The 1,600-passenger, 48,200-ton Grand Mistral, a Spanish cruise liner to visit Grand Harbour three times this month, is being transferred from the Iberocruceros fleet to Costa Cruises and will be renamed Costa neoRiviera.
Totally refurbished in 2005 and further enhanced with the addition of new suites and cabins in 2007, Grand Mistral has three restaurants (including one buffet), six bars, two shopping arcades, three swimming pools (including a splash pool for kids), jacuzzis, a beauty and wellness centre, hydrotherapy and massages, fitness centre, show lounge and disco.
Prior to entering service as Costa neoRiviera next month, the ship’s exterior decks and interior public areas are being renovated to make the ambience feel like the Italian and French rivieras.
Beginning on November 24, Costa neoRiviera will sail on a seven-night itinerary – The Emirates in Style – that includes overnight calls.
Departing Sundays and sailing round-trip from Dubai, the itinerary includes visits to Muscat, the capital of Oman, and Abu Dhabi.
Each call includes an overnight and late departure the next day, allowing for one-and-a-half days of sightseeing in each port. The calls at Dubai at the beginning and end of the cruise are both overnight stays, giving guests two full nights to become immersed in the culture of this vibrant city.
Guests on Costa neoRiviera will be able to go in small groups of 25 or fewer on excursions that are exclusive to this itinerary.
In Muscat, guests can go on a tour of Oman with a visit to Nizwa Fort, dune bashing in Wahiba Sands and an overnight stay in a Bedouin tented camp.
From Abu Dhabi, guests can soak up the sun during a day at the beach at the private Al Maya Island Resort or enjoy a night spent under the desert sky, witnessing an incredible dawn while enjoying breakfast at an Arabian village. In Dubai, guests can visit the royal stables and see a traditional Arabian horse show.
Costa neoRiviera’s programne for the winter 2013-2014 season in the UAE is complemented by Costa Fortuna, which will be deployed there from December 20, through to March 21, 2014. Costa Fortuna will sail week-long, round-trip cruises from Dubai, with calls at Muscat (overnight) and Kashab, Oman and Abu Dhabi.