Passengers on Costa’s Arabian Gulf cruises get close to Ferraris.

Costa Cruises has announced details of its new shore excursions in the Arabian Gulf, namely a visit to the newly opened Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi and a visit to Yas Marina, one of the most cutting-edge Formula 1 circuits in the world.

Highlights of the theme park are the “Formula Rossa” – the fastest rollercoaster in the world, a journey into the heart of a V12 engine, a virtual look at the Maranello factory – where Ferraris are made, and the interactive ‘Paddock’ – where you get VIP passes behind the scenes of a Grand Prix.

Both Costa Luminosa and Costa Deliziosa are offering seven-night cruises in the Arabian Gulf until March 2011, which is the line’s fifth season in the region.

Even while onboard, passengers will get more Formula 1 fever, trying out the Grand Prix simulators on both ships. The simulator is made from a real GP car and gives the driver a realistic sensation of what it would be like to handle a car on the world’s top racing circuits.

What’s the best shore excursion you’ve ever taken?