I am really interested in doing this cruise but not familar with this cruise linem I am a loyal Celebrity customer. Also wonering about feeling safe as an American. Ports of call also include Bahrain, Oman, and Adu Dahbi and Fujairah. Any insite on this Cruise Line and the Ports? Thanks

Costa is the largest and best known of the European based lines, they're based in Genoa Italy. They are the closest thing available to being mainstream for North American travelers. On an itin like this approx 25-30% of passenger should be American/Canadian. Dubai is very safe for western travelers, many U.S. businesses are relocating there for tax advantages among other things. As long as Tripoli, Libya is not on your itin (it is on many of them) you should be as safe as it's possible to be in that part of the world. If Tripoli is included, tou will not be allowed to disembark with a U.S. or Israeli passport or even a stamp in your passport from Israel.

Cheers, Neil

Thanks for the info and Libya is not on the itineray. Dubai looks so beautiful, this should prove to be a very exiting cruise.

Hi janfred, we've never done an over seas itinerary with Costa, just the Caribbean. We've always had a great time on board. Their cuisine is heavily influenced by Italian. The announcements are made in 5 languages, one of which, thankfully is English. Most of the crew speak a little English, which is very helpful. Toga night is great fun. Last year they did a tour of 6 nations which had food and wine from various countries, it was wonderful. I'm hoping the Mediterranea is as beautiful as the Magica was. Have a wonderful cruise, it sounds like an exciting itinerary!

Janfred
We did this cruise on Costa Classica in Feb this year. There was only one word to describe it. FANTASTIC. So much so we have booked same cruise again for Feb 2008 on Costa Europa. The ports are just amazing with Dubai and Abu Dhabi and Oman being our favourites. Dubai is a very safe City. The crime rate is extremely low. The City is wonderful, and spotlessly clean everywhere you go. Taxis are very cheap and will not rip you off. We had sailed with Costa before on Costa Fortuna which was excellent. Costa is not everyones taste as it is European Style cruising. I dont think you will find it as luxurious as Celebrity but simplt for the chance to visit the wonderful ports it is definitely worth your while.
If you have any other questions please feel free to ask.

UAE is a safe place to travel too however be aware you are a guest in a predominantly Muslim country and you need to dress and act accordingly....not shorts or sleeveless shirts. NEVER take photos of covered ladies!! Ask you guide to help you so that you don't offend anyone. Infact if you ask a muslim to help you one rises in their view and they will graciously over see "mistakes"

Generally try to avoid the time over Ramandan if that is not possible then avoid eating and drinking in public while ashore and rmember Fridays are their special day of worship and that Mosques are not always open to non believers even less to take photos!!!