In December 2024, because we had loved the previous year’s cruise so much, we decided to embark on another repositioning voyage from Europe to Brazil, this time aboard the Costa Diadema, for 18 days. Repositioning cruises take place when the weather changes in one region and ships move to another where the high season is about to begin.

These types of cruises usually have fewer stops, but they often come at a reduced price. And since we truly love life on board… here we are.

We had stops at the following ports:

• Barcelona (boarding port)
• Cadiz, Spain
• Gran Canaria, Spain
• Praia, Cabo Verde
• Maceio, Brazil
• Salvador Bahia, Brazil
• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (last port)

COST:

– 1750€ for the cruise / 2 adults and a 3-year-old

– 510€ internet on board for 2 people

-100€ tips for the waiter and the housekeeping

Exactly like last year, we chose an interior cabin but were offered an upgrade to an exterior one. However, after some discussions… mainly because it was located at the very end of the ship, close to the engines, we were ultimately upgraded again, this time to a balcony cabin. 😁.

Alcoholic beverages and drinks at dinner were not included in the price, so we ended up spending a bit extra on those.

Board Journal – Day 1 ; Barcelona, Spain
We have boarded Costa Diadema in Barcelona (we took a cab from home as it was the fastest way to get there), but it took a long time, as we had to wait for hours at the port. We have no idea what caused the delay, and there was nothing we could do about it. The good thing is that we made it in time for dinner and were then able to rest.

Board Journal – Day 2; sea day

During sea days, our schedule is quite straightforward: breakfast, kids club, cabin time, lunch, kids club again, dinner, theater, and sleep. Of course, there can be variations along the way, like going to the gym, playing ping-pong, or joining different activities organized by the entertainment team.

Board Journal – Day 3; Cadiz, Spain

Our second stop was in Cádiz, just like last year… a small port city where you can walk everywhere and don’t need more than half a day to explore. We did another city tour and then spent the rest of the time at the beach. Next time, we might choose to visit the wineries around Cádiz, which would also make for a great day.

Board Journal – Day 4; sea day

Same as the second day on board, the same schedule on repeat.

Board Journal – Day 5; Gran Canaria, Spain

As we had been to Gran Canaria multiple times and knew the island quite well, we felt confident enough to rent a car and head to the south to revisit the sand dunes of Maspalomas and enjoy an ice cream. We rented the car from the airport and returned it at the port with Cicar for €50. There was a direct bus from the port to the airport, which was very convenient. Where we’ve stopped:

• dunas de Maspalomas
• Lopesan Hotel
• Puerto de Mogán

We hadn’t taken the return traffic into account (blame me for that), but fortunately we made it back and caught the ship just in time. When you plan trips on your own, it’s important to remember that the ship will never wait!! So you absolutely must be back on time, or you’ll be left behind. I have to admit, the drive back was stressful… and I was silently praying.

Board Journal – Day 6 and 7; sea days

The only notable change was that on our 7th day, the weather shifted significantly, and we finally started to enjoy the pool. Having departed Barcelona on December 1st, it felt like summer had returned after just one week at sea.

Board Journal – Day 8; Praia, Cabo Verde

This was a new country for us, located in the Central Atlantic Ocean and consisting of 10 islands. Our stop was on Santiago Island, disembarked in Praia, the capital of the country and the largest city. The official language of Cabo Verde is Portuguese.

Before arriving, I tried to get in touch with multiple tour guides and companies, but was unsuccessful. In the end, I decided to book a day trip through the GetYourGuide app. It was an 8 hour tour around the island, which I could customize to our needs, at a cost of €40 per person (we were four adults). Thea decided not to join, as she was too in love with the kids club, so we left her there (this is a complimentary service provided by the cruise, the kids can stay at the kids club the whole day in the ports).

We chose to do a full island tour with various stops:

• Assomada Market
• Serra Malagueta Natural Park – natural park with breathing views located at 800m above sea level.
• Resistance Museum and Tarrafal Concentration Camp – walking through the cells and pavilions where political prisoners and activists endured extreme conditions… this is living history showing the brutality of Portuguese colonialism.
• Tarrafal – coastal town with beautiful atmosphere, beach and bars (and caipirinha with passion fruit).
• East Coast drive – on the way back we chose to take the east coast and the landscape is really wild and impressive; this was by far my favorite part
• last but not least we had some time to also walk around Praia

It was an amazing day, totally worth it.

Board Journal – Days 9 – 14; Sea days

Slow living days filled with great shows and amazing dinners.

Board Journal – Day 15; Maceio, Brazil

After 5 full days crossing the Atlantic Ocean, we finally saw land again and prepared to stop in Maceió, Brazil. My dear Brazil, a country I love to bits and always return to for more. It would be a shame to say I had no expectations for Maceió, but the truth is… I really didn’t. I was just hoping to relax, so we booked a car through GetYourGuide and spent the entire day at Hibiscus Beach Club. The beach club itself is wonderful, with excellent service and tasty food buuuuut the beach… oh my God, the beach. The palm trees and pristine sand felt like paradise. I would return in a heartbeat, but until then, the photos speak for themselves.

Board Journal – Days 16 and 17; Salvador, Brazil

As we have spent almost 2 days here, we walked around the city on both days, enjoying the brazilian vibe. Our plan included visiting some of the city’s iconic sights:

• Pelourinho – A UNESCO-listed old town with colorful colonial houses, cobblestone streets, and baroque churches
• São Francisco Church
• Elevador Lacerda (unfortunately it was closed as they were refurbishing it)
• Mercado Modelo
• Igreja do Senhor do Bonfim

As we said goodbye to Salvador, we started to feel very excited for our last stop but also quite sad that our long cruise was coming to an end.

Board Journal – Days 18; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

And here we are, finally arriving in my beloved Rio de Janeiro. I felt so excited to explored this city again, and it felt so surreal to be here with my whole family.

Farewell, Costa!!

PS: Check out my post about Rio de Janeiro from a couple of years ago, if you want tips on what to do in the city. Not much has changed since then and I must confess that I even re-read it myself to remember the details :).