Neu-Isenburg, Germany  - Thanks to soaring demand, the Italian cruise company Costa Crociere is increasing its programme for the Persian Gulf from winter 2009/10.

As part of that expansion, Costa plans to send its latest vessel, the Costa Luminosa, to Dubai.

The Luminosa is due to be christened in June 2009 and will have space for 2,828 passengers making it the largest ship the cruise company will base in Dubai, said the company's office in Neu-Isenburg.

The Costa Europa will also ply the waters of the Persian Gulf from winter 2009/10 in what will mark the fourth year of Costa Crociere's operations in the region.

At the moment, two vessels, the Costa Classica and the Costa Victoria, are based in Dubai and can cater for up to 4,074 people.

Together with the Europa, the Luminosa will take up to 4,600 guests around the gulf.

In the last few years, the number of people holidaying with Costa Crociere in the Persian Gulf soared from 44,000 to 100, 000 per winter season. And an end to the boom is not in sight. (dpa)