Costa Cruises presents the new era of experiential tourism

At the 2nd edition of the Costa Global Summit, held in Barcelona, ​​the Italian cruise line Costa Cruises presented its strategy and main innovations for 2026. The company focused on personalization, sustainability, and innovation as pillars of the transformation of cruise travel, consolidating its leadership in experiential tourism.

The presentation focused on the Sea & Land Wonder Platform, Costa Cruises' strategic proposal to offer unique travel experiences. Three fundamental pillars guided the company's presentation: itineraries, with exclusive destinations that allow passengers to discover iconic places in innovative ways; gastronomy, with an exceptional offering that transforms cuisine into an unforgettable sensory journey; and the fleet, with innovative and sustainable solutions that make each ship the ideal environment to experience wonder.

Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc, highlighted Costa's role within the world's largest cruise company, which represents 40% of the global market with more than 90 ships, 22,000 calls at more than 800 ports and nearly 13.5 million guests annually.

Costa is known for its "Sea and Land" itineraries, which combine experiences in different destinations with immersive onboard moments, and has been transforming cruising into the ideal vacation for over 75 years. Furthermore, it is a leader in sustainability, with innovations such as LNG-powered ships, food surplus donation programs, and energy optimization through artificial intelligence, continuing its path of innovation toward the future of cruise tourism and the creation of memorable experiences.

For his part, Mario Zanetti, CEO of Costa Cruises, presented the company's vision for 2026, highlighting how Costa anticipates and responds to new tourism trends: travelers seek connection, discovery, and personal expression. The company positions itself as an Experience Platform, offering exclusive itineraries that combine the wonder of the sea with authentic land-based exploration, focusing on emotion, personalization, innovation, and sustainability. This flexible approach allows the product to be adapted to the season, destination, and the desires of each guest.

Innovation and sustainability remain key pillars: from energy efficiency improvements on ships like the Costa Smeralda, to the use of artificial intelligence to personalize the experience even before booking. Costa thus seeks to create value for guests, partners, and communities, consolidating its position as a leader in cruises focused on meaningful and responsible experiences.

Unique experiences on board and at destination:
Costa Cruises' new offerings include exclusive itineraries from the Sea & Land Destinations collection and special cruises that celebrate wonder by connecting with the environment.

Western Mediterranean (Pacific Coast): Sunset landing on Tavolara Island for an unforgettable swim; special cruise to observe the solar eclipse in the Balearic Sea; land experiences such as a Mehari ride through Cassis or a Vespa ride through Rome.

Northern Europe (Costa Favolosa): visit to the Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord fjords; sunrise meditation in front of the Seven Sisters; Northern Lights experience for Cruise Club members.

Asia (Costa Serena): circumnavigation of Japan with scenic moments in iconic bays and sunset snacks in front of the Sakurajima volcano.

Caribbean (Fascinosa Coast and Pacific Coast): new exclusive destinations such as Cabo Rojo and Samaná, with private beaches, varied landscapes and unique adventures; Sea Party in Catalina Bay that combines music, atmosphere and sea.

To complete the 2026 offering, in spring there will be a selection of 3-4 day mini-cruises in the Mediterranean, aboard the Costa Fascinosa, designed for those who wish to experience the wonder of Costa in a shorter format, without sacrificing the quality and intensity of the experience.

“Expanding our portfolio with new itineraries is the clearest demonstration of our ability to create wonder with unique offerings in the tourism landscape. We continue to introduce innovations that enrich the travel experience, with a range from short mini-cruises to the 130+ day World Cruise. Unique offerings like the Sea & Land itineraries transform each voyage into a continuous journey of emotions, where the environment becomes an integral part of the experience. Unrepeatable events, such as the cruise dedicated to the solar eclipse or the magic of the Northern Lights, reflect our desire to showcase the beauty of the world and bring it to every moment of the cruise,” said Luigi Stefanelli, Vice President Worldwide Sales of Costa Cruises.

This expansion and these experiences consolidate Costa Cruises as a leader in innovation and personalization, offering trips that combine wonder, sustainability and connection with the environment.

Source: Costa Cruises