Business Forum • 11 September, 2025 at 6:53 PM
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.