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Costa Classica in the Arabian Gulf |
| Reviewed By: Payne, Bognor Regis on 8th Feb 2008 |
| Cruise Line: Costa Cruises |
Times cruised before: 6-10 |
| Cruise Ship: Costa Classica |
Sailed:
April,
2007 |
| Destination: Dubai |
Age: 46-55 |
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My wife, Christine, and I chose to book a spring 2007 cruise through Victoria Travel, to the Arabian Gulf aboard Costa Classica.
Although this is a new area for crusing all the ground and port handling was incredibly efficient and the welcome affored by the locals was particularly encouraging. we felt safe everywhere that we went and believe that the Arabian Gulf is one of the safest destinations for tourists, anywhare in the world.
We flew BA to Dubai and sailed for Muscat the following day. What an enchanting city! The Grand Mosque, Souk and Sultan's Palace were on the itinerary for the city tour and we were not disappointed. We will return for a longer stay soon..
Fujairah was small but the shopping good and it was interesting to visit an Arabian destination that has held on to its traditions and not developed like its more affluent neighbours. Abu Dhabi was magnificent with spotlessly clean boulevards, shopping malls and an enchanting cultural centre.
Bahrain was the highlight for us a s we prviously lived there (30 years ago). the souk remains traditional whilst the newer shopping malls are on par with anywhere in Europe. The Formula One was about to start and the island was full orf life.
Back in Dubai it was good to spend a night in port. The new cruise port it so close to the centre that it makes and e3xcellant base and spending time beside and sailing on the Dubai Creek was a delight.
Life on board was great fun and we enjoyed the Italian laid back approach to cruising and the European style entertainment and cuisine. Next time though we will not cruise with Costa during the Itailian school holidays.
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| Quality of Food |  |
| Salads, fish in main restaurant | | Entertainment |  |
| All the late night shows were splendid but the crew revue was rather boring. | | Shore Excursions | |
| Best Muscat
others were still very good. | | Staff |  |
| Staff were generally disinterested but the english host was very good. | | Children's Facilities | n/a |
| | Onboard Activities | |
| Focussed on Italians and the US/UK passengers felt neglected. | | Cabins | |
| Everything was great but we wanted a suite with balcony and were waitlisted, without luch for any cruise that season. | | Overall Rating | |
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