Cruise Line Fleet Shrinking Again As Another Ship Sold

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Costa Cruises, a leading name in the Italian cruise market, has confirmed that the 2,700-guest Costa Fortuna, its longest-serving vessel, will leave the fleet in September 2026.

The announcement on 9th May 2025 is the latest in a series of changes for the cruise line, which has been gradually reducing its fleet over the past few years.

Costa Fortuna cruise ship

Costa Fortuna, a Destiny-class ship that began service in 2003, is set to continue offering a series of Mediterranean sailings through 2025, with departures from Barcelona, Marseille, and Savona.

In December 2025, she will reposition to the Canary Islands, offering a winter season of island cruises.

The ship will return to the Mediterranean in April 2026 for a final season, featuring Greek and Turkish itineraries from Athens and Istanbul before her transfer to a new, yet-to-be-disclosed owner.

Despite the significance of the move, Costa Cruises has provided no specific reason for Costa Fortuna’s departure.

However, the decision is in line with a trend that has seen three other Costa ships leave the fleet in recent years.

Costa Luminosa, Costa Venezia, and Costa Firenze were all transferred to sister brand Carnival Cruise Line, where they now sail as Carnival Luminosa, Carnival Venezia, and Carnival Firenze.

Strategic Path and Fleet Changes

Costa’s Strategic Path, a five-year plan launched in 2021, has focused on upgrading its fleet and enhancing guest experiences.

So far, the brand has invested 200 million euros ($225 million USD) in renovations, including the upcoming refurbishment of the 3,700-guest Costa Serena, which is scheduled to complete a dry-dock overhaul by November 2025.

Costa Serena will emerge with newly renovated suites, redesigned pools, updated lounges, and a fresh food court, featuring new dining options like Pizzeria Pummid’Oro and Sushino@Costa.

Following these enhancements, the ship will embark on a world cruise from Tokyo to Buenos Aires in 2026, before settling into South American itineraries for the 2027 winter season.

With the departure of Costa Fortuna, Costa Cruises will operate with eight ships: Costa Serena, Costa Toscana, Costa Smeralda, Costa Deliziosa, Costa Diadema, Costa Fascinosa, Costa Favolosa, and Costa Pacifica.

There are currently no new ship orders pending, suggesting that Costa will maintain a streamlined fleet in the near future.

Costa’s sister brand Carnival Cruise Line has also benefited from Costa’s fleet adjustments, adopting three of Costa’s vessels as part of its Fun Italian Style concept.

While Costa Cruises’ fleet has been shrinking, the brand maintains a focus on enhancing guest experiences through ship renovations and expanded itineraries.

According to Mario Zanetti, president of Costa Cruises, this strategy aims to provide “unmatched experiences” while balancing innovation, sustainability, and value.

“We are also investing in our fleet to enhance onboard experience and introducing new itineraries, including Costa Serena’s new deployment for 2026-2027,” Zanetti stated.

With Costa Fortuna set to sail into new waters under a different owner, Costa Cruises looks to the future with a refined fleet and a commitment to high-quality Italian cruising.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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