Princess Cruises Sets GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS Title for Most Margaritas Sold in 8 Hours.

In a remarkable display of hospitality, logistics, and celebration, Princess Cruises has officially etched its name into the history books by shattering a previous world record on National Margarita Day. The record-setting event took place on February 17, while the Regal Princess was docked in the vibrant port of Cozumel, Mexico, during a seven-day Western Caribbean voyage departing from Galveston, Texas. Over the course of a single eight-hour window, the ship’s crew and guests collaborated to sell a staggering 3,410 handcrafted 24K Margaritas, comfortably eclipsing the previous GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title of 2,728.

The achievement was not merely a feat of consumption but a testament to the seamless integration of premium branding, high-volume service, and guest engagement. The star of the show was the "24K Margarita," a signature cocktail that has rapidly ascended to become the most popular beverage across the entire Princess Cruises fleet. This specific iteration of the classic cocktail is crafted using Pantalones Organic Blanco Tequila, a premium spirit co-founded by Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey and his wife, Camila Alves McConaughey.

The atmosphere aboard the Regal Princess was described by officials as electric. Thomas Bradford, the Official Adjudicator from Guinness World Records who was on-site to verify the attempt, noted that the spirit of the event was palpable. "You could feel the celebration in every bar of Regal Princess as Princess Cruises made history with a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for Most Margaritas Sold in 8 Hours," Bradford remarked. To meet the rigorous standards of Guinness World Records, every sale had to be meticulously tracked and verified, requiring a Herculean effort from the ship’s point-of-sale systems and the beverage team distributed across the vessel’s numerous lounges, pool bars, and dining rooms.

The Rise of the 24K Margarita

While the eight-hour record is the headline achievement, the data behind the drink reveals a much larger success story for the cruise line. Between January 1, 2025, and January 7, 2026, Princess Cruises reported the sale of 1,038,197 24K Margaritas. Surpassing the one-million-mark in just over a year highlights the profound impact of the partnership between Princess Cruises and Pantalones Organic Tequila.

The 24K Margarita is more than just a standard tequila-and-lime concoction. It is a carefully curated blend of Pantalones Organic Blanco Tequila, Cointreau, and Grand Marnier, balanced with a premium margarita mix and served over ice with a traditional salted rim. The inclusion of Grand Marnier adds a sophisticated depth and a golden hue, justifying its "24K" moniker.

The partnership with Pantalones began in October 2024 and has since become one of the most successful beverage collaborations in the history of the cruise industry. The brand’s "no-pants" playful marketing and focus on organic, high-quality ingredients resonate with the modern cruiser’s desire for "relaxed luxury." Matthew and Camila McConaughey, who serve as the faces and founders of the brand, have been deeply involved in the partnership. To celebrate the record-breaking day in Cozumel, the couple released a congratulatory video message to the guests and crew of Regal Princess, acknowledging the collective effort required to move over 400 margaritas per hour for eight consecutive hours.

A Strategic Alliance: The McConaugheys and Princess Cruises

The relationship between the McConaugheys and Princess Cruises extends beyond the bar menu. The couple was recently named as the godparents of the Star Princess, the second ship in the cruise line’s groundbreaking Sphere Class. In a departure from the traditional champagne christening, the McConaugheys famously broke a ceremonial bottle of Pantalones Tequila against the hull of the Star Princess, signaling a new era of beverage-focused branding for the company.

Sami Kohen, the Vice President of Food and Beverage for Princess Cruises, emphasized that the collaboration is rooted in a shared philosophy. “Pantalones serves our guests a spirit of joy, storytelling, and easygoing adventure that mirrors the Princess onboard experience,” Kohen said. “Celebrating one million 24K Margaritas and making history with a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title on National Margarita Day captures the incredible spirit and enthusiasm our guests brought to create this unforgettable moment at sea—and now, they’ll forever be part of this unforgettable chapter in Princess history.”

The "Love Line" Premium Liquors Collection

The success of Pantalones is a cornerstone of Princess Cruises’ broader "Love Line" Premium Liquors Collection. Recognizing that modern travelers are increasingly brand-conscious and willing to pay for premium spirits, Princess has curated a portfolio of celebrity-backed brands that offer both quality and narrative appeal.

In addition to the McConaugheys’ tequila, the Love Line includes:

• Hampton Water Rosé, founded by rock legend Jon Bon Jovi and his son, Jesse Bongiovi.
• Sláinte Irish Whiskey, co-founded by actor Liev Schreiber.
• TPH by Taraji, a lifestyle integration featuring actress Taraji P. Henson.
• Archer Roose Wine, backed by actress Elizabeth Banks.
• Kylie Minogue Wines, the eponymous brand from the international pop icon.

By aligning with these high-profile figures, Princess Cruises has transformed its beverage program from a secondary service into a primary attraction. These spirits are integrated into the "Princess Plus" and "Princess Premier" packages, which allow guests to enjoy premium drinks as part of an inclusive fare. This strategy was instrumental in the record-breaking attempt, as many guests participating in the event were already utilizing these beverage packages, facilitating the high volume of transactions recorded by the Guinness adjudicator.

Logistics of a World Record at Sea

Breaking a world record for drink sales on a moving vessel (or even one docked in port) presents unique challenges. The Regal Princess, a Royal-class ship with a capacity for approximately 3,560 guests, had to ensure that its supply chain was prepared for the surge. This involved stocking thousands of liters of margarita mix, hundreds of cases of Pantalones Tequila, and an immense supply of ice and salt.

The ship’s bartenders, often the unsung heroes of such events, underwent specific training to ensure the speed of service did not compromise the quality of the "handcrafted" 24K Margarita. The 3,410 drinks sold equate to roughly 426 margaritas every hour. When distributed across the ship’s primary bars—including the Piazza, the SeaView Bar, and the various poolside outposts—the logistics required precision timing and a constant flow of glassware.

The setting of the record in Cozumel was also strategically significant. Cozumel is one of the world’s most popular cruise destinations and a hub for Mexican culture, making it the ideal backdrop for a tequila-based world record. The "Western Caribbean" itinerary, which typically includes stops in Costa Maya, Roatán, and Cozumel, attracts a demographic that heavily favors tropical and tequila-based cocktails.

The Mixology of Rob Floyd

To ensure the beverage program remains innovative, Princess Cruises has partnered with celebrity mixologist Rob Floyd. Floyd has developed a specific lineup of cocktails featuring Pantalones Organic Tequila that goes beyond the standard margarita. These drinks are designed to appeal to various palates, ranging from spicy and bold to sweet and refreshing. By utilizing Floyd’s expertise, Princess has elevated the "cruise cocktail" to a craft level, rivaling high-end land-based mixology bars.

The Pantalones lineup is available in three expressions: Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo. While the Blanco was the star of the 24K Margarita record, the Reposado and Añejo variants are featured in "sipping flights" and more complex cocktails, catering to tequila aficionados who appreciate the nuances of aged agave spirits.

Broader Industry Implications

Princess Cruises’ record-breaking achievement reflects a broader trend in the cruise industry: the shift toward experiential and "Instagrammable" moments. Setting a Guinness World Record creates a sense of community among passengers, who feel they are part of a historic event rather than just observers.

Furthermore, the focus on organic spirits like Pantalones highlights an increasing consumer demand for transparency and sustainability in their consumption habits. Pantalones Organic Tequila is produced from 100% Blue Weber Agave and is certified organic, a detail that appeals to the health-conscious and environmentally aware traveler.

As the cruise line looks toward the future, the integration of these high-profile partnerships and record-setting events is expected to continue. With the Star Princess set to further showcase the McConaughey partnership, and the "Love Line" expanding its reach, Princess Cruises is positioning itself as a leader in the culinary and beverage space within the maritime world.

For travelers looking to experience these record-breaking cocktails themselves, Princess Cruises offers a variety of itineraries where the 24K Margarita remains a staple. More information regarding upcoming cruises, beverage packages, and the "Love Line" collection can be found through professional travel advisors, by contacting Princess Cruises directly at 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the official website at princess.com. As this latest world record proves, the "Love Boat" is not just about romance—it is about making history, one margarita at a time.