Costa Diadema and fully renewed Costa Serena sail South America in 2026/2027; launch offers 30% off cruise fares.
Costa Diadema and Costa Serena confirmed for South America
Costa Cruises has opened sales for its 2026/2027 South America season. From November 2026 to April 2027, Costa Diadema and Costa Serena will operate cruises of 3 to 9 nights along the Brazilian coast and the River Plate region.
Embarkations are available from Santos, Itajaí, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Montevideo. Guests can choose between short 3- and 4-night getaways and longer itineraries of up to 9 nights.
The routes combine Brazilian beaches, the charm of Buenos Aires and Montevideo’s historic atmosphere. The company reinforces its focus on classic destinations highly demanded by South American guests.
Costa Diadema: short breaks and River Plate itineraries
Highly rated in the region, Costa Diadema starts its season on 23 November 2026, offering 3- and 4-night mini-cruises along the Brazilian coast. Departures are from Santos and Itajaí, with calls at Ilhabela.
These mini-cruises will run in November and December 2026 and again between late March and early April 2027. They are ideal for guests seeking shorter breaks at sea.
From the Christmas cruise departing on 20 December 2026, Costa Diadema switches to 7-night itineraries to the River Plate, including Buenos Aires and Montevideo. Embarkations continue from Santos and Itajaí until mid-March 2027.
Costa Serena: pop-styled ship arrives after World Cruise
Fully refurbished in 2025, Costa Serena debuts in South America with a new pop-inspired design and a theme drawn from the world of gods. The ship features a revamped food court, redesigned pools and updated suites.
Before reaching South America, Costa Serena will operate a 65-night World Cruise from Tokyo to Buenos Aires, visiting 14 countries, 26 destinations and 14 islands. The journey includes Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Indonesia, Australia and Pacific islands.
The ship then sails into South American waters, calling at Chile, Uruguay and Argentina, and concludes the voyage in Buenos Aires on 22 December 2026. On the same date, Costa Serena departs on its first cruise of the 2026/2027 South America season.
Guests can also book a 14-night segment through Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, embarking in San Antonio/Santiago, Chile, on 8 December and disembarking in Buenos Aires on 22 December 2026.
Regular Rio-based itineraries to Argentina and Uruguay
From January to March 2027, Costa Serena will sail regular 8- and 9-night itineraries to Argentina and Uruguay, with embarkation in Rio de Janeiro. These cruises also include stops in Ilhabela, Balneário Camboriú and Ilha Grande.
The combination of urban destinations, beaches and scenic landscapes offers a varied experience on a single trip. The ship targets guests looking for extended holidays in the region.
Transatlantic cruises between Europe and Brazil
The program also features Europe–Brazil and Brazil–Europe transatlantic sailings on Costa Diadema and Costa Serena. These cruises link historic cities and major ports across both sides of the Atlantic.
On Costa Diadema, the Europe–Brazil voyage departs Savona (Italy) on 2 November 2026, calling at Barcelona, Málaga, Cádiz, Lisbon, Las Palmas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Mindelo (Cape Verde) before reaching Maceió, Salvador and Rio de Janeiro, with final disembarkation in Santos on 23 November.
The return Brazil–Europe cruise leaves Santos on 5 April 2027 for 26 nights, visiting Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Maceió, Praia (Cape Verde), Las Palmas, Casablanca (Morocco), Málaga, Leixões (Portugal), Vigo, Le Havre (France), Southampton (UK) and Arhus (Denmark), ending in Kiel (Germany) on 30 April 2027.
On Costa Serena, the Brazil–Europe crossing departs Rio de Janeiro on 8 April 2027. Over 19 nights, the ship calls at Recife, Mindelo, Las Palmas, Funchal (Portugal), Cádiz, Málaga, Barcelona and Marseille, arriving in Savona on 27 April 2027.
Launch offer: 30% off cruise fares
To celebrate the launch of the 2026/2027 South America season, Costa is offering 30% off the cruise fare. The promotion applies to bookings made until 27 February 2026.
The discount is valid for the 1st to 4th guests in inside, ocean-view and balcony cabins, under MyCruise and All Inclusive fares. It covers all sailings on Costa Diadema and Costa Serena and does not apply to group bookings.
According to Dario Rustico, Costa Cruises’ Executive President for the Americas, deploying two flagship vessels in the region underscores the company’s long-term commitment. He highlights the combination of strong itinerary options and an upgraded onboard product.
“Brazil and South America are priority, strategic markets for Costa, and confirming two iconic ships for the 2026/2027 season reinforces our long-term commitment. Alongside a robust offer of classic destinations most requested by our guests, bringing the fully revamped Costa Serena together with the already acclaimed Costa Diadema guarantees an authentic, unparalleled travel experience with the best in hospitality, service, gastronomy and entertainment on board,” says Rustico.
All cruises can be paid in up to 12 interest-free installments on credit card via the Costa website and the Costa Extra portal, dedicated to travel agencies.
Onboard highlights: Costa Diadema
Costa Diadema features 11 restaurants, including Teppanyaki, Sushino at Costa, La Fiorentina Steak House and Pizzeria Pummid’Oro, plus 12 bars such as the Aperol Spritz Bar, Carlsberg Country Rock Club and Gelateria Amarillo.
Guests have access to the Solemio Spa with thermal area, thalassotherapy pool and treatment rooms, as well as a casino, shopping gallery, gym and theater. Outdoor facilities include a jogging track, sports court and 11 pools and hot tubs.
Families find dedicated spaces for younger guests, including the Squok Club and Teen Zone. The ship is designed to meet the needs of different age groups on the same voyage.
Costa Serena: pop aesthetics and renewed spaces
With 1,500 cabins, 505 of them with balcony, Costa Serena offers 7 pools and Jacuzzis, theater, casino, shopping area, gym and sports court. The Solemio Spa spans 6,000 m² with sauna, Turkish bath, treatment rooms and a beauty salon.
For babies, children and teenagers, the ship includes Squok Baby, Squok Club and Teen Zone. Dining options comprise 8 restaurants, such as Archipelago, The Salty Beach Street Food, Sushino at Costa and Pizzeria Pummid’Oro, and 9 bars, including Wine Bar, Aperol Spritz Bar, Sunset Bar and Gelateria Cioccolateria Amarillo.
The redesigned ship showcases a pop visual language, with vibrant colors, bold shapes and innovative materials. The atrium has become a “Temple of Light”, conceived as a design centerpiece rather than a simple passageway.
New venues include a revamped Pizzeria Pummid’Oro, dominated by a giant modern Atlas holding a tomato, and Sushino at Costa, where a golden mermaid merges with the walls to create a theatrical effect. A hidden bar further adds surprise with mysterious atmospheres and signature cocktails.
A new food court, redesigned outdoor pools and lounges, and upgraded cabins and suites complete the experience. Since 2021, Costa has invested over €200 million in a renovation plan covering its entire fleet.
About Costa Cruises
Costa Cruises is an Italian company based in Genoa and part of Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest cruise group. For over 75 years, Costa ships have sailed the globe, taking guests to around 200 destinations with unique experiences on board and ashore.
The current fleet comprises nine ships, all flying the Italian flag, operating in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean, Central America, South America and the United Arab Emirates. The company also offers World Cruises and Grand Voyages, visiting multiple continents in a single itinerary.