18 Night Cruise sailing from Savona to Dubai aboard Costa Deliziosa.
Designed to fascinate, but also to satisfy every desire, Costa Deliziosa - the new diamond of the fleet - has
been created to offer a unique sensory experience.
Every detail on board the Costa Deliziosa is dedicated to the pleasure of the guests on board: from the furniture to the art collections, or the grand spa area to the mastery of the great chefs.
From the Mediterranean to Dubai discovering extraordinarily beautiful worlds, faraway countries.. Egypt with Sharm El Sheik on the Red Sea; Jordan and Yemen, two countries which contain ancient treasures of extraordinary beauty. The charming Oman and finally Dubai with its beaches and skyscrapers, souks, mosques and desert.
Savona
One of the most celebrated former inhabitants of Savona was the navigator Christopher Columbus, who farmed land in the area whilechronicling his journeys. 'Columbus's house', a cottage situated in the Savona hills, lay between vegetable crops and fruit trees. It is just one of many residences in Liguria associated with Columbus.
Several cities as well as Savona claim his birth and residency, such as Genoa and Terrarossa di Moconesi. Savona is the most important city on the west coast of Italy, within reach of the seaside resorts of Alassio, Loano and Varazze.
Savona is a city rich in history and enterprise, largely centering on its port. The most important monument in the city in this regard is the Priamar, a castle stronghold near the port and recently restored. This is the site of the city's first developed community, in 205BC, described by Roman historian Titus Livius as 'Savo Oppidum Alpinum' and evidently an ally of Carthage against Rome. The city fell under Roman rule in 200BC and, following the establishment of Vada Sabatia, presently called Vado, its importance rapidly declined. After the fall of the Roman Empire and the invasions of the Barbarians, Savona became an important Byzantine settlement. In 643AD, Savona was destroyed by the Rotarians and the Longobards, while during the 9th and 10th centuries it was the capital of Marca Aleramica. Eventually it became an independent municipality, developing considerable trade with France, Spain and North Africa. After a long period resisting Genoa, it finally relinquished power in 1528 and following the Napoleonic era was annexed by Savoy. Formerly a province of the kingdom of Sardinia, the province of Savona was recognised in 1927.
There are two versions surrounding the origin of the name of Savona's symbolic monument, the Priamar. According to the first, Priamar derives from 'Pietra Sul Mare' (rock on the sea), as the fortress is constructed on a promontory rock facing the Ligurian sea. According to the second version the name derives from 'Petra Mala', a reference to the rock underneath the castle being crumbly. Inside the fortress walls stood a school, two of whose pupils became the popes Julius II and Sixtus IV. It also hosted a ceremony to mark the independence of the municipality, in 1191, after the victory of Ghibelline. In the 19th Century the fortress was used as a prison, where in 1830-1831 Giuseppe Mazzini was jailed. During World War II, the fortress was used as an air-raid shelter and to control Savona's port.
Safaga
Safaga is approximately 60 km south of Hurghada. It is a favourite Red Sea resort for sports fans, especially windsurfers since the World Championships were held here in 1993. However, it is mainly known to scuba diving experts and enthusiasts. Like all the other Red Sea resorts, for many years it was just a commercial port, developing only recently thanks to tourism. It is now a fine little town and attracts tourists from all over the world with its wide bay with splendid turquoise waters and long beaches.
The recommended dive sites include the Tobia Arbaa chain of coral reefs (also called "seven pillars" for its seven pinnacles rising from the sandy seafloor), the impressive sheer cliffs of the Panorama diving site (its size enables three different dives to be made along the same reef: the southern plateau and the east and west drop offs) and the towering coral formations of Abu Qifan, famous for sightings of hammerhead sharks in spring and manta rays in winter.
Adventure lovers will be attracted to the dramatic wreck of the Salem Express, in which around about 500 people died in one of the worst marine tragedies in the area. In December 1991 the 100-metre-long ferry was returning to Safaga from the traditional Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca when it hit the coral reef and sank immediately. The crew and passengers did not have time to board the lifeboats and there were no survivors. The wreck, one of the biggest in the Red Sea, is now home to an incredible variety of underwater life, and is the home and favourite refuge of all kinds of fish.
However, your visit to Safaga can also concentrate on relaxation and wellness. The town's distinctive black sandy beaches and its waters, with their high saline content and beneficial properties for skin, make it a famous spot for health treatments. The Karlovy Vary Health Centre at the Menaville Hotel is one of the international centres specialising in climate therapy treatments recommended for a wide range of illnesses from rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis to obesity and stress.
Safaga is also a good starting point for excursions into the desert, such as that to the Mons Claudianus granite quarries. This Roman site is the largest and best preserved in the eastern desert and was once inhabited by around 1000 people, including quarry workers and soldiers. Today you can still see the remains of a fort, some houses, workshops, stables and baths, as well as columns of broken granite and large slabs. One of the columns is most impressive at 16 metres long and 2.4 metres wide, and weighing 209 tons.
From Safaga it is also possible to reach the famous historical sites at Luxor, 200 km away, the site of ancient Thebes and Egypt's capital during the Middle Kingdom. The building of the colossal temple of Luxor began during the reign of Amenhotep III in the 14th century BC. Haremhab and the great Tutankhamon then added columns and statues, but the greatest expansion occurred under Ramses II, about 100 years after work commenced. The Temple of Luxor is peculiar in that it is the only major Egyptian temple complex to have the marks of only two pharaohs on its architectural structures.
In 1989 26 statues from the New Kingdom were discovered beneath the floor of the inner area of the temple, and can now be admired in nearby Luxor Museum. The Valley of the Kings, whose entrance is situated less than 3 km from the west bank of the Nile, is of enormous historical and archaeological importance. The rulers of ancient Egypt were buried here for almost 500 years, from the 18th to the 20th dynasties (1552-1069 BC).
Dubai
Dubai is undoubtedly the pearl of the United Arab Emirates. Its name belongs not only to one of the seven emirates but also to the largest city of that emirate (Dubai City). Dubai is the second largest emirate of the country, after Abu Dhabi. It is situated on the Persian Gulf, southwest of Sharjah and northeast of the capital.
Compared with the other emirates, whose enormous wealth comes directly from oil, only 10 per cent of Dubai's gross domestic product is attributable to income from the oil industry. Here the main sources of wealth are the special economic free zone of Jebel Ali and tourism, which has expanded greatly in recent years Today, Dubai City is one of the most intriguing ultramodern metropolises of the 21st century. Its allure is not due to its artistic, archaeological and cultural heritage, so much as to the overall vision it offers: a window of luxury and wealth looking towards the future. Here all that glitters is gold.
The city is divided into two: Deira, to the northeast, and Dubai, to the southeast, separated by an inlet of the Gulf (called Al-Khor). The city centre is actually in Deira. A pleasant and novel way of seeing the city better is to hire an abra (motorised water taxi). However, you can also walk through the port area of Deira and watch the dhows, as they load and unload their goods in the shadow of the skyscrapers before setting off again for the Red Sea or Indian ports. The Creek is a 12-kilometre canal along which you can take a trip back into the past.
Evidence of Dubai's brief history can be seen in the Museum housed in the Al-Fahaidi Fort, built at the beginning of the 19th century. The fort is the oldest building in the city and for many years it was the residence of the heads of state of Dubai and the seat of government. The museum (established in 1971) illustrates the fortunes of the emirate, the life of the local people, Bedouin customs, and the region's flora and fauna. The first written evidence of the city of Dubai dates only to 1799. Previously, during the 18th century, the area had been settled by the Al Abu Falasa family of the Bani Yas clan.
The city remained a dependency of Abu Dhabi until 1833, when the Al Maktoum family, of the Bani Yas clan, left Abu Dhabi and took control of Dubai. Subsequently relations between the two emirates were difficult. In 1892 Dubai became a British protectorate. During the 20th century trade and commerce developed, also with India. Over the years, the city also grew as a financial centre until becoming today's ultramodern metropolis.
Despite its unrestrained luxury, Dubai remains a Muslim city and is obviously home to a number of mosques, including the Jumeirah mosque, a very fine example of modern Islamic architecture. Near the Ruler's Court is the Grand Mosque, renovated in 1998, which boasts the highest minaret in the city (70 m). The residence of Sheikh Saeed, built at the end of the 19th century, overlooks the sea, and is a splendid example of local architecture. However, Dubai City is impressive for its modernity and for the comfort it can offer: from the largest golf course in the Middle East (and the fifth largest in the world in terms of area) to the ultra-luxurious Yacht Club, and from the splendid beaches and amazing hotels and restaurants of every kind to the shopping centres that rival Singapore and Hong Kong.
Grand futuristic projects include the Palm Islands, Dubai International City, Burj Dubai and The Pinnacle, the tallest skyscrapers in the world, the World, a construction of 300 manmade islands reproducing the five continents, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Islands, Hydropolis Hotel, the first underwater hotel, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai Festival City and finally Dubailand and The Mall of the Emirates, which is planning to build a winter holiday resort with artificial snow in the middle of the desert. It is the world of the rich and the super-rich, with their amusements and hobbies, such as horse and camel competitions. These include the traditional and absolutely fascinating Arabian horse championships, where the best pure-bred Arabian horses in the world compete for the title of the most beautiful and most elegant.
B1 - Balcony
Balcony Staterooms have two twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, flat screen television, generous closet space, and private bathroom with shower. There is a sitting area with desk and sofa bed. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors lead to your spacious veranda with seating. Each stateroom also has PlayStation on demand, satellite television, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, and 24 hour room service.
Some staterooms are equipped with an upper Pullman-style bunk bed to accomodate a fourth guest.
Please note: some staterooms have two twin beds that do not convert.
Staterooms that are wheelchair accessible only accomodate 2 guests.
Square Footage: 223 sq ft
B2 - Balcony
Balcony Staterooms have two twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, flat screen television, generous closet space, and private bathroom with shower. There is a sitting area with desk and sofa bed. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors lead to your spacious veranda with seating. Each stateroom also has PlayStation on demand, satellite television, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, and 24 hour room service.
Some staterooms are equipped with an upper Pullman-style bunk bed to accomodate a fourth guest.
Please note: some staterooms have two twin beds that do not convert.
Square Footage: 258 sq ft
B3 - Balcony
Balcony Staterooms have two twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, flat screen television, generous closet space, and private bathroom with shower. There is a sitting area with desk and sofa bed. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors lead to your spacious veranda with seating. Each stateroom also has PlayStation on demand, satellite television, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, and 24 hour room service.
Some staterooms are equipped with an upper Pullman-style bunk bed to accomodate a fourth guest.
Please note: some staterooms have two twin beds that do not convert.
Square Footage: 223 sq ft
B4 - Balcony
Balcony Staterooms have two twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, flat screen television, generous closet space, and private bathroom with shower. There is a sitting area with desk and sofa bed. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors lead to your spacious veranda with seating. Each stateroom also has PlayStation on demand, satellite television, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, and 24 hour room service.
Some staterooms are equipped with an upper Pullman-style bunk bed to accomodate a fourth guest.
Please note: some staterooms have two twin beds that do not convert.
Square Footage: 236 sq ft
B5 - Balcony
Balcony Staterooms have two twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, flat screen television, generous closet space, and private bathroom with shower. There is a sitting area with desk and sofa bed. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors lead to your spacious veranda with seating. Each stateroom also has PlayStation on demand, satellite television, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, and 24 hour room service.
Some staterooms are equipped with an upper Pullman-style bunk bed to accomodate a fourth guest.
Please note: some staterooms have two twin beds that do not convert.
Staterooms that are wheelchair accessible only accomodate 2 guests.
Square Footage: 248 sq ft
B6 - Balcony
Balcony Staterooms have two twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, flat screen television, generous closet space, and private bathroom with shower. There is a sitting area with desk and sofa bed. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors lead to your spacious veranda with seating. Each stateroom also has PlayStation on demand, satellite television, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, and 24 hour room service.
Please note: some staterooms have two twin beds that do not convert.
Square Footage: 236 sq ft
B7 - Balcony
Balcony Staterooms have two twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, flat screen television, generous closet space, and private bathroom with shower. There is a sitting area with desk and sofa bed. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors lead to your spacious veranda with seating. Each stateroom also has PlayStation on demand, satellite television, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, and 24 hour room service.
Please note: some staterooms have two twin beds that do not convert.
Square Footage: 248 sq ft
B8 - Balcony
Balcony Staterooms have two twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, flat screen television, generous closet space, and private bathroom with shower. There is a sitting area with desk and sofa bed. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors lead to your spacious veranda with seating. Each stateroom also has PlayStation on demand, satellite television, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, and 24 hour room service.
Please note: some staterooms have two twin beds that do not convert.
Square Footage: 248 sq ft
E1 - Oceanview
Oceanview Staterooms have a picture window, two twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, flat screen television, generous closet space, and private bathroom with shower. There is a sitting area with desk, sofa bed, and armchair. Each stateroom also has PlayStation on demand, satellite television, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, and 24 hour room service.
Some staterooms are equipped with an upper Pullman-style bunk bed to accomodate a fourth guest.
Please note: some staterooms have two twin beds that do not convert.
These staterooms have views that are obstructed by life boats or other ship structures.
Square Footage: 179 sq ft
E2 - Oceanview
Oceanview Staterooms have a picture window, two twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, flat screen television, generous closet space, and private bathroom with shower. There is a sitting area with desk, sofa bed, and armchair. Each stateroom also has PlayStation on demand, satellite television, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, and 24 hour room service.
Some staterooms are equipped with an upper Pullman-style bunk bed to accomodate a fourth guest.
Please note: some staterooms have two twin beds that do not convert.
Square Footage: 193 sq ft
GS - Grand Suite
Grand Suites have two twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, flat screen television, generous closet space, private bathroom with double sinks and whirlpool tub, and dressing area with vanity. There is a sitting area with desk, sofa bed, and armchairs. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors lead to your spacious veranda with lounge seating. Each stateroom also has PlayStation on demand, satellite television, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, and 24 hour room service.
Special Suite Amenities: Pillow menu, kit of bath products, and complimentary bathrobes and slippers.
Square Footage: 562 sq ft
L1 - Inside
Inside Staterooms have two twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, flat screen television, generous closet space, desk, and private bathroom with shower. Each stateroom also has PlayStation on demand, satellite television, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, and 24 hour room service.
Some staterooms are equipped with an upper Pullman-style bunk bed to accomodate a third guest.
Please note: some staterooms have two twin beds that do not convert.
Square Footage: 154 sq ft
L2 - Inside
Inside Staterooms have two twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, flat screen television, generous closet space, desk, and private bathroom with shower. Each stateroom also has PlayStation on demand, satellite television, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, and 24 hour room service.
Some staterooms are equipped with an upper Pullman-style bunk bed(s) to accomodate a third or fourth guest.
Please note: some staterooms have two twin beds that do not convert.
Square Footage: 154 sq ft
L3 - Inside
Inside Staterooms have two twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, flat screen television, generous closet space, desk, and private bathroom with shower. Each stateroom also has PlayStation on demand, satellite television, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, and 24 hour room service.
Some staterooms are equipped with an upper Pullman-style bunk bed(s) to accomodate a third or fourth guest.
Please note: some staterooms have two twin beds that do not convert.
Square Footage: 154 sq ft
L4 - Inside
nside Staterooms have two twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, flat screen television, generous closet space, and private bathroom with shower. There is a sitting area with desk and sofa bed. Each stateroom also has PlayStation on demand, satellite television, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, and 24 hour room service.
Some staterooms are equipped with an upper Pullman-style bunk bed to accomodate a fourth guest.
Please note: some staterooms have two twin beds that do not convert.
Square Footage: 201 sq ft
MS - Mini Suite with Balcony
Mini Suites have two twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, vanity, flat screen television, generous closet space, and private bathroom with shower. There is a sitting area with desk, sofa bed, and armchair. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors lead to your spacious veranda with seating. Each stateroom also has PlayStation on demand, satellite television, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, and 24 hour room service.
Special Suite Amenities: Pillow menu, kit of bath products, and complimentary bathrobes and slippers.
Square Footage: 273 sq ft
PS - Panoramic Suite
Panorama Suites have two twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, vanity, flat screen television, generous closet space, and private bathroom with double sinks and whirlpool tub. There is a sitting area with desk, sofa, and armchairs. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors lead to your wrap-around veranda with lounge seating. Each stateroom also has PlayStation on demand, satellite television, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, and 24 hour room service.
Special Suite Amenities: Pillow menu, kit of bath products, and complimentary bathrobes and slippers.
Some staterooms are equipped with a sofa bed to accomodate a third guest.
Square Footage: 672 sq ft
S - Suite with Balcony
Suites have two twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, vanity, flat screen television, generous closet space, and private bathroom with double sinks and whirlpool tub. There is a sitting area with desk, sofa bed, and armchairs. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors lead to your spacious veranda with lounge seating. Each stateroom also has PlayStation on demand, satellite television, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, and 24 hour room service.
Special Suite Amenities: Pillow menu, kit of bath products, and complimentary bathrobes and slippers.
Square Footage: 414 sq ft
SB - Samsara Balcony
A relaxing retreat with discreet and convenient access to the largest spa at sea. Samsara Balcony Staterooms have two twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, flat screen television, generous closet space, and a private bathroom with shower. There is a sitting area with desk and sofa bed. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors lead to your spacious veranda with seating. Each stateroom also has PlayStation on demand, satellite television, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, and 24 hour room service.
Special Samsara Stateroom Amenities: Complimentary spa treatments, personalized wellness consultation, fitness classes, wellness dining, tea ceremony card and in-room tea set, wellness shower filter, aroma diffuser, organic cotton linens and bathroom towels, pillow menu, and complimentary bathrobes and slippers.
Square Footage: 236 sq ft
SI - Samsara Inside
A relaxing retreat with discreet and convenient access to the largest spa at sea. Samsara Inside Staterooms have two twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, flat screen television, generous closet space, desk, and a private bathroom with shower. Each stateroom also has PlayStation on demand, satellite television, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, and 24 hour room service.
Special Samsara Stateroom Amenities: Complimentary spa treatments, personalized wellness consultation, fitness classes, wellness dining, tea ceremony card and in-room tea set, wellness shower filter, aroma diffuser, organic cotton linens and bathroom towels, pillow menu, and complimentary bathrobes and slippers.
Some staterooms are equipped with an upper Pullman-style bunk bed(s) to accomodate a third or fourth guest.
Square Footage: 154 sq ft
SU - Samsara Suite
A relaxing retreat with discreet and convenient access to the largest spa at sea. Samsara Suites have two twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, vanity, flat screen television, generous closet space, and a private bathroom with double sinks and tub/shower combination. There is a sitting area with desk, sofa bed, and armchair. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors lead to your spacious veranda with lounge seating. Each stateroom also has PlayStation on demand, satellite television, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, and 24 hour room service.
Special Samsara Suite Amenities: Complimentary spa treatments, personalized wellness consultation, fitness classes, wellness dining, tea ceremony card and in-room tea set, wellness shower filter, aroma diffuser, air purifier, organic cotton linens and bathroom towels, pillow menu, and complimentary bathrobes and slippers.
Square Footage: 358 sq ft