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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." 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 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. For more information on 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. Media Note: photography and b-roll from the festivities can be accessed here. About Margaritaville at Sea Margaritaville at Sea is a floating island vacation at sea that brings together the brand's iconic hospitality and resort experiences with the ability to escape and see the world. The inaugural ship, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, features 658 cabins with nautical details and colors influenced by the sea, sand, and sky. Amenities include several dining venues, pools, entertainment programming, retail stores, a St. Somewhere Spa, Fins Up! Fitness Center, and more. In addition to Margaritaville at Sea, Margaritaville features over 25 hotels and resorts, two gaming properties, RV resorts, and over 60 food and beverage venues – as well as real estate communities, vacation clubs, and consumer lifestyle products.
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