A spectacular ceremony was held for the first Costa Firenze’s cruise in the Arabian Gulf, following the inauguration of the new Dubai Harbor Cruise Terminal. Another excitement for the guests on this special cruise is the exclusive tours to the Italian Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, thanks to the company’s role of gold sponsor to this event. 

The new ship began with service last July and will offer a one-week itinerary in the Arabian Gulf through the following winter season, 2021-2022. Two days stops at the port of Dubai and one full day in Abu Dhabi are on the schedule, including the opportunity for the guests to visit Expo 2020 Dubai with a privileged entrance to 200 pavilions, with a special focus to the main attraction, the Italian Pavilion. 

“Costa Firenze's debut in Dubai marks another important step in the resumption of our operations, and we are excited to restart cruises in a wonderful destination with great potential and where we have been the first to open to cruises," said Mario Zanetti, president of Costa Cruises . "The inauguration of the new Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal and our commitment to support the Italian Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai demonstrate how Costa, and the Carnival Corporation group to which it belongs, continue to invest in the restart of tourism and the cruise ecosystem, from which Italy and Europe benefit greatly economically and in terms of employment.”

A great partnership between Carnival Corporation & plc and Shamal Holding came out with even greater result, a successful plan of transforming Dubai into region’s leading maritime tourism hub. This harbor, in the heart of Dubai, built on 120,000 square meters, can accommodate two large ships at the same time, offering a safe and comfortable embarkation and disembarkation experience to the passengers. 

Besides Costa Firenze, whose homeport is Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal through March 2022, six other brands from Carnival Corporation will visit it by 2023 with planned 90 calls to this port: AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, P&O Cruises (UK), Princess Cruises and Seabourn.