Costa Crociere reshapes cruise offerings as European market expands

Costa Crociere, the Italian brand of Carnival Corporation, is redesigning its cruise programme around emotional experiences. The company plans to invest more than €200 million to renew its fleet and to launch a "Sea&Land Wonder" platform that gives equal weight to time at sea and shore‑based activities. New itineraries will run year‑round in the Mediterranean and include two world‑circumnavigation voyages, with a strategic focus on 2027.

The global cruise sector continues to grow, reaching about 37.7 million passengers in 2025. Italy remains the third‑largest European market with over 1.1 million cruisers and accounts for roughly 35 % of Mediterranean cruise traffic. In France, 583 600 passengers embarked in 2025, returning the country to the world’s top‑10 markets. Average daily fares rose from €84 to €115, while trip lengths fell to around 11 days, with 6‑8‑day cruises still most popular. Demand for Alaska, Norwegian fjords and Antarctica has surged, and smaller ships and upscale river cruises are gaining market share. Couples, families and solo travellers now shape the profile of cruise customers.