Costa Serena Will Return to South America in 2026
The cruise ship arrives in Buenos Aires this December to begin its first regional season in 15 years.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Cruises
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Costa Cruises is bringing the Costa Serena to South American waters for the 2026-27 season following a 15-year absence. The vessel will conclude a world cruise in Buenos Aires on December 22, 2026, to officially begin its operations in the region.
Why it matters
The company is recalibrating its regional presence by focusing on specific itineraries and branded onboard experiences rather than short-duration trips. This shift aims to optimize ship deployment as leadership prepares for a transition in top management.
The Costa Serena will offer seven- to nine-night cruises, while the Costa Diadema will provide three- to seven-night itineraries from ports including Santos, Itajaí, and Buenos Aires. The season excludes Brazil's Northeast coast for the third consecutive year.
The players
Costa Cruises
This Italian cruise line operates a fleet of ships and is a subsidiary of the Carnival Corporation.
Jorge Serrano de Vidales
He is the incoming president for the Americas who is scheduled to assume his leadership position in January 2027.
Dario Rustico
He is the outgoing president for the Americas who announced his departure in August 2026 after five years in the role.
The details
The Costa Serena will host two themed Sea Destinations parties anchored off the coasts of Copacabana and Balneário Camboriú to enhance the guest experience. This deployment reflects a strategic decision to bypass short three- and four-night cruises from Santos in favor of longer regional voyages.
Timeline
December 22, 2026: Costa Serena concludes its world cruise in Buenos Aires.
January 2027: Jorge Serrano de Vidales begins his role as president for the Americas.
2026-27 season: Costa Serena operates throughout the South American region.
Roadmap
This deployment marks a departure from the strategy used in the 2025-26 Costa Favolosa short cruise itineraries from Santos. By adjusting its regional service, the cruise line is shifting its operational model to prioritize longer voyages over the short-duration trips previously favored.
Travelers looking to book the 2026-27 season should note that the Costa Serena will exclusively feature seven- to nine-night durations. Those preferring shorter trips will need to select itineraries aboard the Costa Diadema, which continues to operate out of Santos and Itajaí.
The takeaway
Travelers should monitor future capacity updates to see if the company successfully lowers operational costs enough to justify a return to Northeast Brazil. Booking early for the upcoming season is advised as the line shifts its primary focus toward longer, themed coastal experiences.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments across the industry in our Cruises section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cruise Industry News.
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