Costa Deliziosa Christening Event in Dubai

This week, Costa Cruises officially named its newest ship, the Costa Deliziosa. The beautiful ship is a sister to the Costa Luminosa launched in 2009. One of the factors making this inaugural extraordinary was the christening location--Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, a first for an Arab country. The Costa Deliziosa is sailing from Dubai for much of the winter season this year and in 2010-2011, and Costa was the first cruise line to routinely base ships in the region.

I was fortunate to be asked to attend the event, and it was quite spectacular, a blend of Arab and Italian cultures. In addition to the traditional formal naming ceremony, the event included singing, dancing, and even Arabian horses. The Crown Prince of Dubai was in attendance, along with 2200 passengers from the ship and 800 other invited guests from the media, government, and the travel industry. A gala Arab luncheon prepared by the well-known Middle Eastern chef Osama followed the naming ceremony.

Costa Deliziosa Photo Gallery - 36 pictures of the new Costa Deliziosa
Costa Deliziosa Christening Photo Gallery - 42 pictures from Dubai ceremony

Photo Courtesy of Costa Cruises