On the night of February 18th, 2026, the cruise ship Costa Favolosa encountered strong winds and heavy swells while making passage off the coast of southern Brazil, a weather situation associated with an extratropical cyclone affecting parts of the South Atlantic and Río de la Plata region.
Wind gusts in excess of 100 km/h were reported by regional meteorological services as the system moved through the area, conditions that produced significant motion in open waters and notable vessel motion aboard the ship.
During the hours after dusk, atmospheric conditions initially appeared typical for the latitude, though with distant lightning and increasing breezes noted. As the low-pressure system drew nearer later in the evening, the ship’s motion became marked by rolling and heeling movements as she advanced through the heavy sea state. Passengers later recorded imagery showing interior spaces tilted and unsecured objects displaced, including service items on tables.
Costa Cruises later confirmed that the vessel’s structural integrity remained within design parameters throughout the event and that operational protocols were followed by the ship’s officers. Once the storm system had passed and the sea state moderated, Favolosa resumed her scheduled itinerary without further incident.
For more Costa Favolosa incidents and accidents, see the ship's CruiseMinus page.