Christening Ceremony Featuring NFL Game Changer & Godfather Shaquem Griffin

Several Hundred Guests Gathered Together on May 12th for Private One-Night Sneak Peek Cruise Onboard New Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, Followed by First Passenger Sailing May 14th

Margaritaville at Sea, the all-new floating island vacation, made a star-studded debut, welcoming several hundred VIPs, partners, community members and travel advisors for the official christening of its flagship vessel, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise.  The exciting one-night sailing included a traditional christening ceremony and a surprise live concert with singer, songwriter and best-selling author Jimmy Buffett.

The christening ceremony for Margaritaville at Sea Paradise was held at the Stars on the Water Theater, where John Cohlan, CEO of Margaritaville, Oneil Khosa, CEO of Margaritaville at Sea and Kevin Sheehan Jr, President of Margaritaville at Sea spoke about their partnership and participated in a traditional bottle-breaking ceremony to officially christen the ship.

“This journey has not been an easy one, and we’ve battled many challenges, but the best part about Margaritaville at Sea is that this product is so truly innovative, we only have ourselves to compete with, as we push to deliver an unprecedented experience to travelers that gets better and better,” said Oneil Khosa, chief executive officer of Margaritaville at Sea. “It is an honor to celebrate this important milestone as we embark upon a new chapter as Margaritaville at Sea. This is a moment to remember, and we are fortunate to have so many friends, family members and valued partners onboard with us to mark the occasion.”

John Cohlan, CEO of Margaritaville, added “we are excited to celebrate this watershed moment, pun intended, and the much-anticipated debut of Margaritaville at Sea. On behalf of the Margaritaville family, I’d like to thank everyone that helped us get here and we look forward to many years of smooth sailing ahead.”

As part of the christening ceremony, NFL Game Changer Award winner Shaquem Griffin was introduced as Godfather.  As he spoke about what the title means to him, Griffin said, “it is an honor to serve as an extension of the amazing Margaritaville family and to be chosen as the godfather of Margaritaville at Sea Paradise. This company has continually strived to be better than it was before, and I am proud to be onboard as part of the journey.”  

After Griffin spoke, Pastor Christine Bandy-Helderman blessed the ship. A video was shown depicting the ship’s transformation and preparation to be christened. In an emotional moment, Margaritaville at Sea President Kevin Sheehan, Jr. acknowledged his parents and spoke about the journey of their family cruise business before sharing a list of nationalities represented by the ship’s crew and encouraging guests to honor crew members from the Ukraine – including the ship’s captain and staff captain. The ceremony ended with a celebratory moment, as attendees were covered in streamers and beach balls.

After the christening ceremony, guests were treated to a Margaritaville at Sea sail-away party, where they were transported into a Margaritaville state of mind with a surprise hour-long live performance by Jimmy Buffett, including fan favorites like “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise.”

‘Tales from Margaritaville: Jimmy’s Ship Show’

Later, guests attended an exclusive preview of ‘Tales from Margaritaville: Jimmy’s Ship Show,’ written and produced by Buffett and producer Frank Marshall, and enjoyed a selection of dining options including JWB Prime Steakhouse, Margaritaville’s signature laid-back luxe dining experience. The night ended with games, salsa dancing lessons, a tropical glow party and a Caribbean-themed pool deck soirée under the stars.

On May 14th, following the christening and private inaugural sailing, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise set sail on her first passenger sailing. The ship provided travelers access to Margaritaville’s iconic lifestyle during a two-night, round-trip, voyage from the Port of Palm Beach to Grand Bahama Island, including lively onboard entertainment and gourmet food and beverage options. Those looking to extend their stay in paradise can book the line’s “Cruise & Stay” package, which conveniently bundles a round-trip cruise with up to four nights at a premium beachfront resort on Grand Bahama Island.

 Source Margaritaville at Sea

Learn more about Margaritaville at Sea here:

READY TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?

Consider booking your next adventure through our partner travel advisors MEI-Travel, by emailing: AtoZ@MEITravel.com or click here A to Z Book Now

---

Join the daily fun over on Instagram!

Gallery Block

This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account. Learn more

---

Florida Native, NFL Game Changer Award Winner & Collegiate Man of the Year to Christen Flagship Vessel

During VIP Inaugural Celebration on May 12th 

Palm Beach, Fla. (May 11, 2022) – Margaritaville at Sea, the all-new floating island vacation brand, today announced that Shaquem Griffin, the winner of the NFL Game Changer Award as well as the NCAA Inspiration Award, will serve as godfather of its flagship vessel, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise.  Griffin will participate in a traditional christening ceremony during a VIP inaugural sailing on May 12th before the line launches with its first passenger sailing on May 14th from the Port of Palm Beach, Florida to Grand Bahama Island. 

“We’re proud to have Shaquem join the Margaritaville at Sea family as godfather of Margaritaville at Sea Paradise,” said Oneil Khosa, chief executive officer of Margaritaville at Sea. “As a passionate philanthropist, Shaquem’s efforts within our local community align with our own commitment to giving back, and he is a true inspiration on every front. We are honored to have him serve in this very special role as our first-ever godfather.”

In addition to his impressive football career, which includes Defensive Player of the Year honors and an undefeated season his senior year at the University of Central Florida, Shaquem has an extensive background in community service. Born with Amniotic Band Syndrome and having his left hand amputated when he was four, he has been a zealous advocate for the physically challenged community, seeing children with birth defects as their ‘own little nation’ who support each other in the fight against those who tell them they’re unworthy.  Shaquem, along with his twin brother and former NFL teammate Shaquill, started the St. Petersburg Nitro Track Club, a 501 (c)(3) entity with which they are both still intimately involved to this day. Margaritaville at Sea will be making a donation to the organization as part of the brand’s relationship with Griffin. 

As godfather of Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, Shaquem will fulfill the centuries-old maritime tradition of officially naming the new ship.  Following her christening ceremony and inaugural sailing on May 12th, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise prepares to welcome guests onboard beginning May 14th.  The new ship and brand will provide travelers access to Margaritaville’s iconic lifestyle during a two-night, round-trip, bucket-list-worthy voyage to Grand Bahama Island, including lively onboard entertainment, gourmet food and beverage options, and casual-luxe staterooms. Those looking to extend their stay in paradise can book the line’s “Cruise & Stay” package, which conveniently bundles a round-trip cruise with up to four nights at a beachfront resort on Grand Bahama Island.

For more information on Margaritaville at Sea, visit here

About Shaquem Griffin

Shaquem Griffin was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, improbably reuniting him with his twin brother Shaquill, who was drafted the year before by the same team.  In 2021, Shaquem signed with the Miami Dolphins and enters the 2022 season as a free agent.  His incredible journey and inspiring story have been captured by media outlets worldwide, including appearances on 60 Minutes, The Today Show and Fox & Friends.  To further expand his global impact, Shaquem, with his brother, wrote a book, “Inseparable,” that details his against all odds life story.   Off-the-field and in the community, Shaquem has served as Grand Marshal of the Special Olympics USA Games and as ambassador for iconic brands that preach his messages of never doubting yourself and not allowing negativity to dictate who you become.

Source Margaritaville at Sea

Learn more about Margaritaville at Sea here:

READY TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?

Consider booking your next adventure through our partner travel advisors MEI-Travel, by emailing: AtoZ@MEITravel.com or click here A to Z Book Now

---

Join the daily fun over on Instagram!

Gallery Block

This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account. Learn more

---

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up to be an insider

Introducing Margaritaville At Sea

Its worth grabbing a frozen beverage and putting your fins up for a deep dive into this brand new cruise line!

Margaritaville at Sea is about to debut its first cruise ship, Margaritaville Paradise. They aim to seamlessly add this new addition to the global lifestyle brand, Margaritaville and have made some huge changes to what was previously the Bahamas Paradise, Grand Classica cruise ship. All in hopes to make what will be a great addition to the brand.

How has Margaritaville at Sea been preparing for their grand debut?

In preparation for its Inaugural sailing May 14th 2022, every single stateroom and guest cabin has been ripped out to allow designers to totally transform the accommodations.

Guests can look forward to Paradise pillows, which are found on land when you stay at any Margaritaville resort.

Actually, these pillows are so highly sought after that they sell them in the gift shops on land so we may see them in the retail shop onboard the ship too.

Every single public area has been refurbished as part of a multi-million investment and refurbishment, the ship’s cabins and common spaces will feature Margaritaville’s signature casual-luxe design with subtle nautical details and colors influenced by the surrounding sea, sand, and sky.

Who is Margaritaville at Sea targeting to cruise with them?

Margaritaville at Sea’s target potential customers are those that are familiar with the Margaritaville brand. Often known as Parrot Head or parrothead, this  is a commonly used nickname for Jimmy Buffett fans with "parakeets" or "keets" used for younger fans, or children of Parrotheads.

What if you have never been on a cruise before?

Perhaps you have never been on a cruise but stayed at a Margaritaville Resort before. Or even if you are brand new to the Margaritaville experience. They claim we can get ready for a whole new world of exceptional experiences that will open up to you! 

Likely if you are already familiar and enjoy Margaritaville, (even if you don’t consider yourself a Parrot Head) you will notice and appreciate Margaritaville’s signature casual-luxe design with subtle nautical details and colors influenced by the surrounding sea, sand, and sky.

How Margaritaville is different with their cruise offerings

The vessel, Margaritaville Paradise, will have 1600 guest capacity and provides a short getaway 2- night cruise product. But if getaway to paradise for a quick 2 nights isn’t long enough, you have additional options to extend your holiday!

Continuing with the established Cruise & Stay program from its predecessor, Bahamas Paradise, you can extend your cruise vacation to include a land trip at an all inclusive resort! Making the trip up to 4 & 6 night long with the signature, Cruise & Stay offering. 

With Cruise & Stay guests will disembark after two nights from the cruise ship, and have the option to stay on island of Grand Bahamas in an all inclusive resort. After these optional 2 or 4 additional days soaking up the sun on land they then get back on the ship for an additional 2 nights bringing them back to Port of Palm Beach, Florida.

Beach Break with Cruise & Stay

When you book the Cruise & Stay you will be able to experience an exclusive Margaritaville beach club! This is a coming extension to the all inclusive resort guests will stay at in the Bahamas.

What You Can Expect Onboard Margaritaville Paradise

Gourmet food and beverage options, including 

• JWB Prime Steak & Seafood

• Frank and Lola’s Pizzeria

• Port of Indecision Buffet

• LandShark Sports Bar

• Margaritaville Coffee & Pastry Shop 

• Euphoria Lounge, Sunset Bar, and 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar

What kind of activities and entertainment will be available on Margaritaville Paradise?

Onboard leisure activities and entertainment, including:

• The Par-A-Dice Casino

• a Stars on the Water Theater, 

• St. Somewhere Spa, Fins Up! 

• Fitness Center

• Pools

• Retail shop, (likely to feature the paradise pillows)

  and more.

Will There Be Any Special Entertainment Onboard?

Guests can look forward to enjoying a brand new production show while onboard called, “Tails by Margaritaville”

The producer Frank Marshall, other work includes: Back to the Future and Jurassic World

More to Come in the Future with Plans to accommodate families

Parakeet kids clubs- is the children’s club that is offered on the land resorts. Interestingly the club is based on one of Jimmy Buffet’s children’s books. Grab a copy of the book here.

Will I Earn Loyalty and Rewards for my stay with Margaritaville at Sea?

It has been confirmed that you will be able to opt into a loyalty perks and rewards program. A hybrid of the existing programs from Margaritaville resorts,  Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line will be merged together to honor all loyal guests of both brands.

Additional Know Before You Go!

Healthy & Safety Protocols, To Know Before your book Margaritaville Paradise-

All guests must be fully vaccinated and have to be tested prior to their cruise. A Margaritaville representative confirmed that guests will be able to take a test in Port of Palm Beach cruise terminal.

Is Sustainability Top of Mind for Margaritaville at Sea?

This is an incredibly important goal that other cruise lines have been so vocal about. So naturally we are curious to what a brand new cruise line has to say about sustainability.

These days, each brand new ship that comes online is purpose built to include features to reduce the amount of emissions. Additionally many new ships are being built to use a more economically friendly fuel called LNG (liquified natural gas). 

Since the Margaritaville Paradise was originally an older vessel and has been retrofitted it won’t be able to use LNG (liquified natural gas) or hook up to shore power to help reduce emissions. 

Dealing with the challenges of operating an older vessel in an increasingly eco-conscious world, Margaritaville at Sea has vocally committed to being as sustainable as possible with their first ship, Margaritaville Paradise.

Guests can expect to see a plethora of paper and biodegradable products such as straws, and eliminating the use of single-use plastics. Among other efforts to help continue to be a sustainable brand and not harmful to the environment.

You can grab your reusable metal straw if the thought of drinking a frozen cocktail out of a paper straw makes your cringe!

READY TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?

Consider booking your next adventure through our partner travel advisors MEI-Travel, by emailing: AtoZ@MEITravel.com or click here A to Z Book Now

---

Join the daily fun over on Instagram!

Gallery Block

This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account. Learn more

---