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AROUND 7,000 cruise passengers per week are expected to pour into Bahrain over the winter months with even more expected next year.
This week the luxurious Costa Victoria, part of the Italian Costa Crociere cruise line, made its first voyage to Bahrain as part of a Gulf tour organised by Al Sharif Group.
The ship carried 2,000 passengers who enjoyed sight-seeing and shopping tours of the kingdom.
Ali Al Sharif, president and CEO of Al Sharif Group, said: "Costa Victoria, which is on its maiden voyage to Bahrain, can carry around 2,300 passengers.
"Two weeks ago, another ship carrying 2,400 passengers arrived in Bahrain and now we will have three passenger ships coming to the kingdom every week bringing a total of about 7,000 passengers.
"By next year we will have even bigger ships that can carry about 3,000 passengers each.
"This shows how many tourists are attracted to Bahrain. Many from abroad would like to be better acquainted with the Gulf.
The ships are stationed in Dubai and will transport passengers from Europe, Germany, France, Spain, Canada, the UK and even Taiwan across the GCC.
They will stay a couple of days in Dubai, then head to Muscat, Fujairah, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and then back to Dubai. This weekly tour will continue till end of April.
"We are very pleased that Costa Victoria and other passenger ships are coming to Bahrain."
The 14-deck liner is designed to reflect the warmth and spirit of Italy with its avant-garde design and modern amenities. From the panoramic Concorde Plaza to the sparkling indoor and outdoor pools, ultramodern Pompei Spa and Planetarium Atrium, the cruiser combines the elegance of European style with the sophistication of American comforts.
GulfWeekly was given a tour of the ship and had a chance to meet both the ship's hotel director and captain.
Saverio Grillo, Italian hotel director of Costa Victoria said: "The ship is 12 years old and has a passenger capacity of 2,250. At the moment we have 2,000 on board.
"The ship carries 757 crew members, 150 of them Italian and the rest from the Philippines, India and the UK.
"There are 920 cabins and plenty of entertainment and activities. There are two international productions with dancers and singers, a magician and a cruise show.
"The ship includes a casino, retail shops, two restaurants, buffet, dining for VIPs, an internal and external pool and a spa with salon and sauna. There is also shuffle board on deck."
Italian captain Mario Morreta told GulfWeekly that the Costa Victoria serves an international market with many passengers from around the world seeking an Arabian adventure.
He said: "Sailing in Bahrain waters is good, although we do face some strong winds from the north-west. However after winter, perhaps at the end of February, we will have clear skies and nice weather.
"The voyage is progressing very well and I am receiving a lot of positive feedback about Bahrain from the passengers.
"Overall, it is a lovely ship in design and very sturdy."
The Costa Victoria will arrive every Thursday while the Costa Classica will arrive on Fridays and Aida Diva on Wednesdays.
