Costa Fortuna Sets Sail on Final Cruise for Costa Cruises

The Costa Fortuna cruise ship at sea
Cruise Industry
by Eve Church

Costa Fortuna is currently sailing on its final voyage for Costa Cruises, bringing the ship’s 23-year career with the cruise line to an end.

The vessel departed from Piraeus on September 4, 2026, for a seven-night farewell cruise through the Greek Islands and Turkey. Passengers were also able to embark in Istanbul for the final sailing, which features calls at Santorini, Rhodes, Mykonos and Heraklion.

The voyage concludes Costa Fortuna’s summer season in the Eastern Mediterranean. During the season, the ship operated a series of weeklong itineraries to destinations across the region, including Izmir and Volos.

Costa Fortuna is scheduled to welcome its final Costa Cruises guests ashore on September 11, 2026, after which preparations will begin for the vessel’s transfer to Margaritaville at Sea. The 103,000-ton ship will be handed over to its new operator in Europe before heading to Northern Ireland for a major drydock refurbishment.

Margaritaville at Sea has selected the Harland & Wolff shipyard to carry out the transformation, which will see the former Costa Fortuna renamed Beachcomber.

Built in 2003, the ship is due to undergo an extensive renovation before beginning service with Margaritaville at Sea in early 2027. Once it enters operation, it will become the largest vessel in the company’s fleet.

Much of the ship’s interior will be redesigned, with existing spaces and venues receiving a new appearance inspired by the Margaritaville at Sea brand. The transformation will also introduce a selection of new dining options and themed venues, including the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar.

Beginning in January 2027, *Beachcomber *is scheduled to operate four- to eight-night cruises from PortMiami to destinations across the Bahamas and Caribbean. Its itineraries will feature ports including Cozumel in Mexico, Freeport on Grand Bahama and George Town in the Cayman Islands.

Costa Fortuna was originally constructed for Costa Cruises by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. Its design is based on Carnival Cruise Line’s Destiny-class series.