Costa Cruises aims for 10% growth in Romanian market

Business Forum
The Italian company Costa Cruises, part of cruise group Carnival Corporation, is strengthening its presence in Romania, targeting a nearly 10% growth.

Romanians make up approximately 25% of the total number of passengers from CEE for Costa Cruises. 

The company sees Romania as its second-strongest market in the region. Costa Cruises' sales in Romania have already increased by over 70% compared to 2023, and the company projects an annual growth of 5-10% over the next 3-5 years. For 2026, the company is aiming for a 7% increase in sales.

To support its expansion, Costa Cruises has been investing in strategic partnerships with tourism suppliers, tour operators, and resellers. 

Alessandro Bottaro, International Markets Director, Costa Cruises, said: "Romanian tourists are enthusiastically welcoming our recent innovations, in particular the launch of the Sea Destinations concept: unique and captivating experiences, offered exclusively by Costa Cruises."

Romanians are choosing cruises over traditional vacations because they provide an all-inclusive package at a comparable price to a stay in Turkey or Greece. The cost for a cruise starts from €600 per person, depending on the cabin, itinerary, and duration. 

The most popular destinations for Romanian passengers are Mediterranean cruises (56%), followed by the United Arab Emirates (22%), and then Northern Europe, the Canary Islands, and the Caribbean. 

Mini-cruises of 4-5 nights are also becoming popular, especially among young people (25-35 years old) and young families (up to 40 years old), representing about 7% of the company's total sales. 

The company's fleet currently consists of 9 ships, all sailing under the Italian flag.

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Business Forum  |  30 January, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Business Forum  |  30 January, 2026 at 4:00 PM