Emirates and Costa Cruises have renewed their partnership until 2027, further positioning Dubai as a premier global cruise hub. The renewed partnership, announced at ITB Berlin, builds on two decades of successful collaboration, combining the expertise of the airline and cruise line to enhance passenger travel while developing Dubai’s offering as a leading cruise destination with integrated, seamless connectivity across air, land and sea touchpoints, reported by Emirates 24|7.
Emirates and Costa Cruises will collaborate on joint marketing efforts, coordinated flight schedules and dedicated capacity in the form of “cruise blocks” with the availability of comfortable cruises for cruise passengers to meet demand in key markets across the airline’s network, where possible. To ensure an exceptional experience at every touchpoint with customers, the partnership will focus on sharing relevant data and insights to improve service delivery, as well as dedicating cruise passenger support teams to facilitate the check-in process at Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal.
Emirates and Costa Cruises: partnership beyond Dubai
The two parties will also work closely on enhanced transport solutions between Dubai International Airport and Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal. Emirates and Costa Cruises will also explore opportunities to expand their partnership beyond Dubai, which includes Costa Cruises’ network regions such as Central and South America, the Far East and Southeast Asia. The MoU was signed by Nabil Sultan, Emirates Airline; and Daniel Caprile, Costa Cruises.
For Emirates, the cruise traveller segment offers huge potential for growth, in addition to creating significant multiplier effects for the Dubai economy. Emirates will work closely with Costa Cruises to support the rapid development of infrastructure that will ensure seamless access between Dubai’s entertainment venues and attractions and Dubai Harbour, further enhancing the city’s appeal to discerning cruise guests.
Dubai’s tourism ecosystem
Costa Cruises has been operating in Dubai Harbour since 2006 and will be launching its latest generation flagship, Costa Toscana, in Dubai next winter 25/26. Costa Cruises’ renewal of its Memorandum of Understanding with Emirates Airline confirms the strategic importance of Dubai and the Emirates in Costa’s tourism offering. Costa Cruises will continue to collaborate on marketing initiatives, operational alignment and strategic planning to enhance connectivity and ensure a seamless journey for cruise passengers.
Dubai has launched an integrated tourism ecosystem that provides a seamless experience for cruise passengers – from simplified visa procedures to the sophisticated port facilities at Dubai Harbour, complete with dedicated check-in. Emirates’ 12 check-in counters at Dubai Harbour allow passengers disembarking from their cruise ships to complete full check-in 4 hours before their flight departure, with the convenience of exploring Dubai without luggage, before heading directly to the airport and completing most of their pre-flight formalities.