While Europe prepares for the coldest days of the year, across the Atlantic summer seems to last forever. White sand beaches, turquoise waters, lush rainforests, and vibrant cities beckon you to swap your coat for a swimsuit and discover a new way to enjoy winter. It's an opportunity to explore the Caribbean and South America from a different perspective, combining the excitement of discovering new destinations with the pleasure of fine dining, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences aboard Costa Cruises.
For the 2026-2027 fall/winter season, the company is offering a variety of itineraries through the Antilles, the Caribbean, and South America, where each port of call provides a new opportunity for discovery. But the experience doesn't end when you return to the ship. Sea Destinations transform certain moments of the voyage into unique experiences, from stargazing in the darkness of the ocean to celebrating against unforgettable backdrops. Meanwhile, Land Experiences allow you to discover each destination in different ways, adapting to the interests and preferences of each traveler, thanks to their wide range of excursions.
Three ways to discover the Caribbean and the Antilles
The Caribbean is home to islands with very different landscapes and cultures. From the volcanic terrain of St. Lucia to the beaches of Tortola, and from the Creole traditions to the vibrant atmosphere of the French Antilles, each island offers a unique perspective on this region.
The Costa Fascinosa, inspired by the world of film, theater, and opera, will host two eight-day itineraries. The first, Antilles Collection, explores the Lesser Antilles from mid-December to early March. The itinerary departs from La Romana/Santo Domingo and continues to the darkest point in the Caribbean, a Sea Destination that, as night falls, reveals a different side of the Caribbean in a veritable sea of stars, before arriving in Castries, St. Lucia, and Bridgetown, Barbados. The voyage continues with a nighttime experience in Guadeloupe Bay, followed by visits to Pointe-à-Pitre, Basseterre, St. Kitts, and Road Harbour, Tortola.
On this route, some of the most special moments happen far from the coast. Sailing through the Caribbean Sea, the reduced light pollution allows you to contemplate the night sky in an experience guided by the captain. Later, in the bay of Guadeloupe, the experience shifts gears with a celebration under the moon, live music, lights, and performances that bring the festive atmosphere of the Antilles to the open sea.
Also aboard the Costa Fascinosa, Caribbean Heart offers a tour of some of the Caribbean's most iconic landscapes between late December and late February. Departing from La Romana/Santo Domingo, the route visits Catalina Island and continues with a Sea Destination cruise in its bay, before heading to Cabo Rojo, Grand Turk, Puerto Plata, and Arroyo Barril, with an additional experience in the Turks and Caicos Islands archipelago.
Catalina Bay transforms into a vibrant party scene inspired by tropical rhythms and the region's pirate past, while the Turks and Caicos experience blends sunset colors with Caribbean music and atmosphere. On land, the route offers a chance to discover everything from crystal-clear beaches to the natural wonders of Samaná. Among the available Land Experiences are a visit to the Cave of Wonders, with its pre-Columbian cave paintings, and a day at the Damajagua waterfalls, combining hiking and natural pools.
The third option, the Virgin Islands and French Antilles, takes place aboard the Costa Favolosa, a ship that combines elegant décor with spaces for leisure and relaxation. For eight days, from the end of November to the end of December, the route connects Santo Domingo, Road Harbour, Basseterre, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and St. John's in Antigua.
In this itinerary, the darkest point in the Antilles once again makes the night sky the star attraction, with a pause for stargazing on the open sea. Meanwhile, Martinique's bay transforms into a celebratory stage inspired by the island's carnival, complete with traditional costumes, percussion, and vibrant colors. Back on land, travelers can get up close to the Antillean wildlife at Parc des Mamelles in Guadeloupe, or sail by catamaran to the protected islet of Gosier, surrounded by reefs, colorful fish, and pristine beaches, or enjoy other Land Experiences.
South America, between large cities and tropical landscapes
Across the Atlantic, the Southern Hemisphere summer offers a different perspective on the European winter. The Costa Serena will cruise the coasts of Brazil and Argentina on a ten-day route connecting Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Balneário Camboriú, Abraão (on Ilha Grande), Rio de Janeiro, and Ilhabela. The streets of Buenos Aires, the landscapes of the Brazilian coast, and the silhouette of Rio de Janeiro against the ocean are all part of a journey where nature and urban life unfold at every stop.
The proposal combines the urban energy of capital cities with beaches, bays, and natural spaces. Camboriú Bay is the star of a Sea Destination cruise that allows you to admire the skyscrapers of this Brazilian destination from the sea, in an experience that blends the coastal landscape with a celebration on board. Further along, Copacabana Bay offers a privileged view of Rio de Janeiro at sunset, with the city skyline as a backdrop.
Land Experiences offer a deeper exploration of this diversity through their wide range of excursions. In Buenos Aires, one option combines the city's flavors and colors with a tango show; in Rio, an off-road excursion ventures into the Tijuca Forest, amidst lush vegetation and waterfalls. In Ilhabela, a sailing trip allows you to discover its beaches and natural corners from the water.
The season also includes a special New Year's Eve cruise: the Copacabana New Year's Eve Cruise, aboard the Costa Serena, scheduled to depart from December 27th and return to January 5th. The itinerary connects Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Balneário Camboriú, Abraão, Rio de Janeiro, and Ilhabela, and features an exclusive Sea Destination in Copacabana Bay to watch the New Year's Eve fireworks from the ship. The celebration continues onboard with a White Party and Brazilian rhythms, a unique way to welcome the new year in the heart of the Southern Hemisphere summer.
On-land experiences for every way to travel
Not all travelers are the same, nor do they seek the same things in each new destination. Some prefer to explore the most iconic landmarks, others prefer to immerse themselves in nature, and still others find the best travel memories in shared experiences. With this in mind, Land Experiences are organized into four categories, developed in collaboration with local experts, allowing each stop to be tailored to different travel styles.
See it All offers a comprehensive view of the destination in a single day, such as a tour of Barbados's main attractions or a panoramic off-road tour of Antigua. Icons focuses on places that represent the history and heritage of each stop, such as Virgin Gorda and its beaches or the Cave of Wonders.
For those seeking less conventional activities, Extraordinary includes options like exploring the jungle in a 4x4 or zip-lining in San Cristóbal. Meanwhile, Fun for Family is designed for sharing experiences as a family, with activities adapted to different ages and interests, all taking place simultaneously. These include a submarine excursion to discover the marine life of Barbados or a trip to observe humpback whales in Samaná.
A destination in itself
On board, each ship offers its own personality, from the artistic inspiration of the Costa Fascinosa to the elegance of the Costa Favolosa and the contemporary design of the Costa Serena, renovated in 2025 with a design that reinterprets the Greco-Roman aesthetic with a POP ART language.
On all three ships, gastronomy takes center stage, with Archipelago, Costa's flagship restaurant. Its offerings include three tasting menus created by Michelin-starred chefs Ángel León, Bruno Barbieri, and Hélène Darroze, featuring dishes that explore the relationship between seafood and local produce, drawing inspiration from Spanish, Italian, and French cuisine. To complete moments of relaxation, the Solemio Spa offers wellness areas with a thermal water circuit, sauna, and hammam, as well as the opportunity to unwind while gazing at the horizon at sea.
With over 75 years of experience in the travel industry, this winter Costa Cruises invites you to discover the Caribbean, the Antilles, and South America from a different perspective, combining the richness of each port of call with the comfort and amenities of its ships. It's a way to take a break from winter and transform a getaway across the ocean into an unforgettable vacation or the perfect summer trip, amidst tropical landscapes, new cultures, and experiences to cherish.
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