Cast off tradition and wave hello to a festive cruise

Do you dream of a Christmas where there’s no washing up, no cold leftovers and no endless repeats on the TV? Why not let Costa Cruises turn your dream into reality with its exciting Christmas programme of Mediterranean and United Arab Emirates cruises?

Across the 12 strong fleet, Costa Cruises’ onboard festivities begin on Christmas Eve with a traditional continental Christmas Eve feast and celebration, followed by midnight mass. On Christmas Day you’ll be served a sumptuous turkey lunch with all the trimmings, followed by festive activities including carol singing around the piano, a visit from Santa and a Christmas trivia quiz.

Costa Cruises has something for everyone. Whether your idea of bliss is being pampered in the spa, soaking up some winter sun or exploring exotic destinations on a wide choice of shore excursions, Costa Cruises can provide it. Family cabins are available so loved ones can stay close together and couples can treat themselves to a luxury Samsara Cabin with direct access to the rejuvenating Samsara Spa onboard the newest ships Costa Concordia and Costa Serena.

Escape the same old Christmas regime this year and float away to a luxurious adventure on the high seas!

Costa Concordia – Tunisia, Malta & Greece
Relax onboard the majestic Costa Concordia and enjoy the festive fun of a Mediterranean cruise. Departing from Civitavecchia, the port for Rome, you’ll cruise to Savona before spending Christmas Eve picking up some last minute presents in the souks of Tunis. Christmas Day is spent in the delightful town of La Valetta in Malta, then cruise onwards to the ancient sights of Katakolon/Olympia and the peaceful charm of Corfu, before returning to the Italian waters of Civitavecchia.

Departs Civitavecchia/Rome, Italy, on 21 December 2008. Prices start at £699 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside cabin, cruise-only for eight nights, including all meals.

Costa Serena – Spain & Portugal
Set sail from Savona to some of the most beautiful cities on the Spanish coast, complemented by a visit to the vibrant country of Portugal. The first ports of call are Malaga and Cadiz, both strong favourites with holidaymakers in the Andalusian region of Spain. The Costa Serena will then reach the charming city of Lisbon, the rock of Gibraltar and the historic sights of Alicante. Christmas Day is spent in the stylish and sizzling city of Barcelona, before cruising back to Savona to arrive on Boxing Day.

Departs Savona, Italy, on 18 December 2008. Prices start at £439 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside cabin, cruise-only for eight nights, including all meals.

Costa Marina – Spain, Morocco, Canary Islands & Madeira
Escape the winter weather for the year-round sunshine of Morocco and the Canary Islands. Departing from Savona, you’ll have the opportunity to stroll along Las Ramblas in Barcelona, explore the exotic streets of Casablanca and discover the beautiful Moroccan beaches of Agadir. Sunshine and warm temperatures should greet you in on the Canary Islands of Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Gomera and Tenerife, then cruise on to the tranquil island of Madeira.

Your Christmas Eve will be spent in the tourist hotspot of Malaga and the Christmas Day festivities are held at sea as you’re sailing to Marseille for Boxing Day. Cruise back to Italy and depart the ship in Savona.

Departs Savona, Italy, on 14 December 2008. Prices start at £809 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside cabin, cruise-only for 14 nights, including all meals.

Costa Victoria – Dubai, Oman, United Arab Emirates & Bahrain
Explore the wonders of the Middle East from the glamorous metropolis of Dubai. Costa Cruises was the first cruise line from Dubai and still leads the industry with a strong itinerary that includes stops at the captivating Sultanate of Oman and the undeveloped emirate of Fujairah.

Christmas Day is spent in Abu Dhabi, a place where modern living blends with culture and tradition, then cruise onwards to the glamour and opulence of Bahrain. The Costa Victoria is docked in Dubai for a night either side of your stay, becoming a floating hotel from where you begin and end your Arabian adventure.

Departs Dubai, UAE, on 20 December 2008. Prices start at £569 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside cabin, cruise-only for seven nights, including all meals.

Costa Cruises has 60 years of cruise expertise to make your dream Christmas cruise sparkle. For more information or to book, log on to costacruises.co.uk.