Margaritaville at Sea just secured a major win at one of the world’s busiest cruise ports. Miami-Dade County commissioners are set to vote on a preferential berthing agreement that guarantees the growing cruise line roughly 1 million passenger movements and at least $23.15 million in revenue over five years. For a brand that launched with a single ship just four years ago, this is a genuinely big milestone.
Why This Deal Matters
This marks PortMiami’s first preferential berthing agreement with a new cruise line since welcoming Virgin Voyages back in 2019. That’s a meaningful distinction. Preferential berthing means guaranteed access to specific terminal space on set dates, rather than competing for availability like most smaller lines have to do. It signals real confidence from one of the busiest ports in the world.
The agreement covers Cruise Terminal C and includes approximately 170 total ship calls. It runs from January 9, 2027 through April 30, 2031, with two optional five-year renewal terms built in. Margaritaville will pay a per-passenger fee that increases 3% annually, along with additional incentives tied to parking, marketing, and non-peak sailing dates.
Meet the Ship Behind the Deal
This deal centers around Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber, the line’s third and largest vessel yet. Currently sailing as Costa Fortuna for Costa Cruises, the 102,669-gross-ton ship carries up to 3,470 guests at maximum capacity. She’s currently undergoing a major transformation before her January 2027 debut, when she’ll officially become Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber and begin sailing primarily seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami.
A Fast-Growing Brand
Margaritaville at Sea has built serious momentum since its 2022 launch. The line started with a single ship, Paradise, sailing short Bahamas trips from Palm Beach. Islander joined in 2024, adding longer Caribbean routes from Tampa Bay. The brand just celebrated its one millionth guest on June 25, and Beachcomber’s arrival will push the fleet to three ships total.
CEO Christopher Ivy called the expansion an important next step for the brand as it continues investing in the guest experience. PortMiami Director and CEO Hydi Webb echoed that enthusiasm, noting the Beachcomber brings longer itineraries and Margaritaville’s signature laid-back spirit to what’s often called the Cruise Capital of the World.
What It Means for You
PortMiami already handles more than seven million cruise passengers annually, with easy access from every major US airport. Adding Margaritaville at Sea to that lineup gives South Florida cruisers another accessible, budget-friendly option departing from one of the country’s most convenient homeports.
If you’ve been curious about Margaritaville at Sea’s laid-back, island-inspired vibe, January 2027 marks your chance to sail their biggest ship yet, right from Miami. Booking details for Beachcomber sailings are expected to open well ahead of her debut, so keep an eye on the brand’s announcements in the coming months.
