The Grand Mistral will finish her summer and fall deployment for Iberocruceros and then be transferred to the Costa Cruises brand, according to a prepared statement.

Thus, the Spanish line has cancelled her 2013/2014 winter season sailing from Santos, Brazil, and is now down to just two ships, the Grand Holiday, which will stay in the Mediterranean this winter, and the Grand Celebration, which is still scheduled to homeport in Buenos Aires.

The statement adds: “South America remains one of the main markets for the Costa Group. Operating in the region for 65 years, the company is committed to steadily strengthen its presence in the coming years “

In April, Iberocruceros confirmed that boss Alfredo Serrano was no longer employed, and had been replaced by Massimo Brancaleoni – appointed by Costa.

New marketing plans have Costa and Ibero marketing jointly in emerging markets, especially Eastern Europe. Costa offices are pushing Ibero cruises, and travel partners in countries without offices are being educated on the Spanish product offerings.