Emirates and MSC Cruises extend strategic partnership to boost Dubai's cruise hub status

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Emirates and MSC Cruises extend strategic partnership to boost Dubai's cruise hub status

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Adel Ahmad Al Redha Deputy President & Chief Operations Officer | Emirates Airline

By Sky Industry News

May 1, 2025

Emirates and MSC Cruises have extended their long-term partnership to enhance the air-sea traveller experience and boost Dubai's reputation as a cruise hub. The agreement was announced at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, building upon a relationship that has lasted for a decade. Both parties aim to strengthen Dubai's cruise tourism ecosystem and explore future joint growth opportunities.

During the announcement at the ATM, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the partnership extension was signed by Nabil Sultan, Emirates' Executive Vice President for Passenger Sales and Country Management, and Eudes-Philippe Le Guelinel, Head of Fly & Cruise for MSC Cruises.

Nabil Sultan commented on the collaboration, saying, "Our cornerstone partnership with MSC Cruises stands as a testament of how two brands can work together to support Dubai’s cruise tourism ecosystem while enhancing the customer experience." Sultan highlighted the partnership's focus on co-marketing initiatives to promote diverse destinations and attractive air-sea travel packages.

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Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, added, "Our partnership with Emirates is founded on a shared dedication to offering guests unforgettable experiences and high-quality service." Onorato expressed satisfaction in extending the partnership, which combines Emirates’ flight service with MSC Cruises’ onboard experiences through Fly & Cruise packages.

The Fly & Cruise packages offer conveniences such as dedicated bus transfers from arrivals to ships and simplified luggage management on return trips. The collaboration will also focus on MSC Cruises' fleet, including its luxury line, Explora Journeys, to provide differentiated upscale travel experiences. Joint promotional strategies and marketing campaigns will aim to increase Dubai's appeal as a cruise destination and encourage bookings.

Operational collaboration will include the sharing of relevant operational data and alignment of flight and cruise schedules to streamline passenger itineraries. Emirates’ 16 check-in counters at Port Rashid Cruise Terminal will enhance service delivery, allowing cruise passengers to process luggage and obtain boarding passes ahead of their airport departure.

Both Emirates and MSC are committed to initiatives that support cruise traffic growth beyond Dubai, while also exploring strategies to drive bookings for Explora Journeys and Emirates network deployments.