Emirates And MSC Cruises Commit To Two More Seasons, Strengthening Dubai's Cruise Hub Status

Emirates and MSC Cruises have announced the renewal of their partnership for an additional two seasons, a move that underscores Dubai's status as a leading cruise hub. This announcement, made at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, marks a continuation of a decade-long collaboration between the two entities. The partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both Emirates and MSC Cruises to enhance the guest experience and support the expansion of Dubai’s cruise tourism ecosystem.

Under this renewed partnership, guests will have the opportunity to book Fly&Cruise holiday packages with MSC Cruises. These packages include return flights on Emirates from 21 airports across Europe and South America, offering a seamless travel experience from air to sea. Nabil Sultan, Emirates’ Executive Vice President for Passenger Sales and Country Management, expressed enthusiasm about continuing the collaboration with MSC Cruises, highlighting its significance in bolstering Dubai’s reputation as a premier winter cruising destination.

Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, also shared his delight in extending the partnership with Emirates for the upcoming MSC Euribia Fly&Cruise packages from Dubai this winter season. He emphasized the synergy between Emirates' high-quality flight service and the exceptional onboard experience offered by MSC Cruises, ensuring a stress-free holiday for guests from start to finish.

The collaboration between Emirates and MSC Cruises will focus on joint promotional strategies, including Fly&Cruise packages and marketing campaigns in key markets to enhance Dubai's allure as a cruise destination. Both parties will also share relevant data and insights to improve service delivery, coordinate flight and cruise schedules, and facilitate a smooth check-in process at Port Rashid.

One of the notable benefits of the Fly&Cruise packages is the provision of dedicated bus transfers from the airport to the ship for arriving guests. Additionally, at the end of their cruise, guests can conveniently drop their bags at the cruise terminal and collect them upon arrival at their destination. This streamlined journey is supported by Emirates’ extensive international network, with Fly&Cruise packages available from major cities across Europe and South America, including Italy (Milan, Rome), Germany (Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, Dusseldorf), United Kingdom (London Heathrow, Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle), Amsterdam, Brussels, Copenhagen, Dublin, Lisbon, Paris, Stockholm, Vienna, Zurich, and São Paulo.

This strategic partnership not only enhances the travel experience for guests but also plays a crucial role in supporting the growth of Dubai’s cruise tourism sector. By combining Emirates' global reach with MSC Cruises' expertise in providing memorable sea voyages, this collaboration is set to attract more tourists to Dubai's shores and contribute significantly to the region's tourism industry.

With inputs from WAM