Gulf carrier Emirates and MSC Cruises have extended their long-term strategic partnership aimed at enhancing the air-sea traveller experience.
The partnership has been supporting Dubai’s cruise ambitions to become a major cruise hub.
Announced at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, the partnership builds on a decade long year relationship.
Nabil Sultan, Emirates’ RVP for Passenger Sales and Country Management said: “Our cornerstone partnership supports Dubai’s cruise tourism ecosystem while enhancing the customer experience.”
“We will work closely with MSC Cruises on co-marketing initiatives to communicate the diversity of destinations in our network.”
Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, said: “We are pleased to be extending this successful partnership and continuing to offer Emirates’ flight service through our Fly & Cruise packages.”
Benefits of a Fly&Cruise packages include being met at arrivals with a dedicated bus transfer to the ship. On return, guests can drop their bags in the cruise terminal, and collect them directly once they arrive at their destination.
The partnership between Emirates and MSC Cruises will focus on collaboration across the cruise line’s fleet of ships, as well luxury cruise brand, Explora Journeys.
Emirates and MSC Cruises will also explore growth strategies to help expand cruise traffic.
The airline and MSC Cruises will explore joint promotional strategies and marketing campaigns to drive awareness.
Emirates says it will explore initiatives to support MSC Cruises deployments beyond the UAE.
The 16 dedicated Emirates check-in counters at Port Rashid enable disembarking cruise passengers to process their luggage and secure boarding passes up to four hours prior to departure.
