Palm Beach, Fla. (May 11, 2022) – Margaritaville at Sea, the all-new floating island vacation brand, today announced that Shaquem Griffin, the winner of the NFL Game Changer Award as well as the NCAA Inspiration Award, will serve as godfather of its flagship vessel, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise. Griffin will participate in a traditional christening ceremony during a VIP inaugural sailing on May 12th before the line launches with its first passenger sailing on May 14th from the Port of Palm Beach, Florida to Grand Bahama Island.
“We’re proud to have Shaquem join the Margaritaville at Sea family as godfather of Margaritaville at Sea Paradise,” said Oneil Khosa, chief executive officer of Margaritaville at Sea. “As a passionate philanthropist, Shaquem’s efforts within our local community align with our own commitment to giving back, and he is a true inspiration on every front. We are honored to have him serve in this very special role as our first-ever godfather.”
In addition to his impressive football career, which includes Defensive Player of the Year honors and an undefeated season his senior year at the University of Central Florida, Shaquem has an extensive background in community service. Born with Amniotic Band Syndrome and having his left hand amputated when he was four, he has been a zealous advocate for the physically challenged community, seeing children with birth defects as their ‘own little nation’ who support each other in the fight against those who tell them they’re unworthy. Shaquem, along with his twin brother and former NFL teammate Shaquill, started the St. Petersburg Nitro Track Club, a 501 (c)(3) entity with which they are both still intimately involved to this day. Margaritaville at Sea will be making a donation to the organization as part of the brand’s relationship with Griffin.
As godfather of Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, Shaquem will fulfill the centuries-old maritime tradition of officially naming the new ship. Following her christening ceremony and inaugural sailing on May 12th, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise prepares to welcome guests onboard beginning May 14th. The new ship and brand will provide travelers access to Margaritaville’s iconic lifestyle during a two-night, round-trip, bucket-list-worthy voyage to Grand Bahama Island, including lively onboard entertainment, gourmet food and beverage options, and casual-luxe staterooms. 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 beachfront resort on Grand Bahama Island.
For more information on Margaritaville at Sea, visit here.
About Shaquem Griffin
Shaquem Griffin was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, improbably reuniting him with his twin brother Shaquill, who was drafted the year before by the same team. In 2021, Shaquem signed with the Miami Dolphins and enters the 2022 season as a free agent. His incredible journey and inspiring story have been captured by media outlets worldwide, including appearances on 60 Minutes, The Today Show and Fox & Friends. To further expand his global impact, Shaquem, with his brother, wrote a book, “Inseparable,” that details his against all odds life story. Off-the-field and in the community, Shaquem has served as Grand Marshal of the Special Olympics USA Games and as ambassador for iconic brands that preach his messages of never doubting yourself and not allowing negativity to dictate who you become.
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 casual-luxe 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. To learn about Margaritaville at Sea, visit margaritavilleatsea.com. Follow Margaritaville at Sea on Facebook and Instagram, @MargaritavilleatSea.