Busan Cruises 2026: Costa Serena vs. MSC Bellissima Itinerary & Price

I'm thrilled to share that I'm setting sail on an incredible cruise adventure this mid-September 2026, departing right from Busan on the MSC Bellissima!

My booked itinerary is a fantastic loop: Busan → Shanghai → Jeju → Busan.

As I've been deep in travel planning mode, I couldn't help but scout for other cruises departing from Busan. Lo and behold, a fascinating option with a similar schedule caught my eye!

It's the Costa Serena 5-night, 6-day cruise, offered by Lotte Tour!

Comparing it to my MSC booking, I noticed some pretty significant differences, not just in the port calls but also in pricing and the overall travel experience.

Sail from Busan to Shanghai and Fukuoka!

The Costa Serena cruise is scheduled for a 5-night, 6-day journey from September 7-12, 2026.

Busan → Shanghai → Fukuoka → Busan

While my MSC cruise visits Shanghai and Jeju Island, the Costa Serena takes you to Shanghai and Fukuoka.

Although both cruises depart from Busan, the biggest differentiator is that the Costa Serena allows you to visit both China and Japan in a single trip!

Initially, I thought the itineraries were quite similar, but just swapping Jeju for Fukuoka could completely change the vibe of the trip. Honestly, that Fukuoka stop sounds pretty amazing!

Higher Price, But Potentially More Comfortable for First-Timers

My MSC Bellissima booking, based on an inside cabin, was $498 per person.

However, current bookings for the Costa Serena are running over ~$1,380 per person.

Cruise prices often fluctuate significantly depending on when you book. Since the departure is just a few weeks away, this higher price point for the Costa Serena likely reflects that.

A quick check on the booking page confirms that prices tend to increase incrementally as the departure date approaches!

Since I secured my MSC booking back in February 2026, it's not really fair to do a direct price comparison based on current rates for both cruises. However, beyond price, there are also differences in what each package offers.

The Costa Serena cruise is designed with a strong focus on passenger comfort, offering programs in local languages like "Star Show," "Gogo Party," and "Star Invitation." They even provide daily onboard newspapers in local languages delivered to your cabin.

When I was researching the MSC, I often heard that there's a significant number of Chinese tourists onboard and that English is the primary language of communication.

Of course, I haven't experienced it firsthand yet, so I'll know for sure once I experience it this September.

Costa Serena, while not exclusively catering to one nationality, its program lineup seems thoughtfully designed to accommodate travelers who prefer content in local languages.

If you're new to international cruising or concerned about language barriers, these features could definitely be a deciding factor.

[9/7 Korea Departure][Festival Cruise with Unlimited Fun] Korea-China-Japan Special Charter Cruise 6 Days (Busan/Shanghai/Fukuoka/Busan)naver.me

Unlimited Beer, Soft Drinks, and Water Included

Another feature that really stood out during my price comparison was the unlimited provision of beer, soft drinks, and bottled water!

I checked Lotte Tour's detailed page, and it confirms that all passengers on this Costa Serena cruise will receive unlimited beer, soft drinks, and bottled water.

The inclusion of beer, in particular, seems like a fantastic perk for those who enjoy a drink or two!

My MSC Bellissima booking also includes a beverage package, so personally, I don't anticipate significant extra costs for drinks on either cruise.

However, the types of beverages included and the terms of use can vary between cruise packages, so it's always a good idea to check the detailed page when booking.

[9/7 Korea Departure][Festival Cruise with Unlimited Fun] Korea-China-Japan Special Charter Cruise 6 Days (Busan/Shanghai/Fukuoka/Busan)naver.me

MSC vs. Costa Serena: What's the Difference?

My MSC booking came in at a more budget-friendly $498 per person, with an itinerary taking me from Busan → Shanghai → Jeju → Busan.

The Costa Serena, while pricier, offers a unique opportunity to visit both China and Japan with its Busan → Shanghai → Fukuoka → Busan route.

Beyond the destination, the standout differences with the Costa Serena include its locally adapted onboard programs and daily newspapers, plus the fantastic perk of unlimited beer, soft drinks, and bottled water.

I'm already booked on the MSC Bellissima, but I think the Costa Serena charter could be a great alternative if you're apprehensive about communicating primarily in English on an international cruise or if you're keen to experience both China and Japan on a single journey.

Notably, the ability to travel to Shanghai and Fukuoka directly from Busan without needing to catch a flight is arguably one of the biggest advantages of the Costa Serena itinerary.

I'm excited to embark on my MSC Bellissima cruise this September! I'll be sure to report back on my firsthand experience. 😉

I anticipate discovering even more nuances once I'm actually onboard, beyond what I've gathered from my research.

After my trip, I'll share all the details: what the cabins and dining were like, how language communication was managed, and any additional expenses I incurred onboard. Stay tuned for a full review!