Emirates and MSC Cruises Extend Their Partnership to Revolutionise Air-Sea Travel

Big news on the horizon for anyone who loves a seamless blend of air and sea travel. Emirates and MSC Cruises have just extended their long-term strategic partnership—a move that’s set to elevate the guest experience for travellers and bolster Dubai’s ambitions as a major cruise hub.

A Decade-Long Success Story

Announced at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, this renewed partnership builds on over ten years of collaboration between these two global leaders. Emirates, renowned for its world-class flight service, and MSC Cruises, celebrated for its exceptional cruise offerings (including their luxury Explora Journeys), are joining forces once again. The collective goal? To create a smoother, more enriching journey for guests by leveraging the best of both worlds.

Nabil Sultan, Emirates’ Executive Vice President for Passenger Sales and Country Management, summed it up nicely:

“Our cornerstone partnership with MSC Cruises stands as a testament to how two brands can work together to support Dubai’s cruise tourism ecosystem while enhancing the customer experience.”
According to Sultan, the younger-than-ever cruise traveller segment is booming, and by co-creating innovative Fly & Cruise packages, both partners aim to showcase the incredible diversity of destinations available through their extensive network.

Enhanced Fly & Cruise Experience

One of the standout features of this partnership is the improved Fly & Cruise offering. Travellers will enjoy:

• Seamless Transfers: Guests will be met upon arrival with dedicated bus transfers straight to the ship.
• Effortless Baggage Handling: Landing travellers can drop their bags at the cruise terminal and retrieve them directly when disembarking.
• Coordinated Schedules: By closely aligning flight and cruise timetables, the duo is set to reduce transit times and make your itinerary as smooth as possible.

MSC Cruises’ CEO, Gianni Onorato, added his excitement:

“Our partnership with Emirates is founded on a shared dedication to offering guests unforgettable experiences and high-quality service. We’re pleased to extend this successful partnership and continue to offer Emirates’ world-renowned flight service alongside the memorable experience waiting for guests on board our ship through our Fly & Cruise packages.”

Boosting Dubai’s Cruise Tourism Ecosystem

This collaboration isn’t just about the individual guest experience—it’s also a strategic move to cement Dubai’s position as a major cruise destination. The two brands are set to work on joint promotional strategies and marketing campaigns aimed at key markets. Their shared vision is to expand cruise traffic beyond Dubai’s shores while shining a spotlight on the luxury and sophistication that their combined services deliver.

One of the notable logistical improvements includes the introduction of 16 dedicated Emirates check-in counters at Port Rashid Cruise Terminal. This strategic move allows travellers to process their luggage and secure boarding passes up to four hours before departure. The result? A more relaxed check-in process that bypasses the usual airport formalities and gets you straight to your cruise departure gate.

Looking Ahead: A New Era for Air-Sea Travel

Both Emirates and MSC Cruises are committed to sharing operational data and insights to boost service delivery and continually improve customer experiences. As they explore growth strategies across the airline’s extensive network and MSC Cruises’ diverse fleet—including their upscale Explora Journeys—they’re paving the way for future innovations in air-sea travel. Initiatives across the Emirates network will support MSC Cruises’ deployments outside the UAE, opening up even more destinations for your next adventure.

So, whether you’re a passport-in-hand ready to explore exotic ports or a local Aussie looking for your next escape, this revamped partnership promises an elevated travel experience that marries the best in air and sea. With enhancements that streamline boarding and transport, plus exciting co-marketing initiatives to showcase a world of destinations, the future of cruising from Dubai just got a whole lot brighter.