Costa Cruises has officially announced a strategic update to its Winter 2025-26 deployment, canceling all previously scheduled Middle East voyages and instead enhancing its Mediterranean and Northern Africa offerings. This decision, according to the company, is due to ongoing geopolitical instability in the Middle East that complicates long-term itinerary planning and passenger safety.
The Costa Toscana, originally set to sail in the Arabian Gulf with calls to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other Middle Eastern ports, will now remain stationed in the Western Mediterranean. The new schedule includes weeklong and extended itineraries that showcase historic European cities and culturally rich North African destinations, offering a reliable and immersive alternative for winter cruise enthusiasts.
New Focus on Mediterranean and North Africa Travel Experiences
The Costa Toscana will operate from the Italian port of Savona until November 13, 2025, covering destinations across Italy, Spain, and France. Travelers will have the chance to experience timeless European coastal cities such as Barcelona, Rome, Marseille, and Palermo. This adjustment ensures that guests can continue to enjoy vibrant cultures, UNESCO heritage sites, and iconic seaside landscapes without disruption.
Following this period, the Costa Toscana will embark on a special repositioning voyage to Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands. The 7-day sailing opens up access to one of Europe’s most beloved warm-weather winter escapes. With its volcanic scenery, year-round sun, and black-sand beaches, Tenerife has emerged as a favorite for European travelers looking for a relaxed yet scenic getaway.
This transition also aligns with wider regional tourism trends. According to the European Travel Commission, demand for Mediterranean destinations remains strong due to their diverse cultural offerings and stable infrastructure. Likewise, Canary Islands tourism continues to perform well, with over 14 million international tourists visiting in 2024, per Spain’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism.
Cultural Revival of Northern Africa Cruises
Beyond Europe, Costa Cruises’ shift highlights a renewed interest in North African destinations such as Morocco and Tunisia. Upcoming itineraries include ports of call in cities like Casablanca, Tunis, and La Goulette, allowing travelers to experience Arab, Berber, and Mediterranean cultures all within one journey.
In Morocco, cruisers can explore the famed medinas of Marrakech, the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, and the Sahara’s edge in Agadir. Tunisia offers Roman archaeological treasures in Carthage and El Djem, along with a rising number of eco-tourism and desert-themed excursions promoted by the Tunisian National Tourist Office.
This regional expansion comes as Northern Africa strengthens its cruise tourism partnerships. For example, Tunisia recently signed cooperation agreements with multiple cruise lines and port authorities to upgrade docking facilities and improve visitor experience, especially in La Goulette, one of its major cruise gateways.
Why Costa Withdrew from the Middle East
Costa Cruises cited the “fluid situation” in the Middle East as the primary reason for exiting the region for the 2025-26 winter season. Although Middle Eastern ports like Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi have grown in popularity due to luxury shopping, desert excursions, and modern port infrastructure, the company emphasized the challenge of guaranteeing safe, consistent itineraries in such an unpredictable geopolitical climate.
The Gulf cruise sector has seen notable growth, with Dubai alone handling over 900,000 cruise passengers in 2023, as reported by Dubai Tourism. However, cruise operators remain cautious when tensions rise, especially when traveler confidence and logistical stability are at risk.
Costa Cruises is proactively contacting affected passengers and offering rebooking options for alternative Mediterranean or North African cruises. New itineraries will be available on the company’s website and travel agency portals shortly, and impacted guests will be offered incentives to transfer bookings.
The Importance of Cruise Mobility in Tourism
The rerouting of Costa Toscana also highlights the essential role of reliable cruise infrastructure in the tourism economy. Cruise lines not only serve as transport providers but also act as vital connectors between cultures and economies. This route realignment is an example of how cruise companies must remain adaptable, prioritizing safety while still delivering immersive travel experiences.
Moreover, the Mediterranean and North Africa offer the kind of year-round appeal that modern cruise passengers are increasingly seeking—especially in the winter months when many are eager to escape colder climates without venturing too far from home.
With minimal need for flights or complex overland logistics, cruises like Costa’s provide travelers with a streamlined vacation format—multiple countries in one trip, luxury accommodations, and curated excursions—all wrapped into one stress-free experience.
Sustainability and Responsible Tourism in Focus
Costa Cruises has also reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability. The Costa Toscana is among the cruise line’s newest LNG-powered vessels, designed to reduce carbon emissions and protect marine ecosystems. The continued operation of such ships in the Mediterranean and North Africa supports local economies while promoting responsible tourism.
By choosing to concentrate on more stable and culturally rich destinations, Costa Cruises ensures that guests will still enjoy memorable vacations while contributing positively to host communities. This decision underscores the brand’s long-term vision of building travel experiences that are secure, enriching, and environmentally mindful.
As 2025 approaches, Costa Cruises’ new deployment strategy marks not just a shift in itinerary—but a reaffirmation of its role as a leader in adaptive, experience-driven tourism in an ever-changing world.
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