The baptism ceremony of Margaritaville at Sea Paradise took place at the Stars on the Water Theater, where John CohlanMargaritaville CEO, Oneil KhosaCEO 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 easy, and we have overcome many challenges, but the best part of Margaritaville at Sea is that this product is truly innovative, we only have ourselves to compete with, as we strive to deliver an unprecedented experience to travelers that is getting better and better,” said Oneil Khosa, general manager of Margaritaville at Sea. “It’s an honor to celebrate this milestone as we embark on a new chapter as Margaritaville at Sea. It’s a moment to remember, and we’re blessed to have so many friends, family and valued partners on board with us to mark the occasion.”
John CohlanCEO of Margaritaville, added “we are thrilled to celebrate this watershed moment, pun intended, and the highly anticipated debut of Margaritaville at Sea. On behalf of the Margaritaville family, I would like to thank everyone who helped us get here and we look forward to many years of smooth sailing.”
As part of the naming ceremony, NFL Game Changer Award winner Shaquem Griffin was introduced as godfather. While talking about what the title means to him, Griffin said, “It’s 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’m proud to be on board as part of this journey.”
After Griffin’s speech, the pastor Christine Bandy-Helderman bless the ship. A video was shown illustrating the transformation of the ship and its preparation for baptism. In an emotional moment, Margaritaville at Sea President Kevin Sheehan, Jr. recognized 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 the crew members of the Ukraine – including the ship’s captain and the staff captain. The ceremony ended with a moment of celebration, as attendees were showered with streamers and beach balls.
Following the christening ceremony, guests were treated to a Margaritaville Party at Sea, where they were transported into the Margaritaville state of mind with a surprise hour-long live performance by jimmy buffetincluding fan favorites like “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise.”
Later, guests attended an exclusive preview of “Tales from Margaritaville: Jimmy’s Ship Show,” written and produced by Buffett and the producer Frank Marshalland enjoyed a selection of dining options, including JWB Prime Steakhouse, Margaritaville’s casual luxury dining experience. The evening ended with games, salsa dancing lessons, a tropical party and a Caribbean– a themed evening around the swimming pool under the stars.
On May 14andafter baptism and private maiden navigation, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise set sail on her first passenger cruise. The ship gave travelers access to the iconic lifestyle of Margaritaville during a two-night round trip 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 an upscale beachfront resort on the island. Grand Bahama Island.
For more information about Margaritaville at Sea or to book a cruise, visit www.MargaritavilleatSea.com or call 800-995-3143. Follow Margaritaville at Sea on Facebook and Instagram @MargaritavilleatSea.
Note to media: Photographs and b-rolls of the festivities can be accessed here.
About Margaritaville at Sea
Margaritaville at Sea is a floating island in the sea that combines the brand’s signature hospitality and resort experiences with the ability to get away and see the world. The inaugural ship, Margaritaville in Sea Paradise, has 658 cabins with nautical details and colors influenced by the sea, sand and sky. Facilities include multiple restaurants, swimming pools, entertainment programs, retail stores, St. Somewhere Spa, Fins Up! Fitness center, and more. In addition to Margaritaville at Sea, Margaritaville includes more than 25 hotels and resorts, two gambling properties, RV resorts and more than 60 food and beverage venues – as well as real estate communities, vacation clubs and consumer products.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
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SOURCE Margaritaville at Sea
