Costa Cruises committs to 4th Dubai Season

Thu, 10th Dec 2009

Costa adds 4th Dubai Cruise Season 

Phil's Comment: Costa Cruises is Italy’s largest tourism group and Europe’s number one cruise company. This year Costa opens its fourth winter season in Dubai with the deployment of their new ship - Costa Luminosa, the most exclusive and elegant ship in their fleet.

After entering service in April 2009, Costa Luminosa (92,600 gross tonnage, 2,826 Guests) will reposition to the Emirate this winter for a series of seven-day itineraries in the Arabic gulf, homeporting in Dubai until April 2010.

As the first cruise company in the world to operate regular cruises in the UAE, Costa Luminosa’s arrival in Dubai is followed by the exciting news that her sister ship, Costa Deliziosa, will be joining her from February 2010. On the 23 February 2010, during her Grand Inaugural Cruise, Costa Deliziosa will be named in Dubai becoming the first ever cruise ship to be christened in an Arabian city. Departing from Savona on 5 February 2010 and calling in Dubai between the 23 and 26 February, Costa’s passengers on the first leg of the Grand Inaugural Cruise will be able to attend the naming ceremony.

“Costa Cruises was the first and remains to this day, the major operator that believes in the value of this new cruise destination, confirming the pioneering spirit of our Italian Company,” commented Gianni Onorato, Costa Cruises President.

“The appreciation of the destination from the public is increasing. In the 2009/2010 winter season, bookings to date are in line with the increase of the offer, which was 40% more than last winter, thanks to the positioning in the area of 3 ships. In particular for the first time ever we are deploying in the same area the “top of the range” sister ships Costa Luminosa and Costa Deliziosa. Moreover, the naming ceremony of the Costa Deliziosa, in Dubai on 23 February 2010, confirms our growth strategy, while strengthening the partnership between Costa Cruises and DTCM (Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing). We are working together towards the same goal of creating an unforgettable event rich with surprise and atmosphere, combining the charming tradition of an Arabian night with the unique Italian style by Costa Cruises,” added Gianni Onorato.

During the winter 2009/2010 season, Costa’s ships are expected to bring 140,000 passengers to Dubai, thanks to the presence of three ships - Costa Luminosa, Costa Deliziosa and Costa Europa - for a total of 32 calls. The estimated economic impact will be about €14 million*, coming from Costa’s guests’ direct spending, shore excursions, transfers, cruise operation expenditures and general expenditures, including food and beverage. Most of Costa’s guests are expected to come from Europe (Italy, Germany, Spain, UK and France).

Dubai is sailing ahead to become the ultimate cruise destination of the Middle East as the cruise industry continues to rapidly grow, with 260,817 cruise tourists predicted to visit the emirate during 2009; nearly a 25% increase on last year. In 2010, Dubai is expected to host 99 calls with over 383,000 passengers with the burgeoning cruise industry set to grow further as the new Dubai Cruise Terminal becomes operational in January 2010.

In a survey, 80% OF CRUISE PASSENGERS IN DUBAI REVEALED THAT THEY WOULD EXTEND THEIR VISIT TO THE EMIRATE DURING THEIR NEXT VISIT, AND 95% said they would recommend others to visit Dubai to enjoy its all-appealing facilities, pristine beaches and unparalleled shopping options.

If you are looking for a great deal cruising from Dubai. Please call my CruiseDubai experts at The Cruise Village on 01253 341014.
  

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