Winter is the perfect time to explore the Arabian peninsula. Temperatures are not super-hot like most of the year, and you get to escape the cold weather at home. And so, this cruise comes as a perfect opportunity. You get to use the Costa Smeralda as a hotel for 2 nights in Dubai, and then it will take you to Muscat, Doha and Abu Dhabi. All of this, in a balcony cabin, merely costs €799 per person and is a great way to comfortably explore the modern mega-cities of the region without having to worry about booking hotels and transportation.
These prices include all meals in the main restaurants, all tips, as well as water and tea. There are various possible dates:
- January 4 – 11, 2025
- February 1 – 8, 2025
- February 8 – 15, 2025
- February 15 – 22, 2025
- February 22 – March 1, 2025
The Route
This 8-day cruise offers a leisurely exploration of Dubai over the first three days, providing ample time to experience the city’s mix of modern attractions and cultural sites. Whether it’s visiting landmarks like the Burj Khalifa or wandering through traditional souks, Dubai offers a wide variety of things to do before the cruise sets sail.
On Day 4, the ship docks in Muscat, Oman, for a 10.5-hour stop. This gives you enough time to take in the city’s unique blend of old and new, with its mosques, markets, and coastal views. After a day at sea, the cruise heads to Doha, Qatar, for another 10.5-hour visit, followed by a longer, 16-hour stay in Abu Dhabi. The journey ends back in Dubai, rounding off a route focused on Gulf cities known for their blend of tradition and modernity.
Here’s the detailed itinerary:
- Day 1: Dubai
- Day 2: Dubai
- Day 3: Dubai
- Day 4: Muscat, Oman (10:30 hours)
- Day 5: At sea
- Day 6: Doha, Qatar (10:30 hours)
- Day 7: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (16 hours)
- Day 8: Dubai
The Ship
The Costa Smeralda was launched in 2020 and accommodates 5,200 passengers. It has a gross tonnage of 182,000 (with an 8-meter draft) and features 18 decks. The ship is 337 meters long and 36 meters wide. Built at the Meyer Turku shipyard, its construction cost around 950 million US dollars.
The Smeralda offers 15 restaurants (including Chinese and Japanese cuisine), 6 of which are included in the fare and offer more basic quality (main restaurants, buffet). Three areas are reserved for suites, club members, or families. In 6 of the restaurants, you can expect higher-quality food in an exclusive atmosphere for an additional charge.
Across the public decks, there are 19 bars. Additional amenities include a cinema, theatre, shopping centre, casino, pool deck (with a covered pool for cooler days), fitness centre, waterslide, disco, aqua park, and kids’ club. The official onboard languages are Italian and English. The onboard currency is the euro.
Cover Picture: Costa Smeralda from above | © Costa Crociere S.p.A.