St. Maarten Port of Call for Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber
Did you know… Jimmy Buffett’s fleet is setting sail for St. Maarten?
It is always 5 o’clock somewhere aboard the Margaritaville at Sea fleet – and for good reason, as the phrase as well as the ship come from the heritage of one of Jimmy Buffett’s globally known songs. As of 2027, the Margaritaville chain will be the newest addition to the St. Maarten cruise calendar.
After building successful themed properties on land, the Margaritaville brand entered the cruise business in 2022. The cruise line Margaritaville at Sea launched its first ship, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, in May 2022 from Port of Palm Beach, Florida, sailing primarily to the Bahamas. In 2024, Margaritaville at Sea Islander joined the fleet, expanding the brand’s Caribbean offerings. In early 2027, Beachcomber will set sail, with St. Maarten among its Caribbean destinations.
A Befitting Visitor
If any destination fits this itinerary, it is St. Maarten / St. Martin. With its many beach bars and relaxed island atmosphere, it perfectly matches the spirit of Jimmy Buffett’s “Blue Marlin” and other tropical-inspired locations. In fact, The Pier in Philipsburg even features a Blue Marlin in its interior. Visitors arriving on this cocktail-loving Caribbean cruise ship will feel right at home on the St. Maarten Boardwalk.
In anticipation of the ship’s first scheduled St. Maarten call on April 27, 2027 and its often colorfully dressed fans, here are some fun facts:
1. It’s the biggest Margaritaville ship yet
Beachcomber will be the largest ship in the Margaritaville at Sea fleet, measuring more than 100,000 gross tons.
2. It will have the world’s largest “5 O’Clock Somewhere” venue
Named after the song that became one of Jimmy Buffett’s signature hits, the ship’s main pool area will be built around a massive 5 O’Clock Somewhere experience spanning multiple decks, featuring bars, food, live music, and cabanas.
3. Cheeseburger in Paradise gets a giant upgrade
Beachcomber will feature a poolside Cheeseburger in Paradise Burger Bar, inspired by one of Margaritaville’s most famous themes, and another reference to Buffett’s legendary lyrics.
4. It’s designed as a floating beach escape
Jimmy Buffett’s songs were all about islands, the ocean, and the Caribbean lifestyle. Like the Margaritaville brand itself, Beachcomber is built around the idea of leaving everyday stress behind and embracing a relaxed island state of mind. Beachcomber’s design reflects that feeling, drawing inspiration from vintage surf art, nostalgic beach scenes, and Margaritaville’s laid-back island style.
5. This time, it’s not just for adults
While many of Jimmy Buffett’s songs appealed especially to adults — a feeling that also became central to Margaritaville properties — Beachcomber will include family attractions such as a waterslide, sports areas, mini golf, and kids’ clubs.
6. A Dutch Caribbean home run
The ship is scheduled to sail from Miami and visit destinations including St. Maarten, Aruba, Curaçao, St. Thomas, San Juan, Bonaire, and the Dominican Republic. With these destinations, Beachcomber will visit the four Dutch Caribbean cruise ports. That is not a self-evident achievement: while St. Maarten is located in the northeastern Caribbean, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao are more than 500 miles southwest of St. Maarten.
7. The Beachcomber was originally built by Fincantieri in Italy for Costa Cruises
The ship was launched in 2003 as Costa Fortuna. For its conversion into Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber, the ship is being refurbished and rebranded. The makeover work is being handled by companies MJM Marine and Mivan.
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