Emirates and Costa Cruises have announced an expanded partnership aimed at improving the travel experience for cruise passengers through joint marketing efforts, synchronized flight schedules, and dedicated flight capacity. This collaboration will make it easier for cruise travelers to book seamless journeys, combining flights with Costa Cruises’ itineraries, particularly in key markets across the Emirates network.
Enhancing Passenger Experience
A core aspect of this partnership is the integration of services to provide a smooth transition between air and sea travel. Emirates and Costa Cruises will share relevant data and insights to enhance service delivery and introduce dedicated support teams to facilitate check-in procedures at Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal. Additionally, the partnership will focus on improving transport solutions between Dubai International Airport and Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal.
Costa Cruises, which has been operating in Dubai Harbour since 2006, will deploy its latest flagship, Costa Toscana, for the winter 2025/26 season, reinforcing its commitment to the region.
Exploring Global Expansion
Beyond Dubai, Emirates and Costa Cruises are exploring opportunities to expand their partnership to other regions, including Central and South America, the Far East, and Southeast Asia. The goal is to offer cruise passengers a seamless, well-connected travel experience across Costa Cruises’ network.
“The renewal of our Memorandum of Understanding with Emirates is a confirmation of the strategic importance of Dubai and the Emirates in Costa’s tourism offering. Our collaboration aims to enhance connectivity and ensure a smooth journey for our cruise passengers,” said Daniel Caprile, Vice President of Pricing & Revenue Management, Itinerary & Transportation at Costa Cruises.
Seamless Travel with Dubai’s Integrated Ecosystem
Dubai has developed an advanced travel ecosystem, making it a global hub for cruise tourism. The city offers streamlined visa processes, state-of-the-art port facilities, and dedicated check-in services for cruise passengers. Emirates operates 12 check-in counters at Dubai Harbour, allowing disembarking passengers to check in up to four hours before their flight. This enables them to explore Dubai without luggage before heading directly to the airport.
By combining their expertise, Emirates and Costa Cruises are set to elevate the cruise travel experience, offering travelers unparalleled service, convenience, and connectivity.
