• Substantial Refit Investment: Margaritaville at Sea awarded Harland & Wolff a 40 million pound project spanning roughly 12 weeks to completely overhaul Beachcomber into its new flagship.
• Ship Profile and History: Built in 2003 by Fincantieri as Costa Fortuna, the 102,669 gross ton vessel accommodates up to 3,250 passengers across 1,358 guest cabins.
• Repeat Shipyard Partnership: This marks Harland & Wolff’s second major project for Margaritaville at Sea, having previously executed the refit of Islander in 2024.
• Harland & Wolff Revival: Supported by owner Navantia UK following an acquisition and a 100 million pound yard modernization completed in 2026, the shipyard is successfully securing high-value commercial refits alongside defense contracts

Margaritaville at Sea and iconic British shipbuilder Harland & Wolff have joined forces once again in a major 40 million pound contract to transform the cruise ship Beachcomber. Previously sailing as Costa Fortuna for Costa Cruises, the 102,669 gross ton vessel is entering a comprehensive 12-week drydock revitalization designed to turn it into the vibrant, tropical flagship of the Margaritaville at Sea fleet.

Originally constructed by Italy’s Fincantieri yard in 2003, the ship measures 272.19 meters in length, holds 1,358 staterooms, and accommodates up to 3,250 passengers alongside 1,068 crew members. Margaritaville acquired the vessel in May 2025, taking handover in September 2026 after its final European voyage. The transformation introduces the brand’s signature island-inspired spaces, including updated accommodations, themed entertainment lounges, and expansive open-deck venues ahead of its January 2027 debut.

This revitalization project represents the second successful collaboration between the cruise line and Harland & Wolff, following the 2024 refurbishment of Margaritaville at Sea Islander. For the historic Belfast shipyard, famously known for building Titanic more than a century ago, the contract highlights an ongoing operational resurgence. After facing insolvency challenges in recent years, Harland & Wolff was acquired in late 2024 by Navantia UK, a deal that safeguarded four yards and over 1,000 jobs. Following a 100 million pound facility modernization completed in mid-2026, the yard is balancing commercial cruise refits with defense manufacturing for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

Once the extensive shipyard program concludes, Beachcomber will reposition across the Atlantic to inaugurate Caribbean sailings, marking a major milestone in Margaritaville at Sea’s ongoing fleet expansion.