7 Night Cruise sailing from Dubai roundtrip aboard Luminosa.
A new star has appeared in the Costa firmament: Costa Luminosa, a ship dazzling with light. Elegant, sophisticated and fitted out with the most precious materials, Costa Luminosa is a real jewel. Wonder at its mother-of-pearl, ebony, noble hardwood and mosaic fittings. More cabins with private balconies, new sports facilities such as a roller-skating rink and golf simulator, and innovative entertainment areas, but that is not all: experience the exclusive Samsara Spa and the sliding glass roof that enables you to enjoy life on deck in the evenings.
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.
Abu Dhabi
The United Arab Emirates is certainly one of the richest countries in the world. Oil has made the fortune of this sovereign state, independent since 1971 and composed of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah. The union is governed by a Supreme Council formed by the seven emirs, each of whom is sovereign in his own territory.
Before 1971 they were known as the Trucial States, referring to a 19th century truce between the British and some Arab sheikhs. The Emirates face the Persian Gulf to the north, the Gulf of Oman to the northeast and border Qatar to the north, Saudi Arabia to the west and Oman to the south. At the end of the 18th century the region was known as the Pirate Coast. After the British troops left, the emirs decided to create a single federal state and Abu Dhabi was chosen as its capital. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan became the federation's leader and he remained in power until his death in 2004. Since 4 November of that year, Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahayan, the sheikh of Abu Dhabi, has been President of the United Arab Emirates. Up until the last century, the region was still a simple land, with a tribal society based on sheep and goat farming and fishing.
However, the discovery of precious oil deposits in 1959 radically changed the situation, and every aspect of traditional life is disappearing rapidly. Probably the only aspect of tradition left is Islam, the strictly observed state religion. Little more than forty years ago, even Abu Dhabi was just a small fishing and pearling village. The city's history is very recent: Abu Dhabi was founded in 1761 and became the seat of the reigning Al-Nahyan family.
During the 19th century it was a fairly famous centre of the pearling industry, but when this sector declined at the end of the century, Abu Dhabi went through a dark period. Around 1930 the first oil concessions were sold, but a couple of decades passed before the discovery of the large deposits that triggered its dizzy development. Hovels and mud huts were quickly replaced with banks and luxury shops. Now urban settlement occupies the whole of the T-shaped island of Abu Dhabi, located right in the middle of the northern coast.
A few signs of the past still remain, like the Al-Hosn Palace, known as the Old Fort or White Fort. It was built by the first heir to the Al-Nahyan dynasty, but was replaced at the end of the 19th century by the current building, now restored and used as an archive. The courtyard and the tile work above the main entrance are of interest. Near the fort is the large and anonymous Cultural Foundation, a building used mainly as a library and research and reference centre. About 5 km south of Abu Dhabi there is a Women's Craft Centre. In the northeastern section of the city the dhow wharf and fish market are worth a visit. The old souk, on the northern seafront, also offers glimpses of local folklore and houses a small gold market and many shops of all kinds where tourists can enjoy seeking out original souvenirs.
Small markets and shopping centres offer the opportunity for excellent buys, especially as Abu Dhabi is a free port. Between Abu Dhabi and Oman is Al Ain, the main centre of the Buraimi oasis. Its twin city is Buraimi, which is on the other side of the border, but visitors can move freely between the two areas. This oasis is probably the longest inhabited part of the country: the first settlement dates back to 4000 B.C. Here you can visit Al Ain Museum and the Eastern Fort, both in the southeastern part of the city. The museum has displays on local life prior to the unexpected disruption caused by the development of the oil industry and offers various examples of typical crafts, from Bedouin jewellery and weapons to musical instruments and the inside of a traditional Bedouin tent.
B1 - Verandah Stateroom
Veranda staterooms have a large window with glass doors that lead to your private veranda, two twin beds most of which convert to a queen-sized bed, considerable closet space, a private bathroom with shower, as well as a large sitting area with desk, vanity, drawer space, and sofa bed. Each stateroom also has its own interactive television with satellite, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, complimentary continental breakfast, and 24 hour room service. Some staterooms are equipped with an upper Pullman-style bunk bed to accommodate a fourth guest. Staterooms 5303 and 5304 are wheelchair accessible staterooms.
Square Footage: 220 sq ft (including verandah)
B2 - Verandah Stateroom
Veranda staterooms have a large window with glass doors that lead to your private veranda, two twin beds most of which convert to a queen-sized bed, considerable closet space, a private bathroom with shower, as well as a large sitting area with desk, vanity, drawer space, and sofa bed. Each stateroom also has its own interactive television with satellite, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, complimentary continental breakfast, and 24 hour room service. Some staterooms are equipped with an upper Pullman-style bunk bed to accommodate a fourth guest.
Square Footage: 220 sq ft (including verandah)
B3 - Verandah Stateroom
Veranda staterooms have a large window with glass doors that lead to your private veranda, two twin beds most of which convert to a queen-sized bed, considerable closet space, a private bathroom with shower, as well as a large sitting area with desk, vanity, drawer space, and sofa bed. Each stateroom also has its own interactive television with satellite, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, complimentary continental breakfast, and 24 hour room service. Some staterooms are equipped with an upper Pullman-style bunk bed to accommodate a fourth guest.
Square Footage: 220 sq ft (including verandah)
B4 - Verandah Stateroom
Veranda staterooms have a large window with glass doors that lead to your private veranda, two twin beds most of which convert to a queen-sized bed, considerable closet space, a private bathroom with shower, as well as a large sitting area with desk, vanity, drawer space, and sofa bed. Each stateroom also has its own interactive television with satellite, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, complimentary continental breakfast, and 24 hour room service. Some staterooms are equipped with an upper Pullman-style bunk bed to accommodate a fourth guest.
Square Footage: 220 sq ft (including verandah)
B5 - Verdandah Stateroom
Veranda staterooms have a large window with glass doors that lead to your private veranda, two twin beds most of which convert to a queen-sized bed, considerable closet space, a private bathroom with shower, as well as a large sitting area with desk, vanity, drawer space, and sofa. Each stateroom also has its own interactive television with satellite, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, complimentary continental breakfast, and 24 hour room service. Some staterooms are equipped with either a sofa bed in the sitting area, or upper Pullman-style bunk beds to accommodate a third or fourth guest. Staterooms 6310 and 6311 are wheelchair accessible staterooms.
Square Footage: 220 sq ft (including verandah)
B6 - Verandah Stateroom
Veranda staterooms have a large window with glass doors that lead to your private veranda, two twin beds most of which convert to a queen-sized bed, considerable closet space, a private bathroom with shower, as well as a large sitting area with desk, vanity, drawer space, and sofa bed. Each stateroom also has its own interactive television with satellite, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, complimentary continental breakfast, and 24 hour room service.
Square Footage: 220 sq ft (including verandah)
B7 - Verandah Stateroom
Veranda staterooms have a large window with glass doors that lead to your private veranda, two twin beds most of which convert to a queen-sized bed, considerable closet space, a private bathroom with shower, as well as a large sitting area with desk, vanity, drawer space, and sofa. Each stateroom also has its own interactive television with satellite, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, complimentary continental breakfast, and 24 hour room service. Some staterooms are equipped with either a sofa bed in the sitting area, or an upper Pullman-style bunk bed to accommodate a third guest. Staterooms 7303 and 7306 are wheelchair accessible staterooms.
Square Footage: 220 sq ft (including verandah)
B8 - Verandah Stateroom
Veranda staterooms have a large window with glass doors that lead to your private veranda, two twin beds most of which convert to a queen-sized bed, considerable closet space, a private bathroom with shower, as well as a large sitting area with desk, vanity, drawer space, and sofa bed. Each stateroom also has its own interactive television with satellite, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, complimentary continental breakfast, and 24 hour room service. Staterooms 8290 and 8299 are wheelchair accessible staterooms.
Square Footage: 220 sq ft (including verandah)
E1 - Oceanview Stateroom (obstructed)
Oceanview staterooms have a window with two twin beds most of which convert to a queen-sized bed, considerable closet space, a private bathroom with shower, as well as a sitting area with desk, vanity, drawer space, and sofa bed. Each stateroom also has its own interactive television with satellite, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, complimentary continental breakfast, and 24 hour room service. Some staterooms are equipped with an upper Pullman-style bunk bed to accommodate a fourth guest. Staterooms 4301, 4302, 4348, and 4353 are wheelchair accessible staterooms.
Please note, the view from these staterooms are obstructed by lifeboats or other ship structures.
Square Footage: 191 sq ft
E2 - Oceanview Stateroom
Oceanview staterooms have a window with two twin beds most of which convert to a queen-sized bed, considerable closet space, a private bathroom with shower, as well as a sitting area with desk, vanity, drawer space, and sofa bed. Each stateroom also has its own interactive television with satellite, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, complimentary continental breakfast, and 24 hour room service. Some staterooms are equipped with an upper Pullman-style bunk bed to accommodate a fourth guest. Staterooms 6203, 6204, 7203, and 7204 are wheelchair accessible staterooms.
Square Footage: 191 sq ft
GS - Grand Suite with Verandah
Grand Suites have large panoramic windows with glass doors that lead to your spacious private veranda, two twin beds most of which convert to a queen-sized bed, accomodating closet space, a private bathroom with whirlpool tub and shower, as well as a living room with entertainment center, lounge furniture, sectional sofa bed, ample drawer space, and vanity. Each stateroom also has its own interactive television with satellite, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, complimentary continental breakfast, and 24 hour room service with a private butler.
Suite Amenities: Along with your room service, Costa Suites include full in-suite meal service, sparkling wine, cold canapes, daily fresh fruit basket, and VIP treatment with priority check-in and disembarkation, assistance with packing and unpacking, upgraded bath products, invitation to the VIP cocktail party, and a complimentary dinner for two at the ship's specialty restaurant.
Square Footage: 456 sq ft (including verandah)
I1 - Inisde Stateroom
Inside staterooms have two twin beds most of which convert to a queen-sized bed, considerable closet space, a private bathroom with shower, as well as a sitting area with desk, vanity, and drawer space. Each stateroom also has its own interactive television with satellite, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, complimentary continental breakfast, and 24 hour room service. Some staterooms are equipped with either a sofa bed in the sitting area, or an upper Pullman-style bunk bed to accommodate a third guest.
Square Footage: 150 sq ft
I2 - Inside Stateroom
Inside staterooms have two twin beds most of which convert to a queen-sized bed, considerable closet space, a private bathroom with shower, as well as a sitting area with desk, vanity, and drawer space. Each stateroom also has its own interactive television with satellite, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, complimentary continental breakfast, and 24 hour room service. Some staterooms are equipped with either a sofa bed in the sitting area, or upper Pullman-style bunk beds to accommodate a third or fourth guest.
Square Footage: 150 sq ft
I3 - Inisde Stateroom
Inside staterooms have two twin beds most of which convert to a queen-sized bed, considerable closet space, a private bathroom with shower, as well as a sitting area with desk, vanity, and drawer space. Each stateroom also has its own interactive television with satellite, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, complimentary continental breakfast, and 24 hour room service. Some staterooms are equipped with either a sofa bed in the sitting area, or upper Pullman-style bunk beds to accommodate a third or fourth guest.
Square Footage: 150 sq ft
I4 - Inside Stateroom
Inside staterooms have two twin beds most of which convert to a queen-sized bed, considerable closet space, a private bathroom with shower, as well as a sitting area with desk, vanity, drawer space, and sofa bed. Each stateroom also has its own interactive television with satellite, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, complimentary continental breakfast, and 24 hour room service. Some staterooms are equipped with an upper Pullman-style bunk bed to accommodate a fourth guest. Staterooms 1271, 1275, and 1278 are wheelchair accessible staterooms.
Square Footage: 150 sq ft
MS - Mini Suite with Verandah
Mini-Suites have large panoramic windows with glass doors that lead to your spacious private veranda, two twin beds most of which convert to a queen-sized bed, accomodating closet space, a private bathroom with shower, as well as a large sitting area with desk, vanity, drawer space, and sofa bed. Each stateroom also has its own interactive television with satellite, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, complimentary continental breakfast, and 24 hour room service.
Square Footage: 286 sq ft (including verandah)
PS - Panorama Suite with Verandah
Panorama suites have large panoramic windows with glass doors that lead to your spacious private wrap-around veranda, two twin beds most of which convert to a queen-sized bed, accomodating closet space, a private bathroom with whirlpool tub and shower, as well as a large sitting area with desk, vanity, drawer space, and sofa bed. Each stateroom also has its own interactive television with satellite, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, complimentary continental breakfast, and 24 hour room service with a private butler.
Suite Amenities: Along with your room service, Costa Suites include full in-suite meal service, sparkling wine, cold canapes, daily fresh fruit basket, and VIP treatment with priority check-in and disembarkation, assistance with packing and unpacking, upgraded bath products, invitation to the VIP cocktail party, and a complimentary dinner for two at the ship's specialty restaurant.
Square Footage: 370 sq ft (including verandah)
S - Suite with Verandah
Suites have large panoramic windows with glass doors that lead to your spacious private veranda, two twin beds most of which convert to a queen-sized bed, accomodating closet space, a private bathroom with whirlpool tub and shower, as well as an expanded sitting area with desk, vanity, drawer space, and sofa bed. Each stateroom also has its own interactive television with satellite, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, complimentary continental breakfast, and 24 hour room service with a private butler.
Suite Amenities: Along with your room service, Costa Suites include full in-suite meal service, sparkling wine, cold canapes, daily fresh fruit basket, and VIP treatment with priority check-in and disembarkation, assistance with packing and unpacking, upgraded bath products, invitation to the VIP cocktail party, and a complimentary dinner for two at the ship's specialty restaurant.
Square Footage: 337 sq ft (including verandah)
SB - Samsara Verandah Stateroom
Samsara Veranda staterooms have a large window with glass doors that lead to your private veranda, two twin beds most of which convert to a queen-sized bed, considerable closet space, a private bathroom with shower, as well as a large sitting area with desk, vanity, drawer space, and sofa bed. Each stateroom also has its own interactive television with satellite, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, complimentary continental breakfast, and 24 hour room service.
Special Samsara Amenities: Samsara Staterooms provide an exclusive experience with unlimited access to the Samsara Spa and Thalassotherapy pool, two complimentary treatments of your choice, and extra bath amenities that promote wellness and relaxation.
Staterooms 8232 and 8233 are wheelchair accessible staterooms.
Square Footage: 220 sq ft (including verandah)
SI - Samsara Inside Stateroom
Samsara Inside staterooms have two twin beds most of which convert to a queen-sized bed, considerable closet space, a private bathroom with shower, as well as a sitting area with desk, vanity, and drawer space. Each stateroom also has its own interactive television with satellite, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, complimentary continental breakfast, and 24 hour room service.
Special Samsara Amenities: Samsara Staterooms provide an exclusive experience with unlimited access to the Samsara Spa and Thalassotherapy pool, two complimentary treatments of your choice, and extra bath amenities that promote wellness and relaxation.
Some staterooms are equipped with either a sofa bed in the sitting area, or upper Pullman-style bunk beds to accommodate a third or fourth guest.
Square Footage: 150 sq ft
SU - Samsara Suite with Verandah
Samsara Suites have large panoramic windows with glass doors that lead to your spacious private veranda, two twin beds most of which convert to a queen-sized bed, accomodating closet space, a private bathroom with whirlpool tub and shower, as well as an expanded sitting area with desk, vanity, drawer space, and sofa bed. Each stateroom also has its own interactive television with satellite, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer, mini bar, individual safe, complimentary continental breakfast, and 24 hour room service with a private butler.
Suite Amenities: Along with your room service, Costa Suites include full in-suite meal service, sparkling wine, cold canapes, daily fresh fruit basket, and VIP treatment with priority check-in and disembarkation, assistance with packing and unpacking, upgraded bath products, invitation to the VIP cocktail party, and a complimentary dinner for two at the ship's specialty restaurant.
Special Samsara Amenities: Samsara Staterooms provide an exclusive experience with unlimited access to the Samsara Spa and Thalassotherapy pool, two complimentary treatments of your choice, and extra bath amenities that promote wellness and relaxation.
Square Footage: 337 sq ft (including verandah)