Costa Cruises expands Asia itineraries with cruises centred on Japan, Korea, and China

Costa Cruises will introduce two new Asia-focused itineraries for Costa Serena in 2026, expanding its operational footprint in the region with routes centred on Japan, Korea, and China.

The deployment follows earlier scheduling announcements for late 2025 and early 2026 and adds further variety to the line’s presence in East Asian waters.

The first itinerary departs on June 1^st, 2026 and spans 11 days across South Korea, Japan, and China. Leaving from Seoul (Incheon), the ship will call in Busan before sailing to Sasebo, Yatsushiro, Kagoshima, and Nagasaki.

The itinerary ends with an overnight stay in Shanghai and combines large urban centres with smaller coastal cities, covering a wide range of cultural, historical, and geographical settings at the start of the summer season, when regional tourism traditionally begins to increase.

A second 11-day itinerary, beginning on October 7^th, 2026, focuses primarily on Japan during the autumn period. Departing from Tokyo (Yokohama), the programme includes an overnight call in Kobe and continues to Kochi, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Busan, Kanazawa, and Hokkaido (Hakodate).

The schedule reflects the seasonal appeal of Japan’s autumn foliage, a period marked by heightened domestic and international travel, and highlights the differences between Japan’s varied regional landscapes—from the Kansai region’s port cities to Kyushu’s volcanic terrain and the cooler climate of northern Hokkaido.

“Our offering in Asia with Costa Serena for 2026 is truly unique in today’s travel landscape: an exclusive opportunity to discover the wonders of the East, from iconic destinations to lesser-known gems,” said Luigi Stefanelli, Vice President Worldwide Sales Costa Cruises. “From Korea to Japan and Southeast Asia, we provide itineraries that combine authenticity, charm, and comfort, making extraordinary experiences accessible thanks to our ‘fly & cruise’ formula, which allows guests to reach Asia effortlessly.”

“Moreover, following its recent restyling, Costa Serena now boasts an even more contemporary, vibrant look, designed to deliver a travel experience full of wonder, signed Costa Cruises,” he added.

Costa Serena recently underwent an extensive refurbishment that included updates to dining areas, pools, outdoor spaces, cabins, and entertainment venues.

The ship completed a 10-day inaugural sailing after the refit on November 12^th, 2025, operating between Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan.

Throughout 2026 it will continue to operate across Asia on two alternating 14-day itineraries: one covering Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea; the other visiting Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, and the Philippines. The itineraries can also be combined into a 28-day extended voyage.

In addition to the new regional routes, Costa Serena is scheduled to begin a 66-day World Cruise on October 18^th, 2026, departing from Tokyo and crossing Asia, Oceania, and South America before concluding in Buenos Aires.

Later in the year, the ship will also serve as a floating hotel for a major international sporting event in Japan, during which it will be moored in Nagoya to accommodate athletes and delegations.