The seven-night, eight-day itinerary will visit the five key islands of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and the city of Funchal. The company describes it as a unique way of experiencing winter, with the cold days of the Northern Hemisphere replaced by the volcanic scenery, vast beaches, rich culture and mild weather of the islands, all without having to travel across the world.

The cruise line says the new route lets you embark directly in Funchal on certain dates, with weekly sailings following a rotating sequence of ports depending on your departure point.

Special sailings will run during the Christmas and New Year period, and regular sailings will continue through January, February and March 2027. As part of Costa Cruises' 'Sea Destinations' concept (where time at sea is the destination rather than just the time between ports) there will be the 'Canary Sea Darkest Spot' astronomy experience on this cruise. This involves positioning the ship in the Canary Sea in a location with very little light pollution (approx 30.8° N, 16.5° W).

Regarding the open-sea experience, the company states: "away from the coast and light pollution, passengers are invited to gaze up at the night sky with the captain's guidance and the Stellarium app to assist in the identification of constellations and planets".

The experience on board the Costa Smeralda also includes "a sea-based experience inspired by the myth of Atlantis" (Atlantis Crest), which is part of the company's ongoing efforts to enhance the journey between ports.

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