The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a “No Sail Order” for the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise (formerly Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s Grand Classica). The ship, according to WPTV in West Palm Beach, was scheduled to depart the Port of Palm Beach in Florida en route to the Bahamas on Wednesday, July 13, but when guests woke up on Thursday, they were still in Palm Beach. Soon after, all guests disembarked the ship.
“Cruise ships operating in the U.S. are required under federal law to have a Certificate of Compliance exam every six months. During this ship’s annual exam, Port State Control officers identified conditions, which required the ship to stay in port until rectified due to the safety of the crew and passengers. The ship will not sail until the conditions are rectified,” the Coast Guard said of the “No Sail Order.”
Following the order, Margaritaville at Sea CEO Oneil Khosa told WPTV: “During a routine inspection, the United States Coast Guard identified some corrective actions that the cruise line is expeditiously undertaking and managing to ensure the safety of all crew members and guests. The cruise line’s shoreside and shipboard teams are working closely with the United States Coast Guard to quickly address the flagged items and continue sailing on schedule. We do not anticipate any additional impact to our planned itineraries.”
Khosa added that all guests from the scheduled July 13 sailing have received compensation for the inconvenience.
Margaritaville at Sea made its brand debut in May after delays caused by supply chain issues. It was initially supposed to launch two weeks prior in April. The line also offers perks for the travel advisor community, including guaranteed staterooms being held on every 2022 sailing at a travel advisor reduced rate and special VIP amenities, including a travel advisor concierge.
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