Costa to name new ship in Dubai

On February 23rd this year, Costa Cruises will name their newest ship, Costa Deliziosa.

She will carry 2,826 passengers and will be handed over to the company on 29th January 2010, after which she’ll sail on her grand inaugural cruise which leaves Savona on 5th February 2010 travelling to Dubai for a naming ceremony that will be the first ever held there. The ship, while not one of the largest being introduced this year, is packed with new features, such as a 4D cinema and a golf simulator that offers 37 different 18-hole courses to play. For those who prefer real golf, there’s a 100 metre square putting green and for those who love speed, the Grand Prix simulator is the same one that is used to train Formula 1 drivers, or there’s the roller skating track and Playstation World.

More relaxed activities can be found in the the 3,500 square-metre Samsara Spa wellness centre.

After her initial cruise, Costa Delizioza will be making a series of seven day cruises around the Persian Gulf: visiting Muscat (Oman), Fujayrah (United Arab Emirates), Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), and Bahrain (Bahrain) and always including a two day stopover in Dubai itself. A spokesman for Costa Cruises, says, ‘The placement of three ships in Dubai in the winter of 2009/2010 has increased guest capacity by 40%, and bookings are in line with the increase. For the first time ever, we are deploying the “top of the range” sister ships Costa Luminosa and Costa Deliziosa in the same area. … We are working towards the … goal of creating an unforgettable event filled with surprises and an atmosphere that combines the charming tradition of an Arabian night and the unique Italian style of Costa Cruises.’