TD Guest Writer
Guest Writers are not employed, compensated or governed by TD, opinions and statements are from the specific writer directly
With the arrival of Costa Toscana, Costa Cruises is consolidating its presence in the Dubai market.
The Costa Group opened the Dubai Harbour Cruise Port in December 2021, making it the city’s most sophisticated cruise terminal. The Costa flagship, which commenced service in March of this year, made its maiden visit to the terminal. Officials from the host city and country, in this case, Italy, were invited to a celebration aboard the ship during her first voyage.
Costa Toscana’s winter 2022/23 itinerary schedule out of Dubai will feature seven-day cruises across the Arabian Gulf. From 17 December 2022 to11 March 2023, a total of 13 cruises will be offered as part of a “flight+cruise” package that includes airfare and hotel accommodations, so guests need not bother about getting to and from the airport or carrying around heavy suitcases.
Long calls in Dubai, Muscat, and Abu Dhabi of up to two days and one night are planned for travel between now and 14 January 2023. In order to ring in the New Year in style, the New Year’s Eve cruise will make only one overnight call—to Dubai. From 14 January to 11 March, the ship will sail to several Middle Eastern cities like Dubai, Doha, Muscat, and Abu Dhabi.
Costa provides a broad selection of tours to see these great sites from a unique perspective, which blends the modernism of futuristic architecture with the attractiveness of the desert and old traditions. For example, a distinctive trip in Dubai is the helicopter tour, which provides a stunning view of this amazing metropolis. The off-road desert excursion is also not to be missed. Guests in Muscat may take a Dhow tour along Oman’s coast, a traditional wooden boat, or an excursion to the beautiful canyon of Wadi Al Arbeieen, with its lakes and pools of water sculpted out of Oman’s colourful mountains.
Guests in Abu Dhabi can visit one of the city’s three most famous theme parks: Ferrari World for those who enjoy speed and racing, Warner Brothers World for those who want to meet their favourite cartoon characters, and Yas Waterworld, a massive water park with 43 attractions such as slides, water games, and swimming pools.
Visit the Louvre, a genuine marvel of contemporary architecture where you can view pieces of art from all over the globe, or rest on the exclusive beach of Al Maya Island, a genuinely earthly paradise just minutes from Abu Dhabi.
You may combine your passion for golf with your love of sailing by booking the “cruise & golf” package, which offers guests the chance to play at some of the most magnificent Arabian Gulf golf courses while the ship is docked there.
The onboard amenities of the Costa Toscana will also be adapted to each specific port of call. Let’s begin with the chef trio of Bruno Barbieri, Hélène Darroze, and Angel León and their culinary offering.
These three Michelin-starred chefs will provide a culinary introduction to the cruise ports with their interpretations of local specialities, called Destination Dishes, served in the ship’s signature restaurants. Each of the three chefs at the Archipelago restaurant has created a menu that aims to reflect the cuisine of the region through which the restaurant is passing.
An unparalleled and stunning production dubbed “Essence,” modelled after the “Arabian Nights” atmospheres of the Arabian Gulf will make its premiere as part of the ship’s entertainment schedule.
The Costa Toscana is a floating “smart city” that runs on liquefied natural gas and has cutting-edge technical advancements to lessen its adverse environmental effects.
The interiors were designed to highlight and bring to life the colours and mood of this great Italian region. They are the outcome of an exceptional creative endeavour organised by Adam D. Tihany.
All of the furnishings, lighting, textiles, and accessories are “Made in Italy” and were designed by 15 companies, which are excellent examples of Italian design.
Everything from the Solemio Spa to the entertainment spaces, the thematic bars created in partnership with major Italian and worldwide businesses, and the ship’s 21 restaurants and “food experience” zones are seamlessly woven into this unique setting.
The Squok Club, a new video gaming area, and the Splash AcquaPark, located on the ship’s uppermost deck, are geared for the ship’s younger guests.