PALM BEACH, Fla. — Soon you'll be able to nibble on sponge cake and watch the sunset at sea. It's all part of a new partnership.
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line made a major announcement of rebranding its company to "Margaritaville at Sea."
"It is going to be one of the most fantastic changes in the cruise industry ever," said Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line CEO Oneil Khosa. "It is going to be the first really themed lifestyle-oriented cruise line and a cruise product."
Khosa along with Margaritaville CEO John Cohlan made the announcement Wednesday morning at the Port of Palm Beach.
Bahamas Paradise President and CEO Oneil Khosa announces the cruise line will now become “Margaritaville At Sea.” Becoming a lifestyle cruise. @WPTV @FOX29WFLX https://t.co/MnrCgcy4G9 pic.twitter.com/UFv3NLfot2
— JOSH NAVARRO (@JoshNavarroTV) December 8, 2021
According to Khosa, it will be a new offshore resort experience. The cruise line’s flagship vessel Grand Classica is currently being refurbished to fit with Jimmy Buffett's iconic theme and renamed as "Margaritaville Paradise." It will include 10 passenger decks and 658 cabins.
People who have been to the Margaritaville locations are expected to see familiar restaurant brands and entertainment experiences.
“The experience will start at the curb. When you get out of your car, you walk into Margaritaville, you're on the water, you're on the beach, and for two days you've had a little escape from the tough daily lives that we all experience," Cohlan said. "We couldn’t be more excited."
Cohlan said not only will guests enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience but hopes it will have a positive impact on the community.
"It really is incredibly gratifying to see the economic activity that is generated by having a successful business experience," said Cohlan.
Riviera Beach City Manager Jonathan Evans echoes those sentiments.
"There will be economic development that will occur as a result of the investment here," said Evans. "So, we can see restaurants, shops, employment opportunities and more dollars in our community, invested in our community."
Amid staffing shortages around the area, Khosa remains optimistic and hopes the rebranding of the cruise line will get the attention of potential employees.
"We will be hiring more people, because we expect to get busier. We expect to get more busier in the terminal and more check-in staff, more valet, more shore site staff," said Khosa. "Yes, absolutely. I know it's going to be challenging but I believe the brand and the excitement of the product will attract a lot of talent."
So, will Jimmy Buffett be playing and cruising along with guests?
"Jimmy Buffett is extremely excited about the project and is ecstatic about the cruise," Khosa said. "So, when he will play, I can not tell. But we're hoping for that."
Margaritaville Paradise's first voyage will be on Apr. 30, 2022.
For more information or to book, visit margaritavilleatsea.com.