MSC Cruises and Emirates Strengthen Ties with Extended Partnership
In a significant boost to global tourism, MSC Cruises and Emirates have proudly announced a renewed collaboration, extending their partnership into its second decade.
This alliance is set to enhance the seamless integration of sea and air travel for passengers embarking from Dubai.
Since their initial partnership a decade ago, MSC Cruises and Emirates have focused on refining the travel experience for their guests. The renewed agreement spans two additional seasons and introduces expansive Fly&Cruise packages.
These packages are designed to provide comprehensive travel solutions from 21 airports across Europe and South America, directly to Dubai’s vibrant ports.
Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, expressed his enthusiasm about the extension: “We are delighted to further extend our partnership with Emirates. Guests will benefit from a streamlined journey from home to ship, complemented by a dedicated support team that ensures a stress-free start and finish to their holidays.”
Adding to this, Nabil Sultan, Emirates’ Executive Vice President for Passenger Sales and Country Management, remarked, “We’re eager to continue our partnership with MSC Cruises, a vital part of Dubai’s growing tourism industry. We have the right plans in place as we work closely to deliver a seamless sea-to-air experience for our customers.”
The partnership includes several innovative services, such as dedicated bus transfers from the airport to the ship, a luggage service that moves bags directly between the ship and the airport, and exclusive Emirates check-in counters at Dubai’s Port Rashid.
These counters offer cruise passengers the convenience of checking their luggage and receiving boarding passes up to four hours before their flight.
For American travelers, the partnership will soon expand to include Emirates flights that can be booked through MSC Cruises from major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and others. However, due to customs regulations, check-in services at cruise terminals for U.S.-bound flights will remain unavailable.
The Fly&Cruise packages ensure direct flights, airport transfers, checked luggage, and extensive assistance, providing a hassle-free travel experience.
Furthermore, these packages are designed to accommodate any potential airport delays, ensuring that travelers can make their cruise embarkation with minimal disruption.
Highlighting the scale of this partnership, the MSC Euribia, MSC Cruises’ 6,300-passenger flagship, will sail from Dubai during the winter 2024 through 2025 season.
Its itinerary includes ports like Doha, Bahrain, and Abu Dhabi, enhancing the maritime connectivity in the Persian Gulf.
Port Rashid, a central hub in this network, saw significant activity with nearly 150 cruise ships during the previous season. It remains a pivotal part of the Cruise Arabia alliance, promoting the Persian Gulf as a premiere cruise destination alongside other regional ports.
This extended partnership between MSC Cruises and Emirates is set to not only elevate the guest experience but also strengthen Dubai’s position as a global hub for cruise and air travel, further bolstering the international tourism sector.
Want more cruise news? We’ve got you:
