Costa Cruises has revised its deployment plans for the winter 2025–2026 season, with a significant shift away from previously scheduled operations in the UAE.
The decision to cancel Costa Toscana’s Middle East program, including itineraries departing from Dubai, was prompted by ongoing regional uncertainty.
Initially, Costa Toscana was slated to conduct winter sailings to Dubai and other ports in the UAE. With this route now suspended, the cruise line has opted to retain the vessel in the Western Mediterranean. The ship will operate 7-night voyages through November 13, 2025, offering a mix of calls across Southern Europe and North Africa. The seasonal repositioning cruises to and from Dubai, originally planned for autumn 2025 and spring 2026, have also been cancelled.
In place of the suspended Arabian Gulf voyages, Costa is preparing an alternative winter program that centers on Mediterranean destinations. The revised itineraries are designed to preserve the cruise experience while offering guests rich cultural ports and a temperate climate.
Elsewhere in the fleet, winter offerings remain robust. Costa Fortuna will offer week-long sailings to the Canary Islands, with options available through fly-cruise packages. The itinerary includes multiple ports of call across the archipelago, providing passengers the opportunity to explore its volcanic landscapes and subtropical scenery.
For travelers seeking a longer warm-weather escape, Costa Fascinosa and Costa Pacifica will maintain their planned Caribbean deployments. Both ships will operate distinct 7-night itineraries, with options to combine sailings into two-week extended vacations. These routes highlight the region’s natural beauty, cultural vibrancy, and signature beaches.
Costa Cruises has initiated contact with affected guests, offering a variety of rebooking options and alternative itineraries. The cruise line emphasized that flexible arrangements will be available to accommodate guests’ preferences and maintain the high service standards associated with the brand.
While the cancellation of UAE operations represents a departure from Costa’s traditional winter deployment, the company reaffirmed its broader commitment to delivering destination-rich voyages across the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, and the Caribbean. These regions remain integral to the line’s seasonal strategy, and the modified plans reflect both operational prudence and a continued focus on passenger experience.