Khimji Ramdas Shipping LLC (KR Shipping), a leading integrated shipping and logistics provider in Oman, played a key role in facilitating Costa Smeralda’s maiden season in the Sultanate. This milestone, therefore, strengthened its position as a significant player in the region’s growing cruise industry.
Costa Smeralda’s First Visit to Oman
Costa Smeralda, a flagship of the Costa fleet, made its first visit to Oman on December 19, 2024. The ship had just completed a voyage around Africa, starting from the Mediterranean, and was ready to begin its operations in the Arabian Gulf.
Cruise Season and Route Overview
During the season, Costa Smeralda operated one-week round-trip cruises departing from Dubai. These cruises, in particular, included stops in Muscat (Oman), Doha (Qatar), and Abu Dhabi (UAE). On March 3, 2025, the vessel departed Muscat for a 37-day voyage back to the Mediterranean. Along the way, the ship will stop in Mauritius, South Africa, Namibia, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Spain, and Corsica. Ultimately, it will reach Genoa, Italy, on April 7, 2025.
KR Shipping’s Role in Ensuring Smooth Operations
KR Shipping played an essential role in managing Costa Smeralda’s operations. The company, in this regard, ensured smooth port services and logistical support at Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat. As a result, passengers had a seamless experience during each call.
Malvika Khimji’s Remarks on the Season’s Success
Malvika Khimji, Director of Khimji Ramdas, expressed her thoughts: “The successful conclusion of Costa Smeralda’s maiden season in Oman emphasizes the Sultanate’s growing reputation as a cruise destination. As the industry continues to grow, Khimji Ramdas Shipping remains dedicated to supporting its development. Furthermore, our skilled national staff managed the port calls efficiently, ensuring a smooth experience for passengers. We are proud to have managed the port operations for this prestigious vessel.”
Costa Smeralda: A Marvel of Italian Design and Sustainable Cruising
Costa Smeralda is the largest ship ever commissioned by Costa Crociere, a celebration of Italian design, culture, and craftsmanship. As part of the Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest cruise group, Costa Smeralda sets new standards for maritime innovation.
Moreover, Costa Smeralda was built in 2019 by Meyer Turku in Finland. It is the first LNG-powered cruise ship in Costa’s fleet, reflecting the company’s commitment to sustainable cruising. The ship has the capacity for 6,600 passengers and 1,678 crew members. It spans 323.6 meters in length and 37.2 meters in width. The ship offers 1,550 cabins, two swimming pools, a health club, and 11 restaurants, ensuring a luxurious experience for guests.
KR Shipping’s Contribution to Oman’s Growing Cruise Industry
KR Shipping has played a vital role in Oman’s cruise industry expansion. The company was responsible for managing 11 port calls at Port Sultan Qaboos. In addition, KR Shipping’s efforts have contributed significantly to Oman’s growing appeal as a global cruise destination.
In fact, KR Shipping handled 35 of the 66 cruise ships visiting Muscat during the 2024/25 season. This amounts to more than 50% of the total cruise traffic in the city. As a result, the company continues to solidify its role as a key contributor to Oman’s cruise industry.
