Dubai is becoming a popular choice of destination for global cruise liners and passengers alike. It’s increase in popularity is marked by the increase in cruise tourists to Dubai by 80 per cent from 2008 to 2010. Located on the southern Arabian Gulf, Dubai has always had a strong marine association, attracting seafarers and traders for commerce.

cruise entrance

The new Dubai Cruise Terminal at Port Rashid which opened in 2010 allows more ships and passengers than ever before. Covering an area of more than 37135 square feet, the new terminal can accommodate three to four ships at the same time.

Costa Cruises made Dubai its regional cruise hub in 2007, giving the Dubai cruise industry a major boost. The Costa Deliziosa was inaugurated in Dubai during her Grand Maiden Cruise in February 2010. This was the first time that an Arabian city hosted a cruise ship christening ceremony.

Inside the terminal

Royal Caribbean International is the second major cruise line to base one of its ships in Dubai. The Brilliance of the Seas offers guests 13 decks of entertainment, activities and accommodation and also the chance to explore Dubai before and after their cruise.   

Dubai offers luxury and great bargain holidays for everyone to enjoy before or after their cruise.

There are always travel deals available throughout the internet so that you can combine your cruise with a stay in Dubai and enjoy all that this amazing destination has to offer.

Costa Cruise Line

Costa Cruises, Italy’s largest tourism group and Europe’s number one cruise company, opens its fourth winter season in Dubai with the deployment of the ‘top of the range’ Costa Luminosa, the most exclusive and elegant of its cruise ships.

After entering service in April 2009, this is the first time that Costa Luminosa (2,826 Guests) will operate in the region, with the confirmation of a seven-day itinerary in the Arabic gulf, homeporting in Dubai until April 2010.

Costa Luminosa

As the first cruise company in the world to operate regular cruises in the UAE, Costa Luminosa’s arrival in Dubai is followed by the exciting news that her sister ship, Costa Deliziosa, will be joining her from February 2010. On the 23 February 2010, during her Grand Inaugural Cruise, Costa Deliziosa will be named in Dubai becoming the first ever cruise ship to be christened in an Arabian city. Departing from Savona on 5 February 2010 and calling in Dubai between the 23 and 26 February, Costa’s passengers on the first leg of the Grand Inaugural Cruise will be able to attend the naming ceremony.

This winter, for the first time, Costa Cruises is deploying the fleet’s top of the range ships, Costa Luminosa and Costa Deliziosa, to boost the Italian company’s presence in the Arabian Gulf. They will be joined by Costa Europa (1,830 Guests) which will offer a brand new itinerary with a series of eight cruises from Italy to Dubai and vice versa.

Costa Deliziosa’s naming ceremony further strengthens the relationship between Dubai and Costa Cruises which started in the winter 2006/2007 season. The Italian company, together with AIDA Cruises, the German brand also belonging to Costa Crociere’s group – 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 tourist destination.

During the winter 2009/2010 season, Costa’s ships are expected to bring 140,000 passengers to Dubai, thanks to the presence of three ships – Costa Luminosa, Costa Deliziosa and Costa Europa – for a total of 32 calls. Most of Costa’s guests are expected to come from Europe (Italy, Germany, Spain, UK and France). In addition to Costa Cruises ships, one AIDA Cruises ship, AIDA diva (2,500 total Guests), will be calling 20 times at Dubai in winter 2009/10.

Dubai beaches

In a survey, 80% of cruise passengers in Dubai revealed that they would extend their visit to the Emirate during their next visit, and 95% said they would recommend others to visit Dubai to enjoy its all-appealing facilities, pristine beaches and unparalleled shopping options.