Costa Smeralda Between the Lands and Skies of Africa
Costa Cruises unveils unprecedented adventures with the “Costa Voyages Special Edition” cruises aboard Costa Smeralda, featuring two spectacular itineraries departing in November 2024 and March 2025. These cruises will explore breathtaking African landscapes, crossing the Mediterranean to Dubai and vice versa, with unique experiences and immersions in the wild nature of places such as Namibia and South Africa.
The “Special Edition” cruises, perfect for those seeking adventures beyond the ordinary, include long land explorations, stargazing sessions, and innovative fitness activities. The two distinct routes will be: the first departing from Genoa on November 15, 2024, to reach Dubai on December 21, and the second departing from Dubai on March 1, 2025, returning to Genoa on April 7. During the 36-day journey, Costa Smeralda will stop at extraordinary destinations like Walvis Bay in Namibia, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth in South Africa, Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands, Mauritius, and Muscat in Oman.
Costa smeralda itinerary
Costa Smeralda
The “Costa Voyages Special Edition” will offer multi-day land experiences, with guests returning onboard at the next port thanks to the unmissable Overland excursions. Among the most anticipated stops is the exploration of South Africa’s famous Garden Route, linking Port Elizabeth to Cape Town through captivating beaches, lagoons, and forests. Adventure seekers can join a three-day safari to see the “Big Five” and stay in luxurious lodges. For an even more unique experience, Costa offers a three-day tour through Namibia’s red dunes, exploring the desert in 4×4 vehicles and experiencing the charm of a 1920s-style safari camp.
During these cruises, passengers will not only explore the land but also experience exciting “Sea Destinations” onboard. Under the pure, dark skies of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, two evenings will be dedicated to stargazing, where guests, with the support of the captain, will observe constellations and planets from a rare and spectacular perspective, creating unforgettable moments under starry skies.
Cape Town
Port Elizabeth
Walvis Bay
Muscat
Onboard life will be enriched with exceptional experiences thanks to a meticulously designed program. For the first time, these cruises will feature a wellness program in partnership with Technogym, enabling guests to maintain their well-being while on vacation. With high-quality fitness equipment and a weekly check-up included in the package, passengers can track their progress and join lessons led by specialized instructors. A “Premium Health” package is also available, offering a personal trainer and customized menus for those seeking a complete wellness experience.
In addition to the new activities designed for the “Special Edition” cruises, Costa will also offer all the experiences that distinguish “Costa Voyages,” where comfort and entertainment blend to create an unforgettable holiday. Guests will enjoy exclusive desserts created for Costa Voyages by Costa’s pastry chefs in collaboration with Iginio Massari. Three elegant evenings will feature exclusive menus designed by world-renowned chefs, including Bruno Barbieri, Hélène Darroze, and Ángel León. For a full culinary immersion, guests can dine at the Archipelago Restaurant. And for those craving a midnight snack, the Banquet Night Party offers a spectacular buffet with ice sculptures made by master ice carvers and a live DJ set.
Technogym
igino massari
Starred Chefs
Glamorous occasions await, with three themed evenings: Gala Night, Fashion Night, and Glamour Night, where guests can dance with onboard officers, walk the red carpet, and compete in a dance contest. Dancing Maestro lessons and Art & Craft workshops will add fun to sea days, as well as the “Behind the Scene” tour, which offers a backstage look at the ship. For music lovers, a special show created in collaboration with Rolling Stone will take the audience on a journey through the history of rock, with live performances and interactive storytelling: the audience will choose the concert setlist through live voting.
The “Costa Voyages Special Edition” offers a unique experience, enriched with special activities and unforgettable explorations, featuring exclusive itineraries that allow travelers to discover destinations from extraordinary perspectives, ideal for those seeking a truly complete cruising experience. For those unable to participate in one of the two exclusive African itineraries, Costa offers equally fascinating alternatives: Costa Voyages cruises are also available aboard Costa Fortuna, Costa Favolosa, and Costa Fascinosa, with 11-15 day itineraries to discover off-the-beaten-path destinations during the best times of the year, ranging from the wild Canary Islands to the breathtaking nature of the Azores, from picturesque Greek villages to the vibrant colors of Moroccan souks and the beaches of Normandy, with land experiences beyond traditional tourist paths.
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