Costa Cruises is set to further shrink its fleet with the departure of one of its oldest vessels. The cruise line announced on Friday that the Costa Fortuna will leave the fleet in September 2026.

Launched in 2003, the 2,700-passenger Costa Fortuna is the longest-serving ship in the current fleet and part of the Destiny class. The ship will continue operating in the Mediterranean through the summer and fall of 2025, with itineraries departing from Barcelona, Marseille and Savona.

During the winter of 2025, the Fortuna will reposition to Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands, offering island-focused cruises. It will return to the Mediterranean in April 2026 and is scheduled to sail from Athens and Istanbul in the summer of 2026, visiting destinations in Greece and Turkey before being transferred to an undisclosed new owner.

Carnival Corporation, Costa Cruise’s parent company did not specify why the Fortuna is being retired but noted the move follows a broader fleet reduction that has seen three ships leave over the past three years.

The departure continues a trend of ship reallocation within Carnival Corporation. Costa Luminosa, Costa Venezia and Costa Firenze have already transitioned to Carnival Cruise Line, where they now sail under Carnival Cruise Line.

Meanwhile, Costa Cruises is investing heavily in upgrades to its remaining ships. As part of its €200 million ($225 million) Strategic Path initiative, the company is preparing for a major refurbishment of the Costa Serena, a Concordia-class ship launched in 2007. Scheduled for completion in November 2025, the overhaul will include revamped suites, pools, dining venues and new food concepts like Pizzeria Pummid’Oro and Sushino at Costa.

Costa Cruises currently operates a fleet of eight ships and, with no new ship orders announced, that number is expected to remain steady in the coming years.