Positive trend has Costa shifting capacity

In response to what it describes as a “significant positive” trend in bookings in Europe, Costa Cruises is shifting capacity to Dubai/United Arab Emirates and the Mediterranean for winter 2012-2013. Costa will increase capacity in the UAE by positioning a second ship in the region. From Nov. 17, 2012, Costa Classica, originally scheduled to sail in the Mediterranean, will join Costa Atlantica, offering week-long cruises from Dubai to ports in the Emirates and Oman. Additionally, capacity in the Mediterranean for winter 2012-2013 will be increased by replacing Costa Classica (1,680 total guests) with Costa Magica (3,470 total guests). Starting Nov. 18, 2012, Costa Magica will offer 12-day cruises in the eastern Mediterranean calling at Greece, Israel and Turkey, and 11-day cruises to Portugal and Morocco in the western Mediterranean. Costa Magica had been scheduled to deploy with four other Costa ships in South America. Even with the deployment re-alignment, Costa will offer the twin flagships Costa Favolosa and Costa Fascinosa along with Costa Serena and Costa Fortuna, representing a capacity increase of 13% on its popular South American itineraries.Guests booked on Costa Magica in South America will be accommodated on a similar itinerary on one of the other four Costa ships.