Costa Serena to Debut New Look and Dining Options After Major Refit

Costa Cruises has revealed that the Costa Serena will undergo a significant refurbishment ahead of its upcoming 2025–26 season in Southeast Asia and the Far East. The project marks the completion of a fleet-wide revitalization program that has seen more than €200 million invested over the last five years.

Built in 2007 and originally designed by renowned architect Joe Farcus, the Serena is known for its interiors inspired by the gods of Olympus. Now, nearly two decades later, the ship is set to receive a fresh, modern interpretation of that theme, blending classical mythology with bold, contemporary “pop art” design.

New Dining and Bar Concepts

A highlight of the refit is the introduction of several new dining venues that expand Costa’s culinary offerings at sea.

• Archipelago – Already a popular addition on other Costa ships, Archipelago will debut on Serena with exclusive menus designed by three Michelin-starred chefs. Guests can expect a gastronomic journey of innovative flavors in a sophisticated setting.

• Pizzeria Pummid’Oro – Known for its authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, this restaurant offers casual yet high-quality Italian dining.

• Sushino@Costa – Costa’s sushi bar concept brings freshly prepared rolls, sashimi, and Japanese-inspired dishes to the ship.

The main restaurants will also be redesigned with a sleek new look, reflecting the overall theme update. Meanwhile, the ship’s pool decks, lounges, and bars are set to be enhanced to create a more vibrant social atmosphere onboard.

Stateroom and Suite Upgrades

Alongside public space renovations, the Costa Serena’s accommodations will receive a substantial update. Staterooms and suites will feature refreshed designs, new furnishings, and upgraded amenities aimed at improving comfort and style. Suites, in particular, will benefit from a more modern, luxurious aesthetic to meet the growing demand for premium cruise experiences.

A Contemporary Spin on Olympus

When it first entered service, the Serena’s design heavily embraced Greek mythology, with public areas themed around gods and goddesses. The refit will retain the Olympus inspiration but reinterpret it with modern shapes, bold colors, and striking artistic details. Costa Cruises describes the transformation as a move toward a “unique pop art style” that blends tradition with a fresh, youthful energy.

Drydock in Asia

The refurbishment will take place at a shipyard in Southeast Asia, scheduled to run from late October through mid-November 2025. Once complete, Costa Serena will resume operations with itineraries across Southeast Asia and the Far East for another year before beginning an ambitious repositioning journey.

A Grand World Cruise and South American Deployment

In October 2026, the Serena will embark on a 65-night world cruise that promises to be a highlight of its career. Departing Tokyo on October 18, the voyage will visit 24 ports across 15 countries, ultimately concluding in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

This world cruise will serve as a prelude to the ship’s deployment in South America for the 2026–27 season. From late 2026, Costa Serena will operate regular itineraries in Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay, strengthening Costa’s presence in the region.

Looking further ahead, the ship is scheduled to reposition to Europe for the summer of 2027. Filling the gap left by the sale of Costa Fortuna to Margaritaville at Sea, Serena is expected to take on Mediterranean itineraries that will continue Costa’s long-standing tradition of offering diverse European voyages.

Part of Costa’s Modernization Strategy

The investment in Costa Serena underscores Costa Cruises’ ongoing efforts to modernize its fleet and maintain appeal in an increasingly competitive global market. By upgrading older vessels with new dining concepts, refreshed designs, and enhanced onboard experiences, the line aims to blend tradition with innovation—offering loyal guests familiar touches while attracting new travelers with contemporary features.

For passengers, the refit promises a balance of Costa’s signature Italian flair and modern cruise trends. From Michelin-starred menus and sushi bars to revitalized entertainment spaces and stylish cabins, Costa Serena is preparing to reenter service with a strong focus on food, design, and guest experience.