Costa Deliziosa to be Named in Dubai on 23 February 2010

Costa Cruises’ newest ship, Costa Deliziosa, will become the first ship in cruising history to be named in Dubai on 23 February 2010.

Costa Deliziosa, a 92,600 gross-tonnage ship with a guest capacity of 2,826, will be delivered on 29 January 2010. Following its grand inaugural cruise, Costa Deliziosa will offer 7-day cruises in the Persian Gulf from March to May 2010. This 7-day itinerary will include two nights in Dubai and one-day calls to the ports of Muscat (Oman); Fujayrah (United Arab Emirates); Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates); and Bahrain (Bahrain).

Dario Rustico, Sales and Marketing Director, Pacific Asia Operations of Costa Cruises, said, “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. Moreover, the naming ceremony confirms our growth strategy, while strengthening the partnership between Costa Cruises and the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing. We are working towards the same 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.”

During the winter 2009/2010 season, Costa Cruises’ ships are expected to bring 140,000 passengers to Dubai on three ships, Costa Luminosa, Costa Deliziosa and Costa Europa, for a total of 32 calls. The estimated economic impact will be approximately €14 million.

Costa Cruises’ operations in the region began in the winter of 2006/2007 with one ship, Costa Classica. The immediate success of the new cruise destination prompted Costa Cruises to increase its capacity in the Middle East market year on year. Costa Cruises’ passenger movements in Dubai increased from 44,000 in the winter of 2006/2007 to 100,000 in the winter of 2008/2009.

Passengers will be able to experience the many pleasures on-board Costa Deliziosa. The ship will feature numerous activities and relaxing entertainment, all based on avant-garde technology. These will include a 4D cinema; the latest generation golf simulator with 37 18-hole courses, as well as a 100-square-metre putting green; a Grand Prix simulator, the same simulator used to train real F1 drivers; the 3,500 square-metre Samsara Spa wellness centre which will feature one of the world’s first Technogym Kinesis rooms; an outdoor roller skating track; and a Playstation World, an area exclusively equipped with Playstation 3 consoles. In addition, Playstation 3 consoles will be available in cabins upon request.

Costa Deliziosa’s naming ceremony will take place after the ship’s Grand Inaugural cruise – departing from Savona on 5 February 2010.

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