Costa Cruises, Italy’s largest tourism group and Europe’s number one cruise company, announced that its newest ship, Costa Deliziosa, will become the first ship in cruising history to be named in Dubai on February 23, 2010. Costa Deliziosa, a 92,600 gross-tonnage ship with a guest capacity of 2,826, will be delivered on January 29, 2010. Following its Grand Inaugural cruise, Costa Deliziosa will offer 7-day cruises in the Arabian 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).

“Costa Cruises was the first and it's still the major operator which believes in the value of this new cruise destination, reinforcing the pioneering spirit of our Italian company. The placement of three ships in Dubai in the winter of 2009/2010 has increased guest capacity by 40 percent, 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,” said Dario Rustico, Sales and Marketing Director, Pacific Asia Operations of Costa Cruises.

Costa Cruises was the first to market regular cruises in the Arabian Gulf, turning Dubai into a major cruise destination and contributing to its growth as a tourism destination. Costa Deliziosa’s naming ceremony, which will take place after the ship’s Grand Inaugural cruise - departing from Savona on February 5, 2010 - will further strengthen the ties linking Dubai and 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 euros. 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.