Harland & Wolff secures landmark cruise ship revitalisation project at its Belfast shipyard

Margaritaville at Sea’s flagship ‘Beachcomber’ will be transformed at Belfast following the success of ‘Islander’ in 2024, reinforcing the city’s position as an increasingly important destination for cruise ship repair, refurbishment and revitalisation (render of finished vessel pictured).

Graham Couser, Director of Ship Repair, Navantia UK, said: “This project is another major vote of confidence in our Belfast yard’s growing reputation as a destination for world-class cruise ship repair, refurbishment and revitalisation. Being selected for a second major vessel from the Margaritaville at Sea fleet demonstrates the trust that international cruise operators have in our facilities, our people and our ability to deliver complex projects to demanding schedules.

“Belfast has all the ingredients to become one of Europe’s leading cruise refit hubs, buoyed by Navantia UK’s acquisition last year. Our unique dry dock capacity, deep-water access and heavy engineering capability, combined with Navantia’s extensive global experience in cruise ship repair, provide operators with a compelling option in Western Europe. We are investing heavily in our facilities and transferring proven expertise from across the wider Navantia Group to build a long-term centre of excellence for ship repair in the UK.”

The transformation of ‘Beachcomber’ will commence upon its arrival in September 2026, with the vessel entering service in 2027 from Port of Miami where she will welcome guests from around the world.