Costa Cruises, one of the largest cruise lines in the world, is accelerating its development on the Romanian market, driven by the growing interest in sea holidays and the significant growth potential of the cruise segment. For the Italian company, Romania is the second largest market in Central and Eastern Europe and the sixth in the EU, with an estimated annual growth of 5–10%.
As part of its strategy, Costa aims to strengthen local partnerships, increase brand visibility, and launch itineraries tailored to the evolving expectations of Romanian travelers. The company’s commitment to the Romanian market was reaffirmed during an event held in Bucharest at Scenario ONE Tower, attended by over 100 tourism partners and media representatives. On this occasion, the operator launched a new cruise holiday program dedicated to Romanian tourists.
“Romania represents a market with remarkable untapped potential, and our presence here reflects our strong confidence in its long-term growth. Romanian travelers increasingly seek authentic experiences, comfort, and discovery. Costa’s mission is to support this evolution by offering something truly distinctive: the perfect balance between the Italian Essence concept, innovative itineraries integrated with unique Sea & Land Destinations activities, and exceptional culinary experiences,” said Mirco Vassallo, International Region Director at Costa Cruises.
At the same time, Costa will soon launch its onboard application in Romanian, providing passengers with easy access to the daily activity program, restaurant menus, excursion details for each destination, and other onboard services.
Why Romania is an important market for Costa Cruises
Romania is one of the most promising and high-potential countries in Central and Eastern Europe. The cruise segment remains underdeveloped despite clear advantages: strong air connections from Bucharest to key ports such as Barcelona, Valencia, Rome (Civitavecchia), Copenhagen, Hamburg, Bari, and Athens; a population of 19 million people; and a growing economy.
Romanian tourists represent around 25% of Costa’s total passengers from Central and Eastern Europe. In recent years, Costa Cruises sales in Romania have increased by over 70% compared to 2023.
In 2025, Romania delivered strong double-digit growth in Costa’s operations, consolidating its position among the top-performing markets in Central and Eastern Europe and becoming an increasingly important contributor to the company’s international diversification strategy.
Embarkation ports are easily accessible for Romanians thanks to excellent flight connections from Bucharest, Cluj, Timișoara, and Iași to Barcelona, Rome (Civitavecchia), and Dubai. This connectivity supports the market’s growth potential.
According to market estimates, cruise penetration in Romania remains low (0.17%), with approximately 37,000 passengers in 2025. This number is expected to grow to 50,000 passengers by 2028. The annual market growth rate is estimated between 12% and 15%, while Costa is targeting a 7% increase in sales in Romania for 2026.
Preferred destinations and cruise pricing
More than half of Costa passengers (56%) choose Mediterranean cruises, 22% opt for the United Arab Emirates, while others prefer Northern Europe, the Canary Islands, or the Caribbean. The same trend is visible in Romania.
There is also growing interest in short 4–5 night mini-cruises, particularly among young travelers (25–35 years old) and young families (up to 40 years old).
All Inclusive cruise packages start from €599 per person. These include a 7-night stay with full board, the MyDrinks alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage package, accommodation in an inside cabin, and port taxes. The offer is valid until March 2 for one hundred cruises operating through December 2026.
A cruise is a holiday without seasonality, as there is always a perfect destination for relaxation and multi-destination exploration in 5-star comfort. The Mediterranean remains the main holiday choice for Romanians both in summer and in spring and autumn, thanks to mild temperatures and variety. Most tourists prefer Western Mediterranean itineraries with stops in Italy, France, and Spain, including spectacular destinations such as Marseille (Calanques), Naples–Capri, Ibiza, and Mallorca.
In August, Romanians can enjoy an extraordinary experience. The company has launched a Balearic Sea cruise during the total solar eclipse, a rare natural phenomenon not seen in the past 20 years. Costa Pacifica will be the only ship to stop sailing during the eclipse, allowing guests to fully enjoy this unique moment. Vacation packages including flights and transfers are already available through partner agencies at attractive rates.
Adrenaline seekers can opt for exceptional experiences such as swimming with sharks in Barcelona or mountain climbing and via ferrata routes in selected destinations.
The Greek Islands (Mykonos, Santorini) are among the most attractive options, including unique Sea Destinations experiences such as sailing above the deepest point of the Mediterranean Sea, the Calypso Deep (5,109 meters) in Greece, where the ship slows down to offer guests spectacular views of marine life, or near the Cetacean Sanctuary.
Northern Europe is chosen by Romanians who prefer nature and cooler temperatures, with Norwegian fjords and attractions such as Geiranger and the Seven Sisters Waterfall. In 2026, partner agencies are betting on this destination following last year’s strong interest, offering packages with included flights from several major Romanian cities.
During winter, Romanians choose exotic cruises in the Caribbean or in the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Qatar, enjoying warm beach days.
Romanians are increasingly attracted to cruise holidays due to competitive pricing, onboard facilities, and diversified itineraries that allow them to visit multiple destinations within a single trip.
During the event, Costa Cruises also presented its unique Sea & Land Destinations concept – the company’s flagship product combining exclusive Sea Destinations (immersive experiences enjoyed directly onboard) with carefully selected Land Destinations that enable deeper and more authentic exploration of each place.
Summer 2026 Cruises: Eastern and Western Mediterranean, Northern Europe
In the Western Mediterranean, guests can enjoy unique Sea Destinations experiences such as a sunrise concert in the Calanques National Park Bay, where a pianist performs at dawn among the scents of lavender, rosemary, and orange blossom, while the ship sails through the “fjords of the Mediterranean.” As a Land Destination, travelers can choose a memorable experience at the Barcelona Aquarium, where they can dive and swim alongside 11 sharks in a truly unique underwater adventure.
In Northern Europe, itineraries feature spectacular fjords, complemented by Sea Destinations such as sailing past the “Seven Sisters” waterfall, offering wide, unforgettable views of dramatic cliffs from an exclusive panoramic vantage point at sea.
Winter 2027 Cruises: Western Mediterranean, Caribbean, Arabian Gulf, and Canary Islands
In the Arabian Gulf, cruises aboard Costa Smeralda will sail to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Muscat. Among the Land Destinations is a 4×4 adventure across golden desert dunes, followed by traditional Bedouin-style hospitality.
In the Canary Islands, Costa itineraries aboard Costa Pacifica will explore some of the archipelago’s most spectacular islands — including Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, and Fuerteventura — offering a blend of volcanic landscapes, black-sand beaches, vibrant cities, and a distinctive local culture.
Through the event organized in Bucharest, Costa Cruises demonstrated its commitment not only to inspiring travelers but also to supporting the local community of travel agencies through dedicated tools, training programs, and co-marketing initiatives designed to strengthen its Romanian partners.
Globally, the cruise segment is growing at a faster pace than the overall tourism industry. In 2024, nearly 35 million people traveled by sea. Passenger numbers are projected to increase by over 30% in 2027 compared to 2019, according to CLIA – State of the Cruise Industry Report.
The company is also undergoing an extensive fleet renewal and modernization process, investing over €200 million to upgrade ships, modernize spaces, enhance design, and integrate the latest innovations. One example is Costa Serena, which recently resumed operations in Asia after a complete transformation. The ship now features a modern design reinterpreting figures from Greek mythology through bold colors and shapes inspired by pop art.