Coast Guard Grounds "Margaritaville" Cruise Ship
Local News Staff 
A Jimmy Buffett themed cruise will be grounded until further notice by the US Coast Guard. Problems in Paradise started when the Coast Guard determined the ship needed to be brought up to legally operable conditions prior to departing port.
“Cruise ships operating in the U.S. are required under federal law to have a Certificate of Compliance exam every 6 months," the US Coast Guard shared. "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 former Grand Clasica of the Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line was shifted over toward a beach bum theme after being purchased by the Margaritaville at Sea cruise company. The ship was built in the year 1991.
Oneil Khosa, a spokesman for the cruiseline, said they were "expeditiously undertaking" corrective actions.
"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." they said. "We do not anticipate any additional impact to our planned itineraries. All guests have disembarked from the ship and have received compensation for the inconvenience."
