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19 of the best family hotels in Sardinia
19 of the best family hotels in Sardinia

Times

time19-05-2025

  • Times

19 of the best family hotels in Sardinia

Sardinia is in many ways the perfect family destination. With its gorgeous beaches, rugged nature trails and pretty hill towns, there is more than enough to keep visitors of any age entertained. The Costa Smeralda, in the north of the island, was designed by Aga Khan IV in the Sixties and is still renowned for its glitz and glamour today thanks to the luxury yachts, exclusive golf courses and five-star hotels. Things get quieter further south, where deserted beaches and protected nature reserves provide ideal child-friendly explorations. Treks inland lead to wild landscapes and Bronze Age ruins while visits to larger towns and cities, such as the capital Cagliari, add a touch of art and architecture. To make the most of your stay you need to choose the right base and luckily there are plenty of hotels dotted around the island that cater well for families, with a range of services and amenities to suit everyone. So from kids' clubs to pools, private beaches to babysitting services, here's our top selection of family hotels in Sardinia. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue ££ | KIDS' CLUB | POOL | Best for family-friendly luxury On the southeastern tip of the island this five-star resort blends luxury with a relaxed, family-friendly nature. Its location within the Capo Carbonara protected marine area makes it ideal for flamingo-spotting, diving and snorkelling, while the hotel's complimentary bicycles can be used to explore the flora-and-fauna-filled reserve or nearby Villasimius. Choose between a family room or Prestige family suite with terrace, and make the most of the hotel's huge pool and private beach. There are clubs for younger children and teenagers as well as a babysitting service, giving you plenty of opportunities for adults-only time at the spa or wine cellar.£ | KIDS' CLUB | POOL | Best for beachside fun A smart, low-rise complex fronting a sheltered bay near Alghero, the Hotel Portoconte is conveniently situated right on a private beach, just steps from the crystalline water. Children will love the activities, which include a kids' club, mini-golf, table tennis, swimming pool and play park, while the hotel's location in the Porto Conte natural park provides ample options for trekking, biking and nature-spotting. Double rooms can come with an extra bed, but for more space opt for the interconnecting family room that can sleep up to five.£££ | KIDS' CLUB | POOL | Best for a Bond moment Catapulted to fame when it appeared in The Spy Who Loved Me, this hotel likewise comes with a PG rating. Parents, simply guide your offspring to the kids' club and you will discover ample opportunities to channel Roger Moore and Barbara Bach. Cala di Volpe was built in the Sixties but is still pretty swinging, with elegantly sinuous bedrooms and suites (including the extravagant Harrods Penthouse), several fashionable restaurants, plus tennis courts and shaded cabanas around the saltwater pool, claimed to be one of the biggest in the Mediterranean. The hotel's pink-sand private beach is reached, rather glamorously, by boat, which only adds to the sense of being luxuriously cocooned. £ | POOL | Best for a chic countryside stay Although Sardinia's beaches attract most of the hype, its countryside is equally lovely. This farmhouse-style hotel offers the best of both worlds — a rural retreat in a hilly hinterland dotted with olive trees, and under seven miles from the coast. Its 18 rooms are styled in a winning mix of neutral decor and colourful textiles; one is a family room and another is a self-contained apartment with its own garden. Children will love exploring local nature trails on foot or by bike, as well as swimming in the oak-shaded outdoor pool, which is close enough to the restaurant for parents to keep a watchful eye while enjoying classic Sardinian dishes at lunch.££ | KIDS' CLUB | POOL | Best for a good-value all-rounder Part of the local Bovi family's hotel group, this resort sits on Sardinia's eastern shores in the historic province of Ogliastra. The more upmarket of its 150 rooms have been refurbished in oceanic shades but there are family-friendly options to suit most budgets. Saraceno's crown jewel is its huge, palm-fringed seawater swimming pool, which backs onto a private sandy beach. In the summer children over 12 can take part in free group courses in windsurfing, canoeing and sailing — or head to the complimentary kids' club. Dinner and breakfast are buffet-style, but there's also a beachside bar-restaurant offering drinks and light meals. • Best family hotels in Menorca• Best family hotels in Crete ££ | KIDS' CLUB | POOL | Best for age-appropriate kids' clubs This hilltop resort on Sardinia's southernmost tip has various accommodations and the spacious bedrooms of its elegant Hotel Village are well suited to those travelling with children — Family Superior cottages even have private patios. The pool here is also the largest on the resort, with a shallow area especially for little ones. Right beside it is the Mezze restaurant where all ages dine on simple dishes under sun umbrellas. The four kids' clubs are split by age, with everything from baby discos to adventurous activities for teens.££ | KIDS' CLUB | POOL | Best for water babies Sardinian for 'Golden Bee', this five-star resort sits beside the white sands of Golfo di Marinella on the Costa Smeralda — and all Family Classic rooms have terraces overlooking the tempting waters of the Mediterranean. The kids' club is included in the price of the room and even extends to supervising children in the swimming pool; there's also a play park, mini football pitch and tennis court. Parents can have a night off in one of the complex's many bars or places to eat while their children enjoy one of the restaurant's 'no grown-ups allowed' evenings. There's also a crowd-pleasing pizzeria.££ | KIDS' CLUB | POOL | Best for on-site activities Le Palme is just one of a whopping eight hotels located within the sprawling Forte Village resort in southern Sardinia — its lovely family bungalows happily sleep two adults and two children. It was one of the first resorts to introduce academies for children, so they can choose between sports programmes focused on rugby, fencing, netball or dance, or sign up for lessons in magic or chess. Parents should spend their well-deserved time off in the Thalasso spa or flitting between the complex's many restaurants.££ | KIDS' CLUB | POOL | Best for getting away from it all Occupying a relatively isolated position on its own private beach, this low-rise, terracotta-roofed resort is a relaxed option for a family holiday. There are seven seawater swimming pools, including one just for children, and staff are on hand in a well-equipped play area to entertain those aged from 4 to 12. With wooden ceilings and tiled floors, the 220 rooms are decorated in timeless Sardinian style; balconies or terraces benefit from a sea view or one overlooking the palm-dotted landscaped gardens. There's a free shuttle service to Porto Cervo, but those wishing to explore further afield should consider hiring a car. • Read our full guide to Italy• The best of Sardinia £ | POOL | Best for a small-scale stay Just over half an hour's drive from Cagliari airport this charming, diminutive hotel is set among rolling lawns on the south coast of Sardinia. Book well in advance to nab the family room, which comprises a generous double and a smaller twin, or consider choosing one of the resort's 32 apartments. Youngsters can make the most of complimentary children's entertainment in the swimming pool during July and August (two hours a day, three times a week), and will doubtless spend hours playing with the water feature in the shallow end.£££ | KIDS' CLUB | POOL | Best for beach-lovers This hotel in the island's northeast sits behind what some argue is Sardinia's finest sandy beach, Lu Impostu, a half-mile arc lapped by shallow waters ideal for younger children. The kids' club caters to creative and nature-loving types as well as offering the usual array of sports — and there are exceptional opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, diving and snorkelling. Family rooms are generously sized, with a balcony or patio.££ | POOL | Best for creative couples with kids One of the island's best boutique properties, this arty enclave beneath the Supramonte mountains is a great pick for aesthetes not yet ready to embrace a fully fledged family hotel. As well as offering art itineraries and baking courses, its 71 rooms and suites are individually decorated with work by local painters and sculptors, and several can accommodate an extra bed. The unheated pool is manned by a lifeguard, and there's also a small children's play area. Guests of all ages will love the food — from handmade pasta to spit-roasted meats, served either in the herb garden or on the hotel's delightful terrace.£ | POOL | Best for a bargain private beach This is a rare beast — an affordable hotel with its own beautiful beach. It's ten minutes from the celebrated Forte Village resort and benefits from an almost-as-idyllic coastal location — and guests can book into one of the 87 rooms at Is Morus Relais for a fraction of the cost of its neighbour. Mature trees and Mediterranean gardens surround the hotel's traditional white and terracotta-roofed buildings and eight villas, and staff are friendly and attentive. There are two restaurants — La Terrazza is particularly lovely, serving Italian dishes with a sea view — as well as a children's play area and a devoted pool for kids. £ | POOL | Best for a pre-flight stay A very short hop from Costa Smeralda's main airport, this bright and modern hotel is a great pick for families keen to squeeze every last drop out of their holiday — the pool is particularly lovely, surrounded by tangerine-coloured sun umbrellas and potted cacti. Rooms are decently sized and the hotel can add rollaway beds for a small surcharge. Nearby Olbia is often overlooked, but has a charming historic centre packed with atmospheric piazzas. If parents want an evening out in the city, the hotel can arrange babysitting, but alternatively there's a good bar and restaurant on site.£££ | KIDS' CLUB | POOL | Best for active families This chic, low-rise hotel combines understated looks with an above-average offer for families. Alfresco cinema and boat trips into the bay are just some of the activities available and facilities include tennis courts, indoor and outdoor play areas, and multiple pools — children can be enrolled in a swimming academy. The kids' club is creative, offering puppet theatres, a petting zoo and photo workshops, as well as the usual gamut of sports.£ | KIDS' CLUB | POOL | Best for babies and their parents This all-inclusive hotel on Sardinia's northeast coast makes good use of its location overlooking the Golfo Aranci, even providing guests with free canoes so they can explore its shores. All bedrooms have balconies but it's worth plumping for one of the superior rooms nearest to the beach. Decor varies from fresh to a touch dated, but accommodation is well thought-out for families. The hotel's summer childcare programme caters for babies up to 17-year-olds, including an assisted sleeping room for the smallest guests, so tired new parents can unwind in the wellness centre or get horizontal beside the more relaxed of the hotel's two pools.£££ | KIDS' CLUB | POOL | Best for laid-back luxury 7Pines Sardinia follows the model that's been so successful at its sister resort in Ibiza — combining second-to-none facilities with exceptional service in a stellar coastal location. Its 76 individually designed rooms overlook either impeccably landscaped gardens or the Maddalena Archipelago, which can also be explored aboard the hotel's fleet of luxury yachts. Cherishing the planet is a cornerstone of the kids' club philosophy — sustainable activities include upcycling and gardening, and your children will be able to put theory into practice at the hotel's lovely private beach.££ | KIDS' CLUB | POOL | Best for sea views Situated in Sardinia's north, this is part of the well-regarded local hotel group Delphina and prides itself on its family-friendly credentials — just like its sister property, the Le Dune resort in Badesi. The kids' club hours are unusually extensive (9.30am to 6.30pm), entertaining ages from 3 to 14 with activities from beach volleyball to dance classes. The bougainvillea-strewn L'Arcipelago restaurant is a charming spot for lunch, while rooms are tastefully done out with white walls and fabrics featuring local motifs. Many have knockout views of La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, which can also be explored on a boat trip booked through the hotel. The full-day tour aboard the Pulcinella, a period wooden sailing ship, is particularly atmospheric. | KIDS' CLUB | POOL | Best for eco-luxe family travel This two-hotel complex is the very definition of sustainable luxury. Although there are 271 rooms and suites, four swimming pools (one with a swim-up bar), and seven restaurants spread across its lush gardens, the resort's low-rise profile and abundant use of natural materials makes it feel at one with its environment. No expense has been spared to make family visits stress-free — as well as an adventurous kids' club (with in-house pizzeria), there's a doctor and pharmacy on site too. Read our full review of Valle dell'Erica Thalasso & Spa Resort • Best hotels in Sardinia• Sardinia v Sicily: which is better? Additional reporting by Julie Alpine and Maria Pasquale

The 10 best beaches in Sardinia
The 10 best beaches in Sardinia

Telegraph

time14-05-2025

  • Telegraph

The 10 best beaches in Sardinia

The beaches in Sardinia are among the finest in the world, and with over 1,000 kilometres of coastline, there's no shortage of spectacular places to pitch up, whether surrounded by archaeological ruins, looming granite cliffs or the local macchia – and of course all are lapped by impossibly limpid turquoise sea. Here are 10 of the best, but you can also take a boat out and find your very own private cove. For further inspiration, see our guide to Sardinia and the island's best hotels, restaurants, nightlife and things to do. Find a beach by area South North-east North-west East West North South Poetto Beach A short bus ride from the city centre, Cagliari's main beach faces the Gulf of the Angels and stretches from Sella del Diavolo up to the coastline of Quartu Sant'Elena. With almost eight kilometres of white sand, the beach is served by dozens of traditional wooden kiosks, 'baretti', where food and drink is served day and night, plus diving centres and surf schools. The promenade teems with bladers, buggies and bikers, but the 16th-century watchtower is a reminder that the sea wasn't always such a friendly proposition. North-east Spiaggia Poltu Di Li Cogghj Spiaggia Poltu Di Li Cogghj is also known as Principe Beach, after the late Prince Aga Khan, who considered it to be the most beautiful in the Costa Smeralda. It's not easy to reach, involving a 10-minute walk down a rough path (don't wear flip-flops), but it's well worth the effort: a fine sand beach surrounded by granite rocks and Mediterranean macchia faces crystal clear blue sea. There are no bars or restaurants here, so bring a packed lunch and plenty of water. Cala Spalmatore Off the northeast coast of Sardinia lies the spectacular La Maddalena archipelago, made up of seven islands, with a total of over 300 impeccably clean beaches, thanks to the fact that the entire area is protected as part of the Parco Nazionale dell'Arcipelago. Once here, the choices are many. After a wander around the elegant port, head off to accessible Cala Spalmatore or Spiaggia Bassa Trinità, or jump on another boat to visit Budelli, famous for its Spiaggia Rosa. 'Pink Beach' owes its name to the crushed coral and shells that are inhabited by tiny pink microorganisms. The sand today is less pink than it once was, as so many people decided to take some away with them, so these days it's not possible to disembark, but boats still drop anchor off the coast so that you can swim against the unrivaled backdrop. North-west San Giovanni Visible well before you arrive, thanks to its 12th-century hilltop Castello della Fava (Bean Castle), the medieval village of Posada is a delightful maze of little streets and cafés. But it's biggest claim to fame is its beaches: San Giovanni and nearby Su Tiriarzu, Iscraios, Due Pini and Orvile have all received the prestigious Cinque Vele Legambiente in recognition of the protected status of the surrounding flora and fauna. You can also travel down the Rio Posada river in a canoe to admire the population of pink flamingos (best spotted between the end of May and June). East Cala Luna South of Olbia are some of Sardinia's most famous mountains, and the Gennargentu massif makes an incredible backdrop to the bay of Cala Luna. It's possible to make a two-hour hike along trails to this secluded little beach, but most take a boat from the nearby ports of Cala Gonone, Santa Maria Navarrese, and Arbatax. There are plenty of caves to explore if you tire of the turquoise sea, and a further 40-minute scenic trek brings you to the famous Grotta del Bue Marino. The wild charm of the bay was the setting for Italian cult movie 'Swept Away' by Lina Wertmuller. Cala Mariolu On the central eastern coast lies one of Sardinia's jewels, Cala Mariolu. It takes its name from the monk seal that would steal (mariolu means 'thief') the day's catch from the local fishermen. Surrounded by cliffs that rise to a height of 500 metres, the beach is only accessible by a fairly challenging trek through Mediterranean scrub, so those without time (or experience) prefer to take a boat to enjoy the sandy beach, speckled with pink and white pebbles, surrounded by clear blue waters. It's an exceptional location for snorkelling and diving. Cala Goloritzé Cala Goloritzé is another exquisite beach renowned for its crystal clear waters, and it can be reached by a less challenging trail through Holm wood forest. Boats leave from Cala Gonone, but it's also possible to hire a gommone (inflatable) with an outboard motor. The backdrop of Monte Caroddi is spectacular, and popular with free climbers, but most choose to admire the 100-metre high pyramid-shaped rock from the white pebble beach, hoping to catch a glimpse of the rare Eleanora falcon that has made its home here. West Oristano On the central western coast, an hour's drive north of Cagliari, lies the medieval city of Oristano, and the nearby Sinis Peninsula, which stretches over 26,000 hectares. The marine-protected site has everything: flat white beaches, pine woods, salt pans, lagoons that are first-rate for snorkelling, fossil-laden cliffs for exploring and, thanks to a northwesterly mistral wind, it's also ideal for kitesurfing and windsurfing all year round. There are even opportunities for whale-watching, and a chance to visit the nearby Phoenician ruins of Tharros. North La Pelosa An hour from Alghero, the town of Stintino is a delight in itself, located between the two picturesque harbours of Porto Mannu and Porto Minori. But just beyond the town, via a series of wooden walkways, you'll find one of Sardinia's most enticing beaches, La Pelosa. With white sands lapped by turquoise sea, it's a well-frequented destination, so continue on to the wild and unspoilt Capo Falcone at the end of the peninsula. The beach is overlooked by a Spanish watchtower and has views across to the island of Asinara. Stintino's Museo della Tonnara tells the story of the town's tuna-fishing industry, and there are plenty of restaurants serving the fish. Porto Pollo A 10-minute drive north of Palau you'll reach the top wind- and kite-surfing destination in the north, Porto Pollo (Chicken Harbour – nope, no idea either). Thanks to its length and location, there's always somewhere where the surfing is good, and the addition of a few surfing schools means it attracts a younger crowd keen to learn how to catch a wave – check out the number of camper vans in the car park. But there are also more sheltered coves, and plenty of visitors locate a secluded bit of beach, surrounded by dunes and Sardinian macchia, to swim and laze, and later gaze at the sunset. At some point, most find their way to one of the beach shacks (Rupi's is a fave) for refuelling and music. How we choose Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations. About our expert Jan Fuscoe is Telegraph Travel's Sardinia expert, and spends much of the summer there. She's met a woman who weaves gold thread from giant mussel 'bisso', and hung out with a Sardinian beekeeper, but can mostly be found swimming in the sea.

Doha Port achieves 'remarkable' growth in 2024: Mwani Qatar
Doha Port achieves 'remarkable' growth in 2024: Mwani Qatar

Zawya

time28-04-2025

  • Business
  • Zawya

Doha Port achieves 'remarkable' growth in 2024: Mwani Qatar

In the current season, which began in October 2024 and ended in April 2025, Doha Port welcomed 95 cruise calls, including 33 turnaround calls, 11 homeporting calls and five maiden calls, bringing over 430,000 visitors to Qatar, Mwani Qatar said in its annual report Doha Port, which is Qatar's gateway to marine tourism, continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the country's cruise tourism with it achieving remarkable annual growth of 27% in visitors and 33% in ships arrival during the previous season, which ended in April 2024, according to Mwani Qatar. In the current season, which began in October 2024 and ended in April 2025, Doha Port welcomed 95 cruise calls, including 33 turnaround calls, 11 homeporting calls and five maiden calls, bringing over 430,000 visitors to Qatar, Mwani Qatar said in its annual report. The reporting period for Doha Port spans from January to December, but the cruise season runs from September to April. The 2024 season witnessed the arrival of notable ships such as Mein Schiff 4, MSC Euribia, AIDAprima, Costa Smeralda, Norwegian Sky, and Celestyal Journey, further solidifying Qatar's growing status as a premier global cruise destination. The year saw 23 cruise calls from Florida-headquartered Carnival, 18 from MSC, 15 from Germany-based TUI, eight from Resorts World Cruises, six from Ponant Luxury Cruise, five from Celestyal Cruises, two from Norwegian Cruise Line and one from Plantours. The Doha Port witnessed the arrival of as many as 74,441 passengers and 21,278 crew in January 2024; 70,826 and 19,453 in February; 47,873 and 13,376 in March; 4,051 and 967 in April; 22,660 and 10,733 in November and 73,966 and 25,190 in December. In 2024, a total of 293,817 visitors had arrived in the port. The port received as many as 19 cruise ships in January, 14 in February, 11 in March, 1 in April, 9 in November and 25 in December. © Gulf Times Newspaper 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Santhosh V. Perumal

Costa Smeralda's trip reinforces Oman as global cruise destination
Costa Smeralda's trip reinforces Oman as global cruise destination

Trade Arabia

time11-03-2025

  • Business
  • Trade Arabia

Costa Smeralda's trip reinforces Oman as global cruise destination

Khimji Ramdas Shipping, an Oman-based integrated shipping and logistics provider, has facilitated the maiden season of Costa Smeralda, bolstering its position as a key player in the region's cruise industry, reported Times of Oman. The vessel, a flagship of the Costa fleet, made its first visit to Oman on December 19, 2024, after circumnavigating Africa from the Mediterranean before commencing its scheduled operations in the Arabian Gulf. Throughout the season, Costa Smeralda operated one-week round-trip cruises from Dubai, with scheduled stops in Muscat (Oman), Doha (Qatar), and Abu Dhabi (UAE). On March 3, 2025, the vessel departed from Muscat, embarking on a 37-day voyage back to the Mediterranean. En-route to its final destination in Genoa, Italy, scheduled for April 7, 2025, the ship will make calls in Mauritius, South Africa, Namibia, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Spain, and France (Corsica). KR Shipping played an instrumental role in managing the ship's operations, ensuring efficient port services and smooth logistical support for each call at Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat. Malvika Khimji, Director of Khimji Ramdas, remarked: 'The successful conclusion of Costa Smeralda's maiden season in Oman reinforces the Sultanate's growing appeal as a global cruise tourism destination. As Oman's cruise industry continues to expand, Khimji Ramdas Shipping remains committed to contributing to its diversification. Our well-trained national staff managed Costa Smeralda's port call, ensuring a seamless experience for the passengers aboard. We are honoured to have handled the port operations for this prestigious vessel during its scheduled calls to Muscat.' Costa Smeralda is the largest ship ever commissioned by Costa Crociere and a true celebration of Italian design, culture, and craftsmanship. As part of the Carnival Corporation & plc, the world's largest cruise group, the ship has set new standards in maritime innovation. Built in 2019 by shipbuilder Meyer Turku in Finland, Costa Smeralda is the first LNG-powered cruise ship in the Costa Cruises fleet, underscoring the company's commitment to sustainable cruising. With a capacity for approximately 6,600 passengers and 1,678 crew members, the ship spans 323.6 metres in length and 37.2 metres in width. It offers 1,550 cabins, a variety of entertainment events, two swimming pools, a health club, and 11 diverse restaurants, ensuring a luxurious and immersive experience for its guests. As a leading integrated shipping and multimodal logistics service provider in Oman, KR Shipping played a vital role in facilitating Costa Smeralda's operations during its visit and 11 subsequent calls to Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat. The company's expertise and seamless execution have positioned it as a key contributor to Oman's cruise industry growth, handling 35 of the 66 cruise ships in the 2024/25 season - over 50% of the total cruise traffic in Muscat.

Costa Smeralda's trip reinforces Oman as a global cruise destination
Costa Smeralda's trip reinforces Oman as a global cruise destination

Times of Oman

time09-03-2025

  • Business
  • Times of Oman

Costa Smeralda's trip reinforces Oman as a global cruise destination

Muscat: Khimji Ramdas Shipping LLC (KR Shipping), an integrated shipping and multimodal logistics service provider in Oman, successfully facilitated the maiden season of Costa Smeralda in the Sultanate, reinforcing its role as a key player in the region's cruise industry. The vessel, a flagship of the Costa fleet, made its first visit to Oman on December 19, 2024, after circumnavigating Africa from the Mediterranean before commencing its scheduled operations in the Arabian Gulf. Throughout the season, Costa Smeralda operated one-week round-trip cruises from Dubai, with scheduled stops in Muscat (Oman), Doha (Qatar), and Abu Dhabi (UAE). On March 3, 2025, the vessel departed from Muscat, embarking on a 37-day voyage back to the Mediterranean. En-route to its final destination in Genoa, Italy, scheduled for April 7, 2025, the ship will make calls in Mauritius, South Africa, Namibia, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Spain, and France (Corsica). KR Shipping played an instrumental role in managing the ship's operations, ensuring efficient port services and smooth logistical support for each call at Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat. Malvika Khimji, Director of Khimji Ramdas, remarked: 'The successful conclusion of Costa Smeralda's maiden season in Oman reinforces the Sultanate's growing appeal as a global cruise tourism destination. As Oman's cruise industry continues to expand, Khimji Ramdas Shipping remains committed to contributing to its diversification. Our well-trained national staff managed Costa Smeralda's port call, ensuring a seamless experience for the passengers aboard. We are honoured to have handled the port operations for this prestigious vessel during its scheduled calls to Muscat.' Costa Smeralda is the largest ship ever commissioned by Costa Crociere and a true celebration of Italian design, culture, and craftsmanship. As part of the Carnival Corporation & plc, the world's largest cruise group, the ship has set new standards in maritime innovation. Built in 2019 by shipbuilder Meyer Turku in Finland, Costa Smeralda is the first LNG-powered cruise ship in the Costa Cruises fleet, underscoring the company's commitment to sustainable cruising. With a capacity for approximately 6,600 passengers and 1,678 crew members, the ship spans 323.6 metres in length and 37.2 metres in width. It offers 1,550 cabins, a variety of entertainment events, two swimming pools, a health club, and 11 diverse restaurants, ensuring a luxurious and immersive experience for its guests. As a leading integrated shipping and multimodal logistics service provider in Oman, KR Shipping played a vital role in facilitating Costa Smeralda's operations during its visit and 11 subsequent calls to Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat. The company's expertise and seamless execution have positioned it as a key contributor to Oman's cruise industry growth, handling 35 of the 66 cruise ships in the 2024/25 season - over 50% of the total cruise traffic in Muscat.

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