Costa Diadema New Year’s Cruise 2027: Lowest Price and Itinerary

The Costa Diadema New Year’s cruise 2027 is the lowest-priced New Year’s sailing of the Brazilian season: interior cabins from R$ 7,948 per person (Sep/2026) on a 7-night international itinerary calling at Buenos Aires and Montevideo, departing Santos on December 27, 2026.

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For anyone who wants to ring in the New Year at sea with Italian cuisine signed by starred chefs, 11 pools and jacuzzis, and a drinks package often included in promotions, the Costa Diadema is the most affordable gateway among the big ships. The ship does not sail past Copacabana — the countdown happens on the open sea or in the Río de la Plata region, with an Italian-style party on board. Boarding in Santos? Check out things to do before your cruise.

🚢 This article is part of the 2026/2027 Cruise Guide: every ship, port and price of the season. Prefer to celebrate on land? Compare in the 2027 New Year’s Guide.

How much does the Costa Diadema New Year’s cruise cost in 2027?

The Costa Diadema has the lowest price among the big New Year’s ships in Brazil: interior cabins from R$ 7,948 per person in double occupancy, departing from Santos (Sep/2026, source: Clube dos Cruzeiros). Those boarding in Itajaí pay a bit more: R$ 8,053 per person in the same category (Sep/2026).

Prices vary by cabin category and departure port:

Prices are per person in double occupancy and include port fees. Mandatory gratuities (€ 12 per person/night in a standard cabin, Sep/2026) and standalone drinks packages are not included. Costa Cruises frequently runs promotions with the My Drinks package included — if you find that offer, it represents significant savings compared to buying drinks individually on board.

The real total cost of 7 nights in an interior cabin, departing from Santos, comes to around R$ 8,700–9,100 per person, adding gratuities (≈ R$ 750 at the Sep/2026 exchange rate). If you add a standalone drinks package, the total rises to roughly R$ 10,500–11,000.

What is the Costa Diadema itinerary for New Year’s 2026/2027?

The Costa Diadema’s New Year’s itinerary departs Santos on December 27, 2026 and covers two neighboring countries — Argentina and Uruguay — over 7 nights, with stops in Buenos Aires, Montevideo and Itajaí before returning to Santos.

Heads up: the Costa Diadema does not sail past Rio de Janeiro on New Year’s Eve. On December 31, the ship is in Montevideo until 4 pm and then continues at sea — the New Year’s party happens on board, on the decks and in the theater. If watching the Copacabana fireworks is a priority, check out the MSC Virtuosa.

The crucial difference compared to MSC itineraries is that the Costa Diadema calls at Buenos Aires before New Year’s Eve and at Montevideo on the 31st itself. That means you can take your time exploring Buenos Aires on the 30th and enjoy Montevideo on New Year’s Eve morning before the party starts on board.

What’s included on the Costa Diadema cruise?

The Costa Diadema’s base fare includes accommodation, all meals in the main restaurants (Fiorentino and Adularia), the buffet, theater shows, pools, gym, water park and kids’ programming at the Squok Club and Peppa Pig. Alcoholic drinks, specialty restaurants and the spa are charged separately.

Important tip: Costa Cruises often sells promotional packages with My Drinks already included in the price. If you find that promotion for New Year’s, it’s worth it — outside of it, drinks on board cost more than on most MSC ships. Confirm directly on the Costa Cruises website whether the current promotion includes the package.

The Costa Diadema’s big culinary differentiator is cuisine signed by three Michelin-starred chefs: Bruno Barbieri (Italian), Hélène Darroze (French) and Ángel León (Spanish). The specialty restaurants — La Fiorentina Steak House, Sushino, Teppanyaki and the Club Restaurant — charge an extra fee but offer experiences that rival restaurants on land.

What are the cabins like on the Costa Diadema?

The Costa Diadema has 1,862 cabins divided into six categories, all with air conditioning, TV, safe and hairdryer. Interior cabins are compact (14 m²) but functional, while balcony cabins offer 20 m² — good space for couples.

The quadruple interior cabin is one of the most sought-after options for families — it sleeps up to 4 people and significantly reduces the cost per person. Space is tight with 4 occupants, so bring luggage organizers. The upside is that the Costa Diadema was designed with plenty of common areas, so you spend little time in the room.

The Samsara cabins, located near the spa, give access to the Solemio Spa relaxation area and the Samsara restaurant — an exclusive benefit for those who book this category. For 7 summer nights, the balcony (20 m²) offers the best balance between comfort and price.

What are the pools and leisure areas like on the Costa Diadema?

The Costa Diadema has 11 pools and jacuzzis, including a pool with a retractable roof (ideal for windy sea days), a water park with slides for kids and 8 hot tubs spread across the decks.

For families, the highlight is the water park with slides and the Peppa Pig-themed kids area — exclusive to Costa ships during the Brazilian season. Younger children find supervised activities there while parents enjoy the deck or the spa. The Squok Club serves ages 3-6, 7-11 and 12-17 with dedicated programming.

The Solemio Spa occupies an entire deck and offers a sauna, Turkish bath, relaxation room and beauty treatments. Guests in Samsara cabins have access to the spa’s relaxation area included in the price — for everyone else, there are day passes or per-treatment packages. The casino and nightclub operate at night, and 11 themed bars (including Heineken Bar, Aperol Spritz Bar and Rock Bar) guarantee options for every taste.

Does the Costa Diadema have shows and a New Year’s party?

Yes. The Costa Diadema offers performances every night at the Emerald Theater, with a capacity of 1,354 seats — the largest among Costa ships. Productions include musicals, magic, acrobatics and guest artists brought in especially for the Brazilian season.

On New Year’s Eve, Costa Cruises organizes a themed party with a countdown on deck, live music, a DJ, a midnight sparkling wine toast and fireworks on board. The programming is known for its Italian touch — the company tends to invest in entertainment tailored to the Brazilian audience, with shows in Portuguese and local hosts.

The dress code for gala night is elegant attire (no shorts or flip-flops, but a tuxedo is optional). During the day, the schedule includes trivia, sports tournaments, dance classes, tastings and poolside parties with a DJ.

Do you need a passport for the Costa Diadema New Year’s cruise?

Yes, the itinerary is international and requires an original Brazilian ID (within its 10-year validity) or a passport for all passengers, including children. A driver’s license is not accepted as a travel document — this is the most common mistake on international boardings.

Brazilians don’t need a visa for Argentina and Uruguay (Mercosur countries). But the ID must be in good condition, with a recognizable photo. A peeling laminated ID or a child’s photo on an adult document can be refused at immigration.

For minors under 18 traveling without both parents, a judicial travel authorization is mandatory — a notarized signature alone isn’t enough, since this is an international itinerary. Arrange it in advance at your city’s courthouse.

Is the Costa Diadema New Year’s 2027 worth it compared to other ships?

The Costa Diadema is the right choice for those who prioritize a low price and quality dining. It costs up to R$ 1,556 less than the MSC Virtuosa in an interior cabin (Sep/2026) and offers an international itinerary similar to the MSC Seaview’s — but with an Italian touch that makes a difference on board.

In short: the Costa Diadema is the best value for families (Peppa Pig kids area, affordable quadruple cabin) and for those who value dining (3 Michelin-starred chefs). The MSC Seaview is better for those seeking an outdoor experience (360° promenade). And the Virtuosa is for those who want the most modern ship. For a full overview, see our New Year’s cruise guide.

Conclusion

The Costa Diadema for New Year’s 2027 combines the lowest price of the season (R$ 7,948 per person in an interior cabin, Sep/2026), an international itinerary with Buenos Aires and Montevideo, and an Italian dining experience no other ship in Brazil offers. There are no Copacabana fireworks — but there are 3 Michelin-starred chefs, 11 pools, a Peppa Pig kids area and a New Year’s party on the decks that makes up for it. If budget is a priority and you want to ring in the New Year eating well at sea, this is the ship. For more money-saving strategies on year-end cruises, see the guide cheap New Year’s cruise.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Costa Diadema include a drinks package?

The Costa Diadema offers the My Drinks package, which includes alcoholic beverages, wines by the glass, cocktails, beer, soft drinks and coffee. In promotions, this package may come included in the cruise price. Outside of promotions, My Drinks costs from € 33 per person/day (Sep/2026). Buying it during booking is usually cheaper than on board.

How much are gratuities on the Costa Diadema?

Gratuities on the Costa Diadema are charged automatically to your onboard account: € 12 per person/night in a standard cabin (interior, ocean view and balcony) and € 15 in a suite (Sep/2026). For 7 nights in a standard cabin, the total gratuity is € 84 per person — about R$ 500 at the September 2026 exchange rate. The amount can be adjusted at reception, but it is debited automatically unless you request otherwise.

What should I do in Buenos Aires during the cruise stop?

The Buenos Aires stop lasts from 8 am to 6 pm, enough time to see the highlights. The terminal is in Puerto Madero — from there, walk to La Boca (Caminito), head up to Recoleta (Recoleta Cemetery and El Ateneo bookstore) and have lunch at a parrilla in San Telmo. If you want to optimize your time, book a guided tour in Portuguese at the port. Bring Argentine pesos or US dollars — cards work in most places, but exchange houses on Florida Street offer better rates.

Is the Costa Diadema good for families with children?

The Costa Diadema is one of the best options for families at New Year’s. The Peppa Pig themed area is exclusive to Costa ships and delights children aged 3 to 6. The Squok Club offers supervised activities by age group (3-6, 7-11, 12-17). Quadruple interior cabins accommodate the whole family at the lowest price, and the water park with slides keeps everyone entertained for hours on sea days.

What’s the difference between boarding in Santos and in Itajaí?

The Costa Diadema offers two boarding options for New Year’s: Santos (12/27) and Itajaí (12/26). The Santos departure is cheaper (R$ 7,948 vs R$ 8,053 for interior, Sep/2026) and more convenient for those living in São Paulo. The Itajaí departure leaves a day earlier and calls at Santos as a port stop. The itinerary is essentially the same — Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Itajaí — but in a slightly different order. Choose based on the port that’s most convenient for you.