Emirates-Costa Cruises partnership renewed until 2027 focused on elevating travel experience via DXB-Dubai Harbour integration

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Sir Tim Clark President, Emirates Airline | Emirates Airline

By Sky Industry News

Mar 5, 2025

Emirates and Costa Cruises have renewed their partnership through 2027, a move aimed at strengthening Dubai's status as a global cruise hub. The announcement was made at ITB Berlin on March 5, 2025.

The renewed partnership builds on two decades of collaboration between the airline and cruise company, focusing on enhancing passenger experiences and developing Dubai as a premier cruise destination with integrated connectivity across air, land, and sea.

Emirates and Costa Cruises will work together on joint marketing efforts, harmonised flight scheduling, and dedicated capacity in the form of 'cruise blocks' to meet demand from key markets across the airline's network. The partnership aims to deliver an exceptional experience by sharing relevant data and insights for service improvement and dedicating support teams for smooth check-in processes at Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal. Enhanced transport solutions between Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal are also part of the plan.

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The agreement includes potential expansion beyond Dubai to regions within the Costa Cruises network such as Central and South America, the Far East, and Southeast Asia.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Nabil Sultan representing Emirates Airline; and Daniel Caprile from Costa Cruises.

Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer of 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. ”

Costa Cruises has been operating in Dubai Harbour since 2006. During the upcoming winter season of 2025/26, it will deploy its latest generation flagship vessel - Costa Toscana - in Dubai.

Daniel Caprile, Vice President Pricing & Revenue Management, Itinerary & Transportation at 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. ”