Costa Diadema arrived in Northern Europe earlier this month for the 2026 summer season. The Costa Cruises vessel began a series of seven-night cruises to the Norwegian Fjords from Kiel and Copenhagen on May 15.
During these voyages, the ship visits destinations in Norway, Germany and Denmark. Ports of call include Bergen, Stavanger, Flam, Alesund, Geiranger, Haugesund and Hellesylt. The summer season runs through mid-September, after which Costa Diadema will reposition to the Western Mediterranean.
Costa Cruises is placing a strong emphasis on flexibility and simplicity for the summer of 2026. For Mediterranean cruises booked before June 3, 2026, the company is offering its “Change for Free” formula, allowing guests to change their departure date or destination free of charge up to 30 days before sailing, subject to conditions.
According to the company, demand for vacations remains strong, while travelers increasingly value flexibility, straightforward travel options and departures from easily accessible ports. Costa Cruises is also highlighting its “Sea & Land Wonder” concept, which combines onboard experiences and shore excursions into one integrated journey.
For Northern Europe, Costa Cruises is focusing on nature and relaxation. Cruises aboard Costa Diadema include scenic passages through the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. Experiences at sea, such as observing the midnight sun, meditation sessions and activities inspired by the Scandinavian “Friluftsliv” lifestyle, are also part of the program.
After completing its Northern Europe deployment, Costa Diadema will reposition to the Western Mediterranean, where the ship will initially offer shorter cruises to Italy, Spain and France. Longer itineraries to Portugal, the United Kingdom and Morocco will follow. In early November, Costa Diadema will then return to South America on a trans-Atlantic repositioning cruise.
During the 2026-2027 winter season, Costa Diadema and Costa Serena will operate in South America. The program includes cruises ranging from three to nine nights departing from Santos, Itajaí and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, as well as Buenos Aires in Argentina and Montevideo in Uruguay.
Costa Diadema will kick off the season on Nov. 26, 2026, with three- and four-night mini-cruises from Santos and Itajaí to Ilhabela. Starting on Dec. 20, 2026, the ship will once again offer weekly seven-night cruises to Argentina and Uruguay, including calls in Buenos Aires and Montevideo. Guests will be able to embark in multiple ports along the itinerary.
Costa Serena will return to South America on Dec. 22, 2026, for the first time in more than ten years. After completing a 65-night cruise from Tokyo to Buenos Aires, the ship will offer cruises ranging from three to nine nights from Buenos Aires, Montevideo and Rio de Janeiro. Destinations include Punta del Este, Ilhabela and Balneário Camboriú.
According to Costa Cruises, Costa Serena now features several new amenities following a recent refurbishment in Asia.
At the end of the season, both ships will return to Europe on repositioning cruises. For Costa Diadema, this includes a 26-night trans-Atlantic crossing from Santos to Kiel departing on April 5, 2027.
Pictures Costa Cruises.
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