Harland & Wolff's Belfast shipyard has secured the transformation of Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber in the yard's largest cruise-ship revitalisation investment since its acquisition by Navantia UK.
The former Costa Fortuna is due to arrive in Belfast in September 2026, when work will begin to convert the vessel into the newest and largest member of the Margaritaville at Sea fleet.
Navantia UK said the multi-million-pound project is expected to generate approximately £40 million for the Belfast region through use of the shipyard, its facilities and workforce, together with work undertaken by local suppliers.
Major cruise refit secured for Belfast
Harland & Wolff was selected following its earlier transformation of Margaritaville at Sea Islander, which underwent extensive work in Belfast before entering service for the cruise line in 2024.
Navantia UK described the new contract as another vote of confidence in Belfast's ability to complete complex cruise-ship repair and refurbishment projects to demanding schedules.
The yard has two of Western Europe's largest dry docks, more than 1,300 metres of deep-water quayside, no tidal access restrictions and heavy-lifting facilities capable of supporting work on very large passenger ships.
Specialists from the wider Navantia Group are also working with UK teams through a knowledge-transfer programme covering production planning, project delivery and quality systems.
Local companies supporting the transformation
Margaritaville at Sea will be supported during the project by Belfast-area contractors and suppliers including MJM, Mivan and Madden Marine.
Navantia UK said their involvement demonstrates the depth of Northern Ireland's maritime supply chain and strengthens Belfast's ambition to become an internationally recognised centre for cruise-ship revitalisation.
The company is developing the yard as a centre for cruise, ferry and commercial-vessel repair alongside its work in naval shipbuilding and offshore energy.
Beachcomber is the former Costa Fortuna
Beachcomber currently operates as Costa Fortuna. Margaritaville at Sea announced its acquisition of the ship in May 2025 as the third vessel in its expanding fleet.
Built for Costa Cruises and entering service in 2003, the ship measures more than 102,500 gross tonnes. Margaritaville said it has capacity for approximately 3,450 passengers, more than 1,340 staterooms and 13 passenger decks.
The vessel will be comprehensively reimagined with the cruise line's island-inspired design and passenger experience. Announced features include new dining and live-music venues, pools, redesigned accommodation and outdoor activity areas.
Minas Miliaras, chief maritime officer of Margaritaville at Sea, said the quality and expertise demonstrated during the Belfast transformation of Islander gave the company confidence to return for the larger Beachcomber project.
Miami debut planned for 2027
Following the Belfast refit, Beachcomber is scheduled to enter service from PortMiami in 2027. Margaritaville's published programme says the ship will begin sailing from Miami in January.
The vessel will operate Caribbean itineraries, including voyages to the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean. Published destinations include San Juan, Puerto Plata, Grand Cayman, Jamaica and the ABC islands.
The ship's arrival will expand Margaritaville at Sea to three vessels, joining Paradise and Islander.
A significant step in Harland & Wolff's revival
The contract provides a tangible new chapter for a Belfast yard whose future appeared uncertain before Navantia acquired Harland & Wolff's four UK shipyards.
Although the company remains closely associated with the construction of RMS Titanic, its modern future increasingly depends on naval work, commercial repairs, offshore energy and large-scale vessel transformations.
The return of Margaritaville at Sea for a second major refit suggests the Belfast operation is converting its historic reputation and physical infrastructure into repeat business from the contemporary cruise industry.
Related: Deck7 recently examined why Titanic II's promised 2027 maiden voyage will not happen, including Harland & Wolff's recent ownership history.