Costa Cruises to Bring Sea Destinations to South America

Costa Cruises will extend its Sea Destinations initiative to South America in early 2027, adding two Brazil-focused at-sea experiences aboard the 2007-built Costa Serena. The new programming will be offered on longer cruises between Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, with events tied to Balneario Camboriu and Rio de Janeiro.

The expansion brings to South America a concept Costa introduced in early 2024 on Mediterranean and Northern Europe itineraries, using navigation time for destination-linked programming. Serena moves to the region after more than a decade in Asia.

Two Brazil experiences added to the program

The first new event, Baia de Camboriu, is planned as Costa Serena departs Balneario Camboriu. Costa describes the experience as an ocean-skyline party, with the city’s high-rise waterfront visible from the ship as the program incorporates Brazilian music and themed onboard activity.

Baia de Copacabana will be staged with Serena anchored off Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro during golden hour. The setting will use views of Sugarloaf Mountain, the Copacabana skyline and Rio’s evening lights as the backdrop for a sunset-focused event with Brazilian rhythms and other onboard experiences.

In the broader Sea Destinations format, Costa ships can slow or stop at selected navigation points so guests can take part in activities only available from the sea, including scenic events, stargazing and themed parties. Costa has already used the concept in European bays, straits, fjords and dark-sky locations.

Costa fields two ships in the 2026-27 South America season

Costa Serena’s South America schedule includes three- to nine-night cruises from Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro and Montevideo. Calls include Ilha Grande, Ilhabela and Punta del Este, as well as a Copacabana stop timed for the beach’s New Year’s fireworks display.

Costa Diadema will also sail in South America during the same winter season. The 2014-built ship is scheduled mainly on seven-night cruises calling Santos, Itajai, Montevideo and Buenos Aires, with embarkation available in each port of call.

Serena’s repositioning from Asia

Ahead of the South America program, Costa Serena is operating its farewell season in Asia with departures from Naha in Japan and Keelung in Taiwan, followed by a September China farewell from Shanghai. The ship is also scheduled to be docked in Nagoya from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4, 2026, as athlete accommodation during the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and Para Games.

Serena is then due to sail a 65-night world cruise from Tokyo to Buenos Aires in late October, with calls in Australia, the South Pacific and South America. Costa completed a late-2025 refit of the vessel under its 200-million-euro fleet revitalization program, updating interiors and public spaces and adding dining venues including Sushino@Costa and Pizzeria Pummid’Oro.

After the South America season, Costa Serena is scheduled to reposition to Europe in early 2027 and take over the deployment now operated by Costa Fortuna. The 2003-built Fortuna was sold in 2025. Margaritaville at Sea takes delivery in September.

See current Costa Serena fares and itineraries on Cruise Lookup.