Costa Cruises has announced the extension of its strategic partnership with Emirates through 2027, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a major global cruise destination. The renewed collaboration, revealed at ITB Berlin, builds upon two decades of successful cooperation between the cruise line and airline.
The partnership aims to enhance the travel experience by implementing coordinated flight and cruise schedules, along with improved connectivity solutions between Dubai International Airport and Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal. Both companies will focus on joint marketing initiatives and ensure convenient flight availability for cruise passengers from key markets through Emirates’ extensive network.
A key aspect of this collaboration involves data sharing and dedicated support teams to streamline the check-in process at Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal. The partnership also explores the potential for expanding beyond Dubai to include other regions in Costa’s network, such as Central and South America, the Far East, and Southeast Asia.
Daniel Caprile, Vice President of Pricing & Revenue Management, Itinerary & Transportation at Costa Cruises, emphasized the strategic importance of Dubai and the Emirates region in Costa’s holiday offerings, highlighting their commitment to delivering seamless travel experiences.
For the upcoming winter 2025-2026 season, Costa will deploy its latest generation flagship, Costa Toscana, in Dubai. The ship will offer week-long cruises featuring stops in Dubai, Muscat, Doha, and Abu Dhabi, combining traditional cultural experiences with visits to futuristic cities.
Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Adnan Kazim, noted that the cruise traveler segment presents significant growth potential and economic benefits for Dubai. The city has developed an integrated travel ecosystem featuring streamlined visa processes and sophisticated port facilities at Dubai Harbour, including 12 Emirates check-in counters that allow cruise passengers to check in up to 4 hours before their flights.
