Costa Fortuna Margaritaville Beachcomber

The 2003-built Costa Fortuna cruise ship (Margaritaville At Sea Beachcomber/MAS Beachcomber since 2026) is the fourth DESTINY-class Costa vessel, with sisterships Costa Magica and the Carnival Cruise Line ships Triumph (Sunrise), Victory (Radiance), and Destiny (Sunshine).

The vessel (IMO number 9239783) is currently Italy-flagged (MMSI 247094800) and registered in Genoa.

IMPORTANT: In May 2025, it was announced that the 22-year-old Costa Fortuna will leave the fleet in September 2026 following her sale to an undisclosed buyer. The buyer was later confirmed to be Margaritaville at Sea. The ship (to be renamed "Margaritaville Beachcomber", "MAS Beachcomber") is scheduled for an extensive drydock refurbishment to align with Margaritaville’s branding and standards, including full updates to all staterooms and onboard venues.

Note: CruiseMapper's schedule of Costa Fortuna also lists the MAS Beachcomber's cruises in 2027.

History - construction and ownership

Costa Cruises is a Genoa-headquartered subsidiary of Carnival Corporation. Costa is Europe’s second-largest cruise line (after MSC), offering year-round Mediterranean itineraries. The company was founded in 1854 as a cargo shipping operator and began passenger services in 1947 with regular transatlantic crossings between Europe and South America. Costa Cruises became part of Carnival Corporation in 2000.

The 2,700-passenger Costa Fortuna features a high percentage of balcony cabins, alternative dining venues, and vibrant décor. She was built on the same platform as CCL’s Carnival Destiny (remodeled in 2013 for USD 155 million), Carnival Triumph (remodeled in 2019 for USD 200 million), and Carnival Victory (remodeled in 2021 for USD 200 million).

In addition to the ship's staff and crew, guests are assisted by Pepper robots—advanced humanoid cyborgs introduced fleetwide in 2016. These robots greet and guide guests at embarkation and provide assistance throughout the voyage, offering tips and information on dining, entertainment, enrichment programs (workshops, scheduled events), casino and shopping promotions, and shore excursions. They are mobile, speak English, German, and Italian, and can interpret emotions based on facial expressions and tone of voice.

Decks and Cabins

Costa Fortuna staterooms (1,354 total, in 9 grades) include 58 Suites, 464 Balcony, 321 Oceanview, and 511 Inside cabins. Most staterooms are 185 ft² / 17 m², and nearly 40% have private step-out balconies. The ship features 27 wheelchair-accessible cabins and 14 singles. The largest accommodations are the Grand Suites (345 ft² / 32 m², with 85 ft² / 8 m² terraces).

The vessel has 13 passenger decks, 8 of which are dedicated to cabins.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

MAS Beachcomber will have the fleet's largest Pool Deck and Sundeck (5 o’Clock Somewhere). The aft-positioned, multi-deck space occupies the upper decks, encompasses 4 levels, and is designed as a large sundeck (License to Chill Pool Deck) with a waterslide, whirlpools, cabanas, poolside sunbathing areas, Six Strings Stage (live music performances), shaded zones (Adults-Only Cabanas), a kids playground and outdoor hangout venues

Other venues, which are part of the multi-deck complex, include JWB Prime Steakhouse, The 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar (beverages), License to Chill Bar (beverages), Cheeseburger in Paradise Burger Bar (fast food), Mexican Cutie Cantina (casual dining), and All-New Daiquiri Shack (frozen beverages, cocktails).

The ship has 12x passenger elevators plus staircases (forward and aft).

Next are reviewed the MAS Beachcomber ship's facilities, venues, and amenities by deck.

Floor 3

Theatre and main show lounge for grand-scale musical and show productions, circus shows, ballet and concert performances (level 1 of 3)

The Lobby Hall houses the Tour Office (shore excursions information, planning, booking) and the Customer Service/Reception Desk (24-hour information, assistance, booking/reservations).

Beachcomber Restaurant is one of the ship’s two main included dining rooms, alongside Fins; it offers table-service meals included in the cruise fare with multi-course menus featuring a variety of chef-crafted dishes inspired by tropical and classic flavors, served against ocean views and positioned midship on Deck 3 as a central dining option for passengers. This venue operates in conjunction with a broader dining lineup aboard Beachcomber that includes the new High Tide Market casual food hall, other included eateries such as Mexican Cutie Cantina and Cheeseburger in Paradise, and specialty restaurants requiring additional charges, and it is part of the ship’s overall culinary programme designed to provide a range of casual to more formal dining experiences across the vessel.

Fins Dining (level 1 of 2) is the ship’s primary complimentary main dining room where meals are included in the base cruise fare rather than requiring an extra charge. It operates as a sit-down restaurant with waiter service and offers a rotating menu of chef-crafted, island-inspired dishes at breakfast, lunch and dinner that reflect tropical and coastal influences, with selections that change daily to provide variety throughout the sailing. The dining venue is designed to provide a more traditional cruise dining experience with multi-course meals served in a dedicated restaurant environment and ocean views, and beverages such as alcoholic drinks are typically not included with the meal and are available for separate purchase; specific opening times and menu details vary by sailing and are published in the ship’s daily schedule.

Floor 4

Theater (balcony level 2 of 3)

F&L Trattoria is a specialty Italian restaurant offered as part of the vessel’s paid dining options and is positioned on Deck 4 as an intimate, sit‑down dining venue distinct from the ship’s included dining rooms. The restaurant’s concept focuses on classic Italian cuisine with a menu that features slow‑simmered favorites, hearty pastas, grilled whole fish and other Italian‑inspired dishes served in a more formal, refined setting compared with the ship’s casual eateries, and the space includes generous seating with ambiance elements such as velvet booths and mood lighting. As a signature restaurant it requires an additional surcharge beyond the standard cruise fare, and it is designed to pair its menu with a selection of wines suitable for the cuisine; it is part of the expanded specialty dining lineup on Beachcomber alongside venues such as JWB Prime Steakhouse, Far Side Sushi and Floridays.

Far Side Sushi is part of the vessel’s specialty dining offerings and is a distinct restaurant concept designed to provide an Asian‑influenced menu separate from the ship’s included dining venues. Far Side Sushi operates in a bamboo‑accented space and features a diverse selection of inventive sushi rolls, small plates, and rice and ramen bowls that cater to a range of preferences, blending classic sushi and Japanese‑inspired dishes with creative variations. The venue is positioned among the ship’s signature dining options that require an additional surcharge beyond the standard cruise fare and is intended as a more globally inspired culinary experience within the broader lineup of Margaritaville at Sea’s specialty restaurants. Far Side Sushi reflects Margaritaville’s approach to offering themed, chef‑crafted cuisine and has become part of the brand’s dining portfolio aboard its sister ships, indicating a similar role aboard Beachcomber.

Fins Dining (level 2 of 2)

Floor 5

Theater (balcony level 3 of 3)

Same Boat is a dedicated live music lounge developed in collaboration with musician Zac Brown, positioned as a major entertainment venue aboard the ship where guests can enjoy live performances and cocktails.

Floridays is a combined restaurant and lounge venue that serves shareable coastal cuisine and cocktails inspired by Florida’s culinary culture, with menu offerings such as fresh seafood, empanadas, vibrant tapas and pitchers of sangria designed for a relaxed, celebratory setting rather than formal dining. It is part of Beachcomber’s expanded lineup of food and beverage venues that blend casual dining with bar/lounge elements. The venue emphasises social dining with a beach‑inspired theme and is positioned among the ship’s specialty bar and lounge spaces, contributing to the ship’s broader culinary and social experience across public area.

Floor 9

License to Chill pool area (lido pool with 2 Whirlpools, served by License to Chill Bar & Sandwich Shack /outdoor)

License to Chill Bar & Sandwich Shack is part of the ship’s casual pool deck dining and refreshment experience, integrated into the broader "License to Chill" pool area that forms a central, sun-facing leisure zone with water features and stage entertainment above the main pool. The License to Chill Bar component refers to a laid-back outdoor bar where guests can order frozen margaritas, signature cocktails and other beverages while overlooking the pool and surrounding deck space. Adjacent to this, the License to Chill Sandwich Shack functions as a casual, included sandwich and quick-service food station offering familiar beach-style sandwiches, hot dogs and similar deli-inspired fare as part of the new High Tide Market food-hall concept replacing the traditional buffet on Beachcomber, designed for easy grab-and-go meals during daytime poolside hours. These amenities complement other deck-level offerings such as Cheeseburger in Paradise and Mexican Cutie Cantina and are intended to provide relaxed, informal dining and drinks without a separate surcharge beyond the cruise fare.

Daiquiri Shack is a quick-service stop for frozen cocktails in the shades of the rainbow, specially designed for maximum relaxation with minimal wait. It is integrated into the ship’s upper deck leisure and bar lineup that serves frozen classic daiquiris and rotating frozen blends designed for quick, informal service near the pool area; it operates as part of the outdoor beverage offerings where guests can purchase and enjoy ice-cold blended drinks without formal table service while spending time at the pool deck and adjacent social spaces, contributing to the ship’s expanded array of bars and lounges with its own distinct beverage program.

High Tide Market is a new casual dining food hall concept that replaces the traditional buffet with a series of individually themed food stations offering a variety of chef-crafted, scratch-made dishes at no additional charge beyond the cruise fare. The food hall comprises several stations offering different cuisines, including Frank & Lola’s Pizzeria (stone-baked pizza and pies), Kickin' & Pickin' Chicken (chicken-centred comfort food), Sun Baked BBQ (wood-smoked barbecue-style fare), Mexican Cutie Cantina (build-your-own tacos, bowls, small bites), Slice of Paradise Desserts (patisserie/dessert bar), and License to Chill Sandwich Shack (sandwiches).

Frank & Lola’s Pizzeria returns as a staple station within the market offering stone-baked pizzas with classic and specialty toppings, with the option to order whole pies for an additional charge for in-room delivery.

Sun Baked BBQ functions as one of several included, market-style food stations where guests can get wood-smoked barbecue-style fare such as tender pulled pork, smokehouse sausage, coleslaw and other barbecue classics with a coastal twist. 

Kickin' & Pickin' Chicken is a particular station focuses on chicken-centred comfort food with offerings such as crispy fried chicken, chicken tenders, roasted chicken and sandwiches served with a selection of rotating sauces designed to combine heat, crunch and familiar flavors.

Slice of Paradise is the dedicated dessert station featuring handmade cakes, chocolate creations and other sweet treats prepared by resident pastry chefs.

Mexican Cutie Cantina is a casual taqueria with street-style tacos, fresh salsas, and rice bowls, paired with house-made margaritas. It is integrated into the upper deck pool and bar area near the 5 O’Clock Somewhere venue and offers Mexican-inspired street-style food with an emphasis on build-your-own tacos, rice bowls and similar fresh island-flavored bites, allowing guests to choose from proteins such as beef, chicken or other options and then add toppings and sauces to their preference from a toppings bar. The station operates during daytime meal periods and is designed as a quick-service, informal eating option included in the cruise fare rather than a specialty restaurant requiring an extra surcharge.

5 O'Clock Somewhere pool area (aft pool with retractable roof, 2 Whirlpools, served by the 5 O'Clock Somewhere Bar which offers draft beers, classic cocktails, and boat drinks).

Floor 10

License to Chill Pool Deck is a casual retreat with a waterslide, whirlpools, and private cabanas.  The Six Strings Stage is at its center, hosting live music performances throughout the day.

Margaritaville Coffee Shop is a specialty coffee venue where guests can purchase handcrafted espresso drinks such as cappuccinos, lattes, chai and other hot and cold coffee-based beverages and a selection of grab-and-go breakfast items, pastries and snacks for an additional cost; these coffee drinks and food items are not included in the cruise fare or most beverage packages and are priced individually. The coffee shop is part of the ship’s broader casual dining offerings and operates with a grab-and-go style menu serving specialty coffees and quick bites throughout the day, with seating shared with nearby dining spaces rather than a large dedicated coffee lounge.

Dreamsicle Icecream offers ice cream and flavored frozen treats, including branded ice cream offerings such as liquor-infused frozen desserts.

Cheeseburger in Paradise (Burger Bar) is a poolside grill offering classic burgers with various toppings, continuing the brand’s iconic tradition. It is a casual, included burger venue within the pool deck and 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar area where guests can get freshly made burgers without an extra charge beyond the cruise fare. The concept is a build‑your‑own or customizable burger bar with freshly prepared beef patties and a variety of toppings from the toppings bar, allowing guests to stack ingredients to their preference; the venue operates as a fast‑casual station serving classic cheeseburgers and similar items during designated daytime hours and is part of the ship’s broader poolside dining offerings alongside other casual food outlets. Cheeseburger in Paradise is positioned as a laid‑back eatery adjacent to the ship’s main pool and bar space, reflecting Margaritaville at Sea’s theme of island‑style, relaxed dining on the deck rather than a formal seated restaurant.

5 O'Clock Somewhere Pool area (with 1 Whirlpool; the Waterslide exits are here)

Floor 11

Spa & Wellness Center (complex of 14,000 ft2 / 1,300 m2, with Gym, Beauty Salon, Massage-Treatment Rooms, Relaxation Room, UVA Solarium, Thermal Suites, Sauna, Turkish Bath, spa pool (adults only); the Gym and the Sauna are complimentary; level 1 of 2)

The St. Somewhere Spa & Salon is a full-service wellness and beauty venue offering a range of treatments and services for guests during their cruise. The spa provides massage therapies including Swedish, deep-tissue and aromatherapy options, body treatments such as exfoliation and detox wraps, facials, waxing, hair care, nail care and additional enhancements; all services are available at an additional charge and are personalized per guest. Appointments can typically be made before the sailing or onboard, and the facility includes treatment rooms for these services. The spa is part of a broader wellness offering on Deck 11 that also includes fitness amenities, such as exercise equipment with ocean views, and features like sauna and steam facilities associated with the St. Somewhere branding. The spa is positioned as a retreat space within the ship’s leisure deck area and is not included in the standard cruise fare, with bookings and charges handled through the onboard reservation system.

Gym (complimentary and at charge classes, guests must be over 16)

Power Walking/Jogging Track

JWB Prime Steakhouse is the ship’s signature upscale steakhouse dining venue requiring an additional charge beyond the cruise fare. It is named after James (Jimmy) William Buffett and is designed to offer a refined steakhouse experience at sea with a focus on premium cuts of beef, fresh seafood, elevated sides and an extensive wine list. The restaurant occupies a dedicated space near the pool deck area, adjacent to the 5 O’Clock Somewhere bar, and is part of the ship’s specialty dining lineup. Dining typically involves waiter service in a more polished setting compared with the ship’s included dining venues, and guests pay either an a-la-carte surcharge or a pre-purchased dinner package that includes appetizer, entrée, side and dessert. Signature menu items often include filet, ribeye, lamb and seafood options paired with classic steakhouse sides; wines and alcoholic beverages are available for separate purchase. Service and menu details may vary by sailing, but the overall concept is a chef-crafted, elevated meal in a dedicated restaurant environment not included in the standard cruise fare.

Floor 12

Kids Pool (wading pool)

Multi-sports combined court /basketball-tennis

Solarium (adults-only, open-air deck area for sunbathing, served by the Solarium Bar).

Floor 14

Waterslide entrance (the ship’s Water Slide ends in the pool on deck 10)

Observation area, staircase access only

Open-air Sun Deck area with loungers.

Costa Fortuna ship review

Dining on Costa Fortuna leans toward tradition. Breakfast is served casually in the Buffet Restaurant Colombo 1954, featuring made-to-order omelets, cold cuts, and cheeses. Lunch includes outdoor grilled options like chicken, burgers, and fries by the pool, while the main restaurants serve daily lunch specials. A daily Afternoon Tea service is available at the buffet. Dinner is the highlight event, with formal multi-course meals lasting up to 3 hours.

Alternative options include the Pizzeria (9 pm–2 am) and Club Grand Conte 1927 (romantic fine dining at service charge).

Room service is available 24 hours and is complimentary.

Complete list of Costa Fortuna dining venues:

• Ristorante Raffaello 1965 – complimentary forward dining room; open seating for breakfast/lunch, assigned dinner seatings (6:30 pm, 9:00 pm)
• Ristorante Michelangelo 1965 – complimentary two-level aft dining room; fixed seating for dinner
• Club Conte Grande 1927 – specialty à la carte restaurant (steakhouse menu, wine list); dinner only, reservations required
• Ristorante Buffet Cristoforo Colombo 1954 – self-service buffet (breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner); transformed into a pizzeria at night with table service

Since 2021, "Destination Dishes" have been introduced across the main dining rooms fleetwide. These are based on recipes created by a trio of celebrity chefs (Bruno Barbieri, Helene Darroze, Angel Leon) and reflect regional dishes from upcoming ports of call.

Complete list of Costa Fortuna's lounges, clubs, and entertainment venues:

• Teatro Rex 1932 – three-tier theater hosting large-scale shows, concerts, ballets, and light shows
• Grand Bar Conte Di Savoia 1932 – lounge with dance floor, stage, quizzes, and fashion events
• Bar Classico Roma 1926 – cigar lounge and bar
• Galleria d'Arte – art gallery
• Sala Carte – card room
• Casino Neptunia 1932
• Fortuna Atrium – multi-deck atrium with live music and Costa Lobby Bar
• Sala da Ballo Conte Verde 1923 – dance lounge
• Piano Bar Conte Rosso 1921 – a cabaret venue with a dance floor
• Salone Leonardo Da Vinci 1960 – lounge with central bar and stage
• Discoteca Vulcania 1927 – two-level nightclub with DJ programming
• Internet Point and Biblioteca Galileo Galilei 1963 (library)
• Galleria Negozi Shops – duty-free boutiques for luxury goods and souvenirs
• Area Foto – photo gallery and shop
• Mondo Virtuale – video arcade
• Cappella – wedding chapel (also used for religious services)
• Squok Club – kids' lounge (Mini Club for 3–6, Maxi Club for 7–11); supervised activities and babysitting
• Teen Zone – for 12–17-year-olds with themed parties and contests
• Club Salute Saturnia Spa & Wellness Center – 14,000 ft² / 1,300 m² with salon, gym, solarium, sauna, Turkish bath, thermal suite, spa pool (gym and sauna are complimentary)
• Lido Oceania 1932 – pool with two whirlpools, served by Oceania Bar
• Lido Colombo 1954 – pool with two whirlpools and retractable roof, served by Colombo Bar and Grill
• Lido Barcellona – pool with one whirlpool
• Kids' Pool – shallow splash pool
• Solarium – open-air relaxation area with bar service
• Campo da Gioco – tennis/basketball court; Pista da Jogging – jogging track

Costa Fortuna Itineraries

Costa Fortuna’s early itinerary program included Caribbean roundtrips from Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe. In summer, she sailed Mediterranean routes from Civitavecchia-Rome, Barcelona, and Savona, and Northern Europe cruises from Amsterdam, including transatlantic repositioning voyages.

In April 2016, Costa Fortuna began homeporting in Shanghai, China, serving the Asian market. In 2019, she returned to the Mediterranean and was replaced in Asia by Costa Smeralda.

For 2022, Costa Fortuna operated from three homeports—Savona, Barcelona, and Marseille—offering 3–4-day mini-cruises.

After a COVID-related pause (March 2020–June 2022), operations resumed on June 11th, 2022, from Bremerhaven, Germany, with a 14-day Northern Europe itinerary visiting ports in the UK and Iceland.

In winter 2022–2023 (until March 29), Fortuna was homeported in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Her 2023 Mediterranean schedule included the following new itineraries:

• June 24–August 19: from Savona to Civitavecchia, Messina, Heraklion, Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini, Argostoli, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, Marseille
• April 29–June 10, and September 2 & 16: to Canary Islands (Arrecife, Las Palmas, Puerto del Rosario, San Sebastian, Tenerife), plus Savona, Funchal, Malaga, and select stops in Civitavecchia
• April 16, September 30, October 14: visiting Istanbul (overnight), Izmir, Athens, Valletta, Catania, Savona, Civitavecchia, Barcelona, Marseille

In October-November, short 3–4-day cruises were scheduled from Savona to Barcelona and Marseille.

Margaritaville At Sea Beachcomber Itineraries (2027)

MAS Beachcomber starts revenue operations for Margaritaville with the Maiden Voyage on January 9th, 2027. The ship is year-round deployed in the Caribbean and homeported in Miami, Florida USA.

Itinerary lengths range 4-6-7-8 days. 

The (mostly 7-day) roundtrip itineraries visit destinations in the USVI (St Thomas Island), Puerto Rico (San Juan), Dominicana (Puerto Plata), Mexico (Cozumel), Belize City, Grand Cayman Island (George Town Harbour), Florida (Key West), Jamaica (Montego Bay, Ocho Rios), St Maarten (Philipsburg), the Bahamas (Freeport, Resorts World Bimini), and the Netherlands' ABC islands - Aruba (Oranjestad), Bonaire (Kralendijk) and Curacao (Willemstad).