October 15, 2026 — Margaritaville at Sea’s third ship, Beachcomber, has arrived at Harland & Wolff in Belfast, Northern Ireland, for a major refit before it starts sailing from Miami in January 2027. The line has also opened an early Black Friday sale running through November 3.
Beachcomber refit
- Ship: Beachcomber, built in 2003 for Costa Cruises, carrying 2,720 passengers; Margaritaville at Sea bought it earlier in 2026.
- Work: new venues, updated staterooms and refreshed public areas. The yard expects about £40 million to flow into the local economy. Refit start and finish dates: TBA.
- First guests: January 2027, after an Atlantic crossing.
- Homeport: PortMiami for the first season (Caribbean, Bahamas and Florida cruises), then Galveston, Texas. Cruise Industry News says the Galveston move is mid-2027; TravelPulse says October 2027. Exact date: TBA.
Early Black Friday sale
- Runs through November 3, 2026: up to 65% off cruise fares, with select sailings from $49 per person, per night; free fares for third and fourth guests on select sailings.
- Up to 55% off extras such as drink packages, shore excursions and spa.
- The 2027 Annual Cruise Membership drops $200 to $2,499 for two adults (from $2,699), covering eligible sailings on Paradise, Islander and Beachcomber through 2027, in up to a balcony stateroom.
- The line currently sails from Tampa and Palm Beach, Florida.
What it means for airline travelers
- PortMiami is served by Miami International (MIA), with Fort Lauderdale (FLL) as an alternative. Galveston has no major airport of its own; most cruisers fly into Houston Hobby (HOU) or Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and drive about an hour or more, so build in a full day if you are flying standby.
- The annual membership allows only one active booking at a time and bookings up to 30 days ahead (per Travel Weekly), which suits flexible travelers who can pick sailings when flights look open.
- No travel-industry or interline rates were mentioned.
Sources
- Cruise Industry News: New Margaritaville Vessel Set for £40 Million Refurbishment
- TravelPulse: Margaritaville at Sea Launches Black Friday Early Access Sale
- Travel Weekly: Margaritaville at Sea updates unlimited-cruise membership
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