While the new ship will share some design and thematic similarities with the Islander, which was also a former Costa vessel known as Costa Atlantica, it will represent a significant upgrade in size and capacity. The Costa Fortuna, once reimagined, will be the largest ship in the Margaritaville at Sea fleet, boasting more than 102,500 gross tons and accommodating approximately 3,450 passengers. This contrasts with the Islander’s capacity of 2,650 guests, allowing for a greater range of onboard amenities and experiences.
Ivy emphasized that the increased size of the new vessel provides an exciting opportunity to enhance the Margaritaville at Sea experience. The "nice incremental size upgrade gives us the ability to bring over a lot of the things that people really love about Islander,” he explained, while also paving the way for the introduction of new and innovative features.
Passengers can anticipate the return of beloved "fan favorites" from both the Islander and the original Margaritaville at Sea Paradise ship. The cruise line is currently in the initial stages of developing fresh concepts to further enrich the onboard offerings. One area of particular interest is expanding upon the popular "Heroes Sail Free" program, which offers complimentary cruises to military veterans, first responders, and other individuals recognized for their service.
Ivy expressed the company’s intention to explore ways to “bring a physical space to life to help celebrate the significant number of heroes that we have on board our ships.” This could potentially involve dedicated lounges, commemorative displays, or special events that honor the contributions of these deserving individuals.
Specific details regarding the onboard amenities of the new ship, as well as its homeport and planned itineraries, are still under development and will be revealed at a later date. However, the cruise line promises to deliver a distinctly Margaritaville experience that embodies the spirit of relaxation, escapism, and fun.
Margaritaville at Sea is currently celebrating its third anniversary, marking a relatively short but impactful period of growth and innovation within the cruise industry. Initially launching with round-trip, two-night cruises to the Bahamas from Palm Beach, the cruise line has steadily expanded its range of sailings to include longer itineraries, catering to passengers seeking more extended vacation options.
“I always say, like, a two-night getaway, everybody needs one, but it’s not a replacement for a vacation,” Ivy commented, acknowledging the appeal of shorter cruises while also recognizing the demand for longer, more immersive experiences. While the popular two and three-night cruises aboard the Paradise will continue to be a mainstay, accounting for roughly 70% of its sailings, the company is committed to providing guests with greater variety and choice.
The addition of the larger ship will allow Margaritaville at Sea to further diversify its offerings, potentially including voyages to new destinations and introducing a wider range of onboard activities and entertainment options. Ivy emphasized the cruise line’s dedication to providing optionality to its guests. “As we look to this (new) vessel, what we’re really looking for and what we will do is continue to provide optionality,” he affirmed. This commitment suggests that the new ship will not only expand the fleet’s capacity but also enhance the overall cruising experience for Margaritaville at Sea passengers.
With a successful track record, growing brand recognition, and a clear vision for the future, Margaritaville at Sea is poised to make a significant splash in the cruise industry. The acquisition of the Costa Fortuna and the subsequent launch of the reimagined vessel in 2026 will undoubtedly solidify the cruise line’s position as a unique and appealing option for travelers seeking a relaxed, fun-filled, and unmistakably Margaritaville experience. The expansion promises more options for Parrotheads and casual cruisers alike, offering a wider selection of itineraries, onboard amenities, and opportunities to escape to a world of island vibes and laid-back luxury. The future looks bright for Margaritaville at Sea, and the anticipation is building for the arrival of its newest and largest ship.
