TORONTO — Prioritizing travel advisors means prioritizing tools and resources for the trade. And that’s exactly what Costa Cruises is doing.

To kick off 2026, the cruise line is focused on the upcoming rollout of its updated Costa Academy, with the ‘Costa Cruises Cruisetelling’ learning experience for travel advisors.

Not only that, but Costa plans to end the year with a refresh for Costa Extra, its travel agent portal, in late 2026.

Canada is a key growth market for Costa, as Priscilla Reyes, Head of Sales, Costa Cruises North America, told Travelweek in a recent interview.

Says Reyes: “Liza Diaz, our new BDM, is exclusive for the Canadian region. Our Canadian partners now have a dedicated resource.” Diaz joined Costa in June 2025.

Reyes also tells Travelweek that Costa is looking into putting together some Canadian-resident offers.

For clients looking to save on a Costa sailing now, the cruise line’s Wave Season promotion offers fare discounts on select 2026 and 2027 cruises to the Med, Northern Europe, Caribbean and Asia. The ‘Wave into Summer Sale’ offers up to 50% off second guest cruise fares, plus third and fourth guests sail free when travelling in the same stateroom. The booking deadline is March 16.

The promotion features all nine of Costa’s ships: Costa Toscana, Costa Smeralda – both serve as Costa’s flagships – as well as Costa Deliziosa, Costa Diadema, Costa Fascinosa, Costa Favolosa, Costa Fortuna, Costa Pacifica and Costa Serena.

UNIQUE CARIBBEAN ITINERARIES

We asked Reyes what itineraries tend to sell best for Costa from the Canadian market.

“Our Caribbean cruises are extremely popular with Canadian guests because there are excellent flight options from Canada to the Dominican Republic, which is our Caribbean homeport. We depart from La Romana and Santo Domingo, so these cruises are easily accessible without flying through the U.S.,” she said.

She added that Costa also offers some unique Caribbean itineraries that include ports that not all of the cruise line regularly visit, with the D.R. (Amber Cove, Samana and Cabo Rojo) plus Catalina Island, Turks and Caicos, Tortola, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Barbados and more.

The Med has always been a huge seller from the Canadian market, as agents well know.

Reyes said Canadians embrace the multicultural atmosphere on Costa, “and as the cruise line born in the Mediterranean, we showcase not only the ports, but we bring the region on board through cuisine, beverages and entertainment.”

Costa also has unique Sea & Land Itineraries that are experiences found only with Costa. “For the Sea Destinations, guests will enjoy unforgettable moments from the unique perspective of the sea. Sea Destinations can be found on cruises in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, Canary Islands, Transocean and more. Examples include the Catalina Bay Sea Party, Sea of Antilles Darkest Spot (star gazing) and Sunset Rhum Aperitif, all in the Caribbean.”

Costa Toscana

Making sure that passengers experience a sense of European flair – and Italian culture especially – while sailing with Costa is key for the cruise line. Costa of course got its start in Italy, dating back all the way back to 1854, with transatlantic sailings starting in 1948. The line was acquired by Carnival Corporation in 2000.

What do Canadian travellers know about Costa Cruises? Says Reyes: “The perception of Costa with Canadians is that Costa offers a European style of cruising and an international ambiance — from top-quality cuisine to entertainment to the onboard lifestyle. We want travellers who chose Costa to know that when they step on board any of our ships, they are embarking on a European style of cruising, with an emphasis on Italian traditions, no matter the destination. What we offer guests truly is special to the Canadian audience, with cuisine that favours Italy and the Mediterranean. Although we serve a global palate of dishes, so guests will indulge in flavours from all over the word. We pasta recipes from regions throughout Italy, pizzas made the traditional Italian way and Aperol Spritz bars on every ship.”

Good to know: Costa also offers a relaxed atmosphere with later dining and show times, as well as multilingual announcements.

REYES’ PICKS FOR 2026 & 2027

We also asked Reyes what she’s most looking forward to for 2026 and 2027 for Costa.

Here are her top picks for this year and next …

The 2027 World Cruise

“The 2027 World Cruise is 139 days, roundtrip from Savona, Italy. For the first time ever, guests have the unique opportunity to embark in San Francisco, California. This allows our Canadian guests easily access the cruise from the convenience of a U.S. port, without flying to Europe.”

More Med for winter 2026

“Costa is strengthening its Mediterranean programming for winter 2026, where Costa Toscana will offer two new itineraries in the western Mediterranean. In January 2026, Costa Toscana will sail a 12-day itinerary departing from Savona, Italy, to Andalusia, Tunisia, and for the first time, Morocco.”

Santo Domingo, DR embarkation port

“In 2025 Costa introduced Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, as a new embarkation port. The addition of Santo Domingo as a roundtrip option makes cruising even more accessible with even greater connectivity. Sailing throughout 2026, our Caribbean cruises feature diversified itineraries with several embarkation options. Costa Pacifica and Costa Fascinosa will jointly offer five one-week itineraries, alternating with each other, and can be combined into a single two-week holiday.”

Sea & Land itineraries

“Costa’s Sea & Land Itineraries redefine the way of cruising, offering a unique and more immersive way to discover the world. The Sea Destinations, a Costa exclusive, turn the sea itself into a destination, celebrated with Sea Experiences as memorable as stargazing on the darkest spot of the sea or a sunrise live concert accompanied by a typical Capri breakfast in front of the Faraglioni of Capri. Meanwhile, the revamped Land Experiences allow guests to choose how to enjoy each stopover, from cultural or gastronomic routes to unique and unrepeatable experiences.”

Of course Reyes is also looking forward to the updated Costa Academy, with the ‘Costa Cruises Cruisetelling’ learning experience for travel advisors, and the refreshed Costa Extra agent portal too. “This will be an enhanced asset in helping travel advisors learn about Costa, how to sell our cruise line and put all the tools they need at their fingertips,” she says.

Canadian agents looking to boost their Costa knowledge and sales opportunities can also check in with BDM Liza Diaz. Agents can email costasales@us.costa.it with any questions.

“Costa is focused on strengthening the relationship with the Canadian market and travel advisors. This includes expanding the incentive program for agents, having a dedicated BDM and working to offer Canadian-dedicated promotions,” says Reyes.

Lead image caption: Priscilla Reyes, Head of Sales, Costa Cruises North America