Emirates and MSC Cruises Extend Partnership to Boost Dubai’s Cruise Sector

MSC Cruises and Emirates renew their collaboration, enhancing Dubai’s role as a top winter cruise destination with Fly&Cruise packages that combine premium air travel and cruise experiences.

MSC Cruises and Emirates Strengthen Ties with Extended Partnership

Emirates and MSC Cruises have announced a renewed partnership for the next two seasons at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, UAE. This extension reaffirms their decade-long relationship and aims to bolster Dubai's status as a key cruise hub.

Enhancing the Fly&Cruise Experience

The collaboration will continue to offer the popular Fly&Cruise holiday packages, which now include Emirates return flights from 21 airports across Europe and South America. These packages are designed to provide a seamless travel experience from the sky to the sea, emphasizing convenience and luxury.

Nabil Sultan, Emirates’ Executive Vice President for Passenger Sales and Country Management, expressed enthusiasm about the ongoing partnership, stating, "This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to enhancing Dubai as the world’s preferred winter cruising destination. Together with MSC Cruises, we are eager to deliver a superior sea-to-air experience for our guests."

Focus on Joint Marketing and Streamlined Services

The partnership will leverage joint promotional strategies and marketing campaigns to enhance the visibility of Dubai as a prime cruise destination. Additionally, the two companies will share data and insights to further improve service delivery and coordinate flight and cruise schedules to ensure a smooth check-in process at Port Rashid.

Benefits for Travelers

Travelers opting for the Fly&Cruise packages will enjoy numerous benefits, including dedicated bus transfers from the airport to the ship and a hassle-free luggage transfer and check-in process. On returning, guests can drop off their luggage at the cruise terminal and collect it at their final destination, simplifying their travel logistics.

Expanding to American Markets

Soon, American cruise guests will also be able to book their Emirates flights through MSC Cruises from major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, Miami, Orlando, and Washington, further expanding the reach of this partnership.

Sailing with MSC Euribia

The MSC Euribia, MSC Cruises’ current flagship, will sail from Dubai for the winter 2024/25 season. The ship will offer 7-night itineraries to various Gulf destinations, including Doha, Manama, Abu Dhabi, and Sir Bani Yas Island, known for its beautiful beaches and diverse wildlife.

Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, commented on the partnership, "By combining Emirates' high-quality flight service with the exceptional onboard experiences of MSC Euribia, we are setting new standards in the cruise industry. Our guests can look forward to a stress-free journey from their homes to our ships, enhancing their overall holiday experience."

This strategic renewal between Emirates and MSC Cruises underscores their mutual commitment to promoting Dubai as a dynamic cruise destination and enhancing the global cruise tourism industry.