Zac Brown Named Godfather of New Cruise Ship
The musician will help launch the Margaritaville Beachcomber from PortMiami in January 2027.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Cruises
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Margaritaville at Sea has tapped musician Zac Brown as the godfather for its new 102,500-gross-ton vessel. The ship will make its debut at PortMiami following a 12-week dry dock upgrade.
Why it matters
The collaboration marks a significant expansion for the cruise line as it aims to incorporate the music and legacy of Jimmy Buffett into its fleet. The company is positioning this vessel as a major addition to its travel offerings before its later move to Texas.
The new vessel measures 102,500 gross tons and features 15 new venues after a 12-week upgrade. These figures follow a recent promotional event where 35,000 cruise vacations were gifted to fans.
The players
Zac Brown
The musician and bandleader who has been named the godfather of the new Margaritaville Beachcomber ship.
Margaritaville at Sea
The cruise line and presenting sponsor of the Zac Brown Band Love & Fear U.S. Tour.
The details
Zac Brown played an active role in designing the ship, including the creation of the Same Boat music venue and onboard art programming. Following the inaugural celebrations in Miami, the cruise line will host a headline concert in Nassau on Jan. 28, 2027. The ship is slated to depart PortMiami for Galveston in October 2027.
Timeline
The vessel originally known as the Costa Fortuna was built in 2003.
Zac Brown gifted 35,000 cruises during a Fenway Park concert on August 2, 2026.
The Margaritaville Beachcomber will hold its inaugural celebration in Miami in January 2027.
A headline concert will take place in Nassau on January 28, 2027.
The cruise ship will reposition to Galveston in October 2027.
Beyond the 305
This project builds directly upon the brand identity and musical legacy established by Jimmy Buffett. The addition of Zac Brown as godfather formalizes a shift in the cruise line's artistic direction, expanding on the established theme of beach-inspired hospitality.
Travelers looking to book the new vessel should watch for the inaugural January 2027 launch window at PortMiami. Prospective passengers can anticipate 15 new onboard venues designed under the guidance of Zac Brown.
The takeaway
The Margaritaville Beachcomber will represent a major, music-focused expansion for the cruise line before it leaves the city for Galveston in late 2027. Watch for public booking announcements for the inaugural Miami season as the ship enters its final dry dock phase.
Further reading
You can find more industry updates and travel news in our Cruises section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sun Sentinel.
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