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
honored 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 liquefied natural gas
(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 meters in length and 37.2 meters 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, Khimji
Ramdas Shipping LLC played a pivotal role in facilitating Costa Smeralda’s operations during its
maiden 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 ship calls in the 2024/25 season – over 50 percent of the
total cruise traffic in Muscat.