Cruises to Japan join With South Korea, and Taiwan: Costa Serena Returns to Mainland China – Travel And Tour World

Costa Cruises, a leading player in the global cruise industry, has made a stunning return to mainland China with the grand arrival of the Costa Serena in Shanghai on June 12, 2025. This marks the end of a five-year hiatus for the brand in the region, after Costa Cruises ceased operations in China due to the global pandemic.

With a long history of catering to Asian travelers, Costa Cruises’ revival of the Costa Serena signals a renewed interest in China’s growing cruise market, alongside the opportunity to re-engage with loyal customers across Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.

The Costa Serena, a stunning vessel built in 2007, is now set to embark on a series of four-night cruises throughout the Far East, featuring a fascinating blend of destinations such as Shanghai, Fukuoka, and Seogwipo-si. As part of Costa Cruises’ multi-homeport operation, the ship offers travelers the flexibility to board at one of these strategic locations, with three similar itineraries planned until the end of June 2025.

Costa Serena’s itineraries are carefully crafted to provide a diverse experience to guests, combining bustling city tours, cultural exploration, and serene sea days. During its cruises, the ship will visit iconic ports in China, Japan, and South Korea, while also offering relaxing days at sea in the East China Sea and Yellow Sea.

Costa Serena’s Asian Repositioning and Future Plans

This year’s return marks a significant milestone for Costa Cruises, as the company aims to tap into the Asian market once again. Costa’s decision to reposition the Costa Serena to Taiwan for additional short cruises to Japan and South Korea further reinforces the cruise line’s strategy to attract regional travelers. The short cruises offer an exciting opportunity for those interested in cruising through these vibrant regions, soaking in their unique landscapes and cultures while on board the luxurious vessel.

In addition to its voyages in the Far East, Costa has ambitious plans for Costa Serena’s future. The vessel, which was initially a major player in the Chinese market, will soon undergo a massive refurbishment scheduled for late 2025. This drydock upgrade will include significant improvements to the ship’s dining offerings, as well as refurbishments to the staterooms and suites, ensuring an elevated cruise experience for future passengers. These upgrades will likely attract new travelers and loyal cruisers alike, enhancing the overall experience on board.

A World Cruise: Costa Serena’s Upcoming Journey to Argentina

The excitement doesn’t end in Asia. Costa Cruises is also preparing for a major world cruise to take place before the 2026-27 season. The Costa Serena will embark on an epic two-month voyage from Japan to Argentina, scheduled to run between October and December 2026. This world cruise will offer passengers the chance to explore multiple continents, providing a unique opportunity to experience cultures from different corners of the globe while enjoying all the luxury and amenities that Costa Cruises is known for.

Repositioning to South America and the Mediterranean

Looking ahead, Costa Cruises has exciting plans for the Costa Serena beyond Asia. Following its refurbishment, the ship will reposition to the Western Hemisphere in late 2026, offering cruises from South America before eventually making its way to the Mediterranean. This move is a part of Costa Cruises’ broader strategy to diversify its fleet’s global footprint and cater to a wider range of international travelers.

The Costa Fortuna, another ship in the Costa fleet, will be sold to Margaritaville at Sea, and the 3,000-guest ship is poised to return to South America before it is repositioned to the Mediterranean. These strategic moves reflect Costa’s ongoing efforts to meet the evolving demands of the global cruise market and create new opportunities for passengers across the globe.

Costa Serena’s Asian Legacy and Strategic Moves

Before its departure from mainland China in early 2020, the Costa Serena had built a strong reputation in the region. The ship had been offering extraordinary itineraries across Europe, South America, and the Middle East before repositioning to China in 2015. Now, Costa Cruises aims to recapture the Chinese market, which has grown significantly over the past decade. The cruise line’s return to China is a significant part of this strategy, marking the end of a hiatus and the beginning of a new chapter in the region.

As China continues to emerge as a key player in global tourism, Costa Cruises sees this as an opportunity to regain its position as one of the most popular international cruise brands in the region. Costa’s ongoing commitment to providing exceptional experiences for travelers in Asia sets the stage for a successful period of growth in the coming years.

Conclusion

The Costa Serena’s return to China signals a powerful comeback for Costa Cruises, one of the world’s leading cruise lines. With its exciting itineraries that include visits to China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, alongside plans for extensive refurbishment and a world cruise to Argentina, Costa Cruises is poised for a successful resurgence in the Far East. For travelers seeking luxurious voyages and unforgettable experiences across these iconic destinations, the Costa Serena offers an unrivaled opportunity to explore some of the most culturally rich regions in the world.

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