The recently renewed partnership between Emirates and Costa Cruises marks a significant step in Dubai’s journey to become a leading global cruise hub by 2027. This strengthened alliance builds upon a successful twenty-year collaboration, integrating the best of air and sea travel to offer unparalleled experiences for passengers. As both companies align their strategies and resources, they aim to enhance Dubai’s connectivity and infrastructure, promising seamless transitions between air, land, and sea. Discover how this partnership will transform the travel landscape and cement Dubai’s position at the forefront of the cruise industry.

Emirates and Costa Cruises have extended their alliance until 2027, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a top international cruise center. The announcement, made at ITB Berlin, builds on a twenty-year collaboration, merging the expertise of both the airline and cruise sectors to enhance the travel experience while promoting Dubai as a leading cruise location with comprehensive connectivity across various modes of transport.

The partners will engage in cooperative marketing, synchronized flight schedules, and set aside dedicated ‘cruise blocks’ to ensure the availability of flights that accommodate the needs of cruise travelers from major markets within the airline’s reach.

The partnership aims to offer an outstanding experience at all customer interaction points, focusing on data sharing and insights to refine service quality, alongside providing specialized teams to assist cruise passengers at Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal. Furthermore, they will improve transportation options from Dubai International Airport to the cruise terminal.

The collaboration could potentially expand to include other regions within the Costa Cruises network, such as Central and South America, the Far East, and Southeast Asia.

The agreement was signed by Nabil Sultan from Emirates Airline and Daniel Caprile from Costa Cruises.

Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline said: “Costa Cruises’ commitment to Dubai stands as a testament to our shared vision of strengthening its position as the preeminent gateway for winter cruising. For Emirates, the cruise traveller segment offers immense growth potential, in addition to generating substantial multiplier effects for Dubai’s economy. We’ll be working closely with stakeholders across the tourism eco-system, including Costa Cruises, to support fast-tracked enhancement of infrastructure that enables seamless access between Dubai’s entertainment venues and attractions and Dubai Harbour, with a view to continue to elevate city’s appeal to discerning cruise guests.”

Costa Cruises has been operating to Dubai Harbour since 2006 and during the upcoming winter 25/26 it will deploy in Dubai Costa Toscana, its latest generation flagship.

Daniel Caprile, Vice President Pricing & Revenue Management, Itinerary & Transportation, Costa Cruises commented: “The renewal of our Memorandum of Understanding with Emirates Airline is a confirmation of the strategic importance of Dubai and the Emirates in Costa’s tourism offering. We will continue our collaboration on marketing initiatives, operational alignments, and strategic planning, aiming at enhancing connectivity and ensuring a smooth journey for our cruise passengers. This partnership underscores our commitment to providing seamless and exceptional travel experiences for our guests, and together with Emirates, we look forward to delivering unparalleled service and unforgettable memories.”

Dubai’s holistic travel infrastructure provides a fluid experience for cruise visitors, featuring streamlined visa procedures and state-of-the-art facilities at Dubai Harbour. This includes 12 Emirates check-in counters at the harbour, allowing cruise passengers to check in for flights up to four hours before departure. This facility enables them to enjoy Dubai luggage-free before heading to the airport, where they can bypass most pre-flight procedures.

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