Dubai has grown as a popular holiday destination over the last few decades. Its awe-inspiring architecture, world-class infrastructure, coastal beauty, unique experiences, and the amazing luxury and grandeur attract millions of people to this Arab land. But a different kind of tourism is growing on the shores of Dubai in recent times. We are talking about cruises. The availability of premium port facilities in Dubai is one of the reasons why cruises are gaining popularity in UAE. The fact that the UAE has stable and steady politics is also another reason for the increase in popularity of cruises in the UAE. Moreover, there are numerous amazing places to visit near Dubai, including in the UAE as well as in the neighboring countries.
Costa Cruises is one of the international cruise lines that offer cruises from Dubai, giving you the chance to explore the Middle East and beyond. Here’s everything you need to know about Costa Cruises from Dubai, including its exciting itineraries, famous Italian hospitality, and incredible onboard activities.
Why Choose Costa Cruises from Dubai?
Costa Cruises is an Italy-based cruise line, established in 1948. Over the years, the cruise line has earned the reputation of being a world leader in the cruise industry due to its hospitality, itineraries, and amenities. The only cruise that sails with the Italian flag has cruises to almost all corners of the world, including the Mediterranean, The Baltic Sea, Northern Europe, North and Central America, The Caribbean, South America, The Middle East, and the Far East.
Costa Cruises has 9 cruises, each endowed with a stylish Italian design and equipped with state-of-the-art amenities and facilities, while being sustainable and eco-friendly. In 2022, Costa Cruises introduced its cruises in the UAE, an upcoming cruise destination due to the presence of perfect cruise conditions and amenities on its ports. The Middle East is the perfect place to embark on your journey to explore the places on the Arabian Gulf, Persian Gulf, as well as the Indian Ocean. Also, the availability of amazing entertainment facilities, activities, and amenities onboard convinces people to choose Costa Cruises Dubai.
Popular Costa Cruise Itineraries from Dubai
Costa Cruise Dubai offers several itineraries that give you the chance to explore the Arabian Gulf and the other cities of UAE along with its neighboring countries. The Costa Cruise sailing from Dubai is Costa Smeralda and takes you on a journey of the Arabian Gulf. The cruises last for 5 days or 7 days, depending on the package you select. The cruise starts with two days’ overnight stay in Dubai, after which it sails to Muscat and Qatar, returning to the UAE (either in Dubai or Abu Dhabi). These cruises are available from December 2024 to March 2025. Each of the itineraries gives you the opportunity to spend one day at sea, when you can explore the cruise and enjoy its numerous offerings as well as the beauty of the ocean. For those looking for a short cruise getaway, Costa Cruises has a 2-nights cruise from Abu Dhabi to Dubai.
Onboard Experiences with Costa Cruises
Cruising is not just about port experiences. On the other hand, you get to enjoy a multitude of experiences, right from dining to entertainment and adventures. Here is what you will get to experience onboard Costa Cruises Dubai.
Dining
Food is one of the main highlights of Costa Cruises. The best part is all the meals, including breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner are included in the cruise package. However, you will be charged extra if you want to try the specialty restaurants onboard. Vegetarian options are available on almost all the restaurants on the cruise. Here are some of the restaurants and the cuisines that you will get to taste while sailing on Costa Cruises.
Archipelago: Archipelago is the star attraction of Costa Cruises, with menus by three world-renowned chefs, Bruno Barbieri, Angel Leon, and Helene Darroze. You will get to try a signature dish of the chefs here every night.
Teppanyaki Restaurant and Sushino at Costa: If you are craving for some delicious Japanese cuisine, you can visit either of these restaurants for some authentic Japanese fare.
Pummid’Oro Pizzeria: Your stay at this Italian cruise would not be complete without you savoring Italy’s very own pizza. At the Pummid’Oro, you can enjoy traditionally cooked pizzas made with homemade mozzarella cheese.
KikiPoke: KikiPoke is a restaurant on Costa Cruises that gives you delicious food along with an incredible view of the ocean. The menu here is inspired by the Hawain cuisine.
Nutella at Costa: A favorite among kids, Nutella at Costa, you get to see and taste an amazing array of dishes inspired by the popular chocolate spread.
Bars and Lounges: Apart from the restaurants, Costa Cruises are also home to the best bars and lounges where you can spend an evening with friends and families, enjoying their signature cocktails and other drinks. Aperol Spritz, Heineken Star Club & Bistro, Ferrari Spazio Bollicine, and Campari Bar are some of the bars to visit for a glass or two of your favorite drink before you head over for dinner.
Activities
One of the reasons Costa Cruise UAE is popular with tourists around the world is the innumerable activities it offers. The best part is that all these activities are perfect for people traveling with their families, especially kids. Even during your cruise from Dubai, you will get to enjoy numerous fun activities.
Rope Garden Adventure Park: On Costa Cruises, you will find an adventure park right on the ship. With obstacle courses, Tibetan bridges, cableways, and platforms, the Rope Garden Adventure Park is for the young and the young-at-heart.
Minigolf: Flaunt your golf skills while sailing on the ocean at the Minigolf area. You can have a mini golf tournament here with family and friends to make your morning or evening on the cruise fun and memorable.
Aqua Park: Experience the magic of pools, slides, and water attractions at Costa Cruises’ Aqua Park. The Aqua Park on the cruise comes with an array of water games and offers complete safety.
Outdoor Soccer Table Area: You may not be able to kick a ball on the ship. But why not show off your soccer skills at the Outdoor Soccer Table Area? Friends and families can host a soccer tournament right here.
Piazza del Campo: This is an open area with a grand staircase where you can enjoy an array of games and activities while taking in the views of the ocean.
Squok Club: If you are on the cruise with your kids aged between 3 and 11 years, you can drop them off at Squok Club for a day of games, play, and fun. There is also a Baby Squok Club for kids between the ages of 1 and 3 years, while the Teen Zone is for children between 12 and 17 years.
Entertainment
While the days on Costa Cruises are filled with adventure and activities, the evenings and nights are dedicated to entertainment and parties. From live shows to dancing nights, there is something for everyone on this cruise.
Theater: The theater onboard hosts amazing shows every evening. Right from musical shows to comedy shows, acrobats, and games, the theater on Costa Cruises would not fail to entertain you.
Casino: Want to try your luck while on the cruise? Head over to the Casino, where you can try Blackjack, Poker, Roulette, electronic gaming, and slot machines. Casinos are only for people above the age of 18 years.
Arcade Games Room: Looking for a space where your entire family can spend some quality time together while having fun? You do not have to look beyond the Arcade Games Room. Enjoy some of the classic arcade games you have ever seen.
Wellness and Relaxation
Cruises are the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate while traveling to different destinations. This is the reason why Costa Cruises offers a whole lot of amenities so that you can relax and at the same time ensure that your health and fitness are at the optimum level.
Beauty Spa Solemio: The spa on Costa Cruises is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing massage while looking at the ocean waves sailing past you. Moreover, you can also enjoy some beauty treatments from hairstyles and facials to manicures and pedicures.
Solarium: Bask in the healing power of the sun while drinking a delicious cocktail by spending time at the Solarium. On Costa Cruises, you will find a solarium on the highest deck, pool area, and the stern.
Area Gym: If you are someone who does not like to skip even a day’s work out, head to the Area Gym. It is the cruise’s fully equipped gym, where you can complete your exercise routine.
Yoga Area: If yoga asanas are more of your kind of workout, the gym area also has a separate section where you can indulge in yoga. Pilates classes are also arranged here.
Outdoor Jogging Track: If jogging is your way of working out, you can hit the outdoor jogging track on the cruise. The jogging track is right on the edge of the railing, giving you the chance to enjoy the gorgeous views of the ocean while jogging.
Outdoor Gym: If you want to work out while soaking in the sun, the outdoor gym would be perfect for you.
Sports Area: Sports enthusiasts will not miss their daily dose of sports, as Costa Cruises offers a sports area, where you can indulge in a variety of sports activities like basketball, volleyball, tennis, etc.
Apart from all these, Costa Cruises also have multiple swimming pools and hot tubs for the benefit of the guests.
Tips for Choosing the Best Costa Cruises from Dubai
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Different elements need to be considered before you choose the best cruise from Dubai by Costa Cruises.
Duration: The amount of time you have on your hand will help you in deciding the right cruise for you. If you are looking for a short holiday, Costa Cruises have short holidays that last anywhere between 2-5 days. In case you want to enjoy the onboard activities and offshore expeditions for a bit longer, extended voyages for anywhere between 7-14 days would be best.
Port Specialties: You must choose a cruise depending on the places that interest you. While some places are known for their history and culture, there are others that are known for their beaches and shopping experiences. The Costa Cruises that sail from Dubai will take you to Doha, Muscat, and Abu Dhabi, all of which are known for their cultural heritage, beautiful beaches, distinct architecture, and more.
Cabin Choices: Once you have chosen the cruise, the next step is to select the cabin. Costa Cruises is equipped with different types of cabins, all of which include all kinds of modern comforts. Interior cabins are the cheapest, as they do not provide you with any view of the ocean. Then there are window cabins, which are like interior cabins but come with a small window. Then there are balcony cabins that have a balcony attached to the room. Apart from this, you also have a suite that is the ultimate luxury room on a cruise.
Best Time to Cruise from Dubai
The best time to go on a cruise from Dubai is between November and March. November to March is winter season in Dubai, which means the weather is pleasant, and you do not have to witness the extreme warm temperatures of summer. The chance of rain is minimal during this time. The waters are calm, ensuring stress-free sailing. However, winter is tourist season in Dubai and its neighboring cities and countries. This is especially true for the end of December and beginning of January, as Dubai celebrates Christmas and New Year with grandeur. If you are planning to go on a cruise during this time of the year, advance booking is absolutely essential. You must plan your cruise holiday at least six months in advance if you are planning to go on a Dubai cruise in December.
Practical Information for Cruises
Before you go on a cruise from Dubai, it is important to gather some practical information about your cruise, right from embarkation to visa information, which will ensure that you have a hassle-free cruise holiday.
Embarkation from Dubai
When you choose to go on cruise with Costa Cruises from Dubai, you need to reach Dubai Cruise Terminal at Port Rashid, a few hours before the embarkation time. The Dubai Cruise Terminal is one of the most luxurious ports in the world and has five terminals, ensuring good traffic management. Apart from a smooth immigration process, the Dubai Cruise Terminal has all the amenities and facilities to make your waiting period in the terminal comfortable. It has a coffee bar, a deli, a mini mart, gift and souvenir shops, taxi rank, and ample seating. There is also Wi-Fi that you can connect to your devices for free. The Dubai Cruise Terminal is 25 minutes away from Dubai International Airport.
Visa and Travel Requirements
If you choose Costa Cruises from Dubai, you will need to get visas for all the countries you are visiting. If you are not a citizen or resident of Dubai, you need to get a UAE visa, followed by visas to Oman and Qatar, as you would be visiting these countries as well during your tour. Costa Cruises do not arrange visas for you. Hence, it is important that you arrange for the visas on your own, if you want to have a successful cruise holiday.
Flight Tickets
Flight tickets are not included in the cruise package. If you must fly to Dubai to get on your cruise, you need to book your flight tickets on your own or get your travel agent to do it for you. If you are traveling during peak season, make sure you book your flight tickets as soon as you book your cruise to save money.
Tips for Packing
- Dubai and its surrounding cities and countries have warm weather throughout the year, so pack comfortable cotton clothes. You can dress casually but elegantly on Costa Cruises.
- Walking shoes are required for your onboard activities as well as for your shore excursions.
- The interior of the cruise ship is air-conditioned, so packing a warm jacket or sweater would be a good idea. Sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and a water bottle are essential for spending time on the deck and also for shore excursions.
- You may have to pack a party dress or an evening dress if you plan to party on the cruise or if you are planning to dine at one of the specialty restaurants.
- Swimsuit, workout clothes, etc., are also essential.
- You can carry your toiletries and makeup products on the cruise.
- Do not forget to pack your camera, phone, laptops, and their respective chargers. A universal adapter may also be required.
Conclusion
Costa Cruises from Dubai has become a popular choice, thanks to their interesting itineraries, stylish vessels, luxurious amenities, and innumerable entertainment options. Moreover, you also get to visit some captivating cities of the Middle East during your cruise journey. If all the information on Costa UAE cruise tour holiday has enticed you to go on a cruise to the Gulf this winter, we encourage you not to waste any more time. Check the Costa Cruises’ website or get in touch with a reliable travel agent who can help you in booking your dream cruise holiday from Dubai.
