Costa Launches Themed Cruise Concepts Focused on Experience

From Summer 2027, Costa Cruises will take its Sea & Land Wonder Platform to the next level. The cruise line is introducing a new concept in which the route itself is no longer central, but rather the emotions and experiences connected to places. Wonder is intended to accompany every stage of the journey, both at sea and on land.

According to Costa, Summer 2027 marks an important turning point in the way cruises are designed. As travellers increasingly seek beauty, authenticity and meaningful experiences, the company is embracing a new approach: no longer a succession of ports, but carefully developed travel concepts with their own identity.

A walk through Portofino, a fiery sunset in front of Stromboli experienced from the sea, an evening swim along the cliffs of Tavolara or a sunrise in the clear waters of Formentera are examples of experiences designed to bring the essence of a destination to life.

This evolution builds on the Sea & Land Wonder Platform introduced by Costa in 2024. The concept connects destinations at sea and on land into one integrated travel experience. According to the cruise line, navigation itself has once again become a central element: no longer simply a transfer between destinations, but an emotional part of the holiday.

“When we launched Sea & Land Wonder, we wanted to place wonder at the centre of every moment of the journey,” says Francesco Muglia, Chief Commercial Officer and SVP of Costa Cruises. “The results show that travellers are increasingly choosing authentic experiences that create lasting memories. With the new itinerary concepts from Summer 2027 onwards, we are taking another step forward: each cruise starts from a clear vision and develops into a coherent journey full of iconic locations and memorable moments.”

Research by Costa shows that 85 per cent of partners consider coherence in the travel experience an important factor when selecting an itinerary. Interest in the new concepts is also five per cent higher, according to the company.

Summer 2027: Every Cruise Gets Its Own Identity

From Summer 2027, itineraries will no longer be determined solely by geography but will be built around a clear theme. Each cruise will have a recognisable identity and name.

Dolce Vita aboard Costa Fascinosa takes travellers to Mediterranean icons such as Taormina and Stromboli Bay, where the volcano provides the backdrop for a spectacular sunset at sea.

Golden Islands, also aboard Costa Fascinosa, takes guests to the golden bays of Palma de Mallorca, the transparent waters of Formentera and the Tavolara nature reserve, where an exclusive sunset swim is planned. The itinerary ends in the Gulf of Aranci with live DJ sets, saxophone and percussion during golden hour.

In the Eastern Mediterranean, Blue Islands aboard Costa Serena explores the different shades of Greek blue: from Mykonos to Athens, Kefalonia and Cape Sounion, where the Temple of Poseidon overlooks the Aegean Sea.

Costa is also introducing several other concepts. Lights of the Mediterranean focuses on the unique light of the Western Mediterranean, while Sea of Lights highlights the contrasts between Greece and Turkey. Aegean Icons connects classic destinations such as Venice, Santorini and Mykonos, while Aegean Islands follows a more natural and cultural route through Corfu, Crete and the Cyclades.

Adriatic & Cyclades combines historic coastal towns with open bays, Seaside Dreams focuses on idyllic coastal landscapes and Nordic Souls brings the same philosophy to Northern Europe, travelling through fjords, Scandinavian cities and coastal villages.

One of the highlights of Summer 2027 will once again be the Eclipse Cruise. Following the success of the sold-out 2026 edition, Costa Fascinosa will host another total solar eclipse experience at sea on 2 August 2027.

Summer 2026: Wonder as a Common Thread

The new vision will already become visible from Summer 2026 through the existing Sea & Land itineraries.

At the heart of the concept are the Sea Destinations: carefully selected locations at sea where the ship slows down or pauses to create a special experience. Land Destinations complement this with surprising and authentic excursions ashore.

In the Western Mediterranean, Costa Smeralda, Costa Toscana and Costa Pacifica offer renewed itineraries including Barcelona, Marseille, Palma de Mallorca, Palermo and Naples. Experiences at sea include a stop off Capri at sunset or a concert at sunrise in Calanques National Park.

In the Eastern Mediterranean, Costa Fascinosa, Costa Deliziosa and Costa Fortuna connect cities such as Athens, Istanbul and Dubrovnik with unique moments at sea, including cultural performances during passages through locations such as the Dardanelles.

In Northern Europe, nature and landscapes take centre stage aboard Costa Diadema and Costa Favolosa, with itineraries featuring Geirangerfjord, Scandinavian cities, the Scottish Highlands, Icelandic geysers and Arctic panoramas.

Autumn and Winter 2026–2027: Wonder Has No Season

Costa continues this direction beyond the summer months.

The introduction of Costa Smeralda in the Canary Islands creates a new Atlantic experience featuring volcanic landscapes, dramatic lighting conditions and stargazing during Canary Sea Darkest Spot.

In winter, the concept expands further. In the Mediterranean, itineraries travel through Andalusia and North Africa. In the Caribbean, Costa Fascinosa and Costa Favolosa introduce new Sea Destinations built around different moments of the day, from sunsets to stargazing at sea.

From March 2027, Costa Toscana will also introduce Balearic Sea Darkest Spot, giving the Mediterranean after dark a new and prominent role.

According to Luigi Stefanelli, Vice President Sales at Costa Cruises, Summer 2027 represents more than an expansion of the offering. “The choice of a cruise is shifting from ‘where do I want to go?’ to ‘what do I want to experience?’. In doing so, we reinforce cruising as a complete, flexible and surprising holiday option.”

Pictures Costa Cruises.

Contact us for additional information about Costa Cruises.

Sign up for our newsletter and receive more travel tips and inspiration!

ALSO READ: MSC Cruises Raises Hotel Service Charges

Leave a Reply