‘Margaritaville of the Seas’ Sails Millions into Port of Palm Beach

Opportunity doesn’t always drive into town. Sometimes, it sails in. Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, the new cruise ship under the Margaritaville at Sea brand, is delivering millions of dollars in economic impact throughout the county.

The cruise line provides 1,350 direct jobs and generates $100 million in revenue to the local community, according to a recent study by the Port of Palm Beach. Operations and vendors range from shoreside accounting, marketing and sales to local businesses contracted to support its complicated operation, said Kevin Sheehan, the line’s President and CEO. Valets greet passengers, porters handle the luggage, security screens guests, the local Palm Beach Pilots help the ship navigate the channel, and suppliers help stock the ship with food, retail items, fuel and beverage items.

Investment in reimagining the 722-foot, former Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line ship, which got its start under Carnival Cruise LIne’s Costa brand, exceeded $50 million. The investment paid off.

Recorded its best booking day ever in Q4

Marked the highest occupancies ever for a November Enters 2023 25% booked, a significant feat for a small, shortary cruise line

“The Port of Palm Beach is a large ecosystem of commerce, all working together to support our cruise business, also in addition to a large-scale cargo and transportation operation,” Sheehan

BDB Represents Palm Beach County Globally

BDB President and CEO, Kelly Smallridge, has been named to two new boards. She represents Palm Beach County on… n The International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the world’s largest organization of its kind; and n The Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC), the oldest and largest regional economic development association in North America, representing 17 states across the Southeast.

As her tenure starts January 2023, Palm Beach County will step on the global stage.

Unlock the Lifestyle!

The Business Development Board “Unlock The Lifestyle” employee relocation packet is a one-stop shop for local and inbound talent. In it, you’ll discover… (1) Available apartments and housing by region (2) Maps to help navigate paradise (3) Info on social hotspots, culture, even health care Updated monthly, you’ll discover the lifestyle that makes the move worthwhile. Click. Learn. Live it up— in Palm Beach County.