Renewed partnership will offer coordinated flight and cruise schedules to and through Dubai.

Costa Cruises renews its partnership with Emirates through 2027, further positioning Dubai as a major global cruise hub.

Announced at ITB Berlin, one of the world’s leading tourism trade fairs, the renewed partnership builds on two decades of successful collaboration, combining the cruise line and airline’s expertise to make the passenger travel experience even more unique, further developing Dubai’s proposition as a premier cruise destination with integrated connectivity and accessibility through a variety of transportation solutions: air, land and sea.

Costa Cruises and Emirates will collaborate on joint marketing initiatives, harmonized flight scheduling, and availability of convenient flights for cruise passengers to meet demand from key markets through the airline’s network wherever possible.

To deliver an exceptional experience through every customer touch point, the partnership will focus on sharing relevant data and insights to improve service, as well as dedicating support teams to cruise passengers to facilitate check-in at Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal. Both companies will also work closely on advanced transportation solutions between Dubai International Airport and Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal.

Costa Cruises and Emirates will also explore opportunities to expand their partnership beyond Dubai to include geographic areas in Costa’s network such as Central and South America, the Far East, and Southeast Asia.

“The renewal of the partnership with Emirates is an additional confirmation of the strategic importance of Dubai and the Emirates area in Costa’s holidays offering. Today we celebrate the continuation of our collaboration on marketing initiatives, operational alignments, and strategic planning, aiming at enhancing connectivity and ensuring a smooth journey for our cruise guests. This partnership underscores our commitment to providing seamless and exceptional travel experiences for our guests, and together with Emirates, we look forward to delivering unparalleled service and unforgettable memories.” – commented Daniel Caprile, Vice President Pricing & Revenue Management, Itinerary & Transportation, Costa Cruises.

Costa Cruises has been operating in the port of Dubai since 2006 and during the coming winter 2025-2026 will be in Dubai with Costa Toscana, its latest generation flagship. With the “flight+cruise” formula, guests will enjoy a week-long cruise to visit Dubai, with a two-day stopover, Muscat (Oman), Doha (Qatar), Abu Dhabi (UAE), discovering ancient traditions, nature but also the futuristic cities these destinations offer.

Airline and cruise company working on enhanced connectivity and transportation solutions between Dubai International Airport and Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal.

Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline said: “Costa Cruises’ commitment to Dubai stands as a testament to our shared vision of strengthening its position as the preeminent gateway for winter cruising. For Emirates, the cruise traveller segment offers immense growth potential, in addition to generating substantial multiplier effects for Dubai’s economy. We’ll be working closely with stakeholders across the tourism eco-system, including Costa Cruises, to support fast- tracked enhancement of infrastructure that enables seamless access between Dubai’s entertainment venues and attractions and Dubai Harbour, with a view to continue to elevate city’s appeal to discerning cruise guests.”

Dubai has pioneered an integrated travel ecosystem that delivers seamless experiences for cruise passengers – from streamlined visa processes to sophisticated port facilities at Dubai Harbour, complete with dedicated check-in. The 12 Emirates check-in counters in Dubai Harbour allow passengers who are disembarking from their cruise ships to fully check-in up to 4 hours before flight departure with the convenience of exploring Dubai without their luggage before heading directly to the airport and breezing past most formalities before their flight.