Dubai has been a pioneer in creating an integrated travel ecosystem that offers cruise passengers a unique experience. From simplified visa procedures to sophisticated port facilities at the Port of Dubai, with dedicated check-in services, the city has established itself as a preferred destination for cruise lovers.
Emirates' twelve check-in desks at the port allow passengers flying back to Spain to check in in full up to four hours before departure, giving them the convenience of exploring Dubai without worrying about their luggage and reducing waiting time at the airport.
The collaboration between Costa Cruises and Emirates also contemplates the possibility of expanding their alliance beyond Dubai, encompassing geographic areas covered by Costa, such as Central and South America, the Far East and Southeast Asia.
This potential expansion reflects the shared vision of both companies to strengthen Dubai's position as a premier gateway for winter cruising and to capitalize on the enormous growth potential offered by the cruise segment.
Daniel Caprile, Vice President, Pricing & Revenue Management, Itinerary & Transportation, Costa Cruises, commented, “The renewed agreement with Emirates is further confirmation of the strategic importance of Dubai and the Emirates in Costa's tourism offering. Today we celebrate the continuation of our collaboration on marketing initiatives, operational alignments and strategic planning, with the aim of enhancing connectivity and ensuring a comfortable journey for our cruisers.
This partnership underscores our commitment to offer unique travel experiences to our guests and, together with Emirates, we look forward to continuing to ensure excellent and memorable service.”
For his part, Adnan Kazim, vice president and chief commercial officer of Emirates Airline, added: “Costa Cruises' commitment to Dubai testifies to our shared vision of strengthening Dubai's position as a premier gateway for winter cruising. For Emirates, the cruise segment offers enormous growth potential, as well as generating extremely relevant effects for Dubai's economy. We will work closely with stakeholders in the tourism ecosystem, including Costa Cruises, to support the rapid enhancement of infrastructure that enables easy access between Dubai's entertainment venues and attractions and the Port of Dubai, with the aim of further enhancing the city's appeal to discerning cruise guests.”
Costa Cruises has been operating in the port of Dubai since 2006 and, during the upcoming winter 2025-2026, will be present with the Costa Toscana, its state-of-the-art flagship. With the “flight+cruise” formula, guests will be able to enjoy a week-long cruise that includes a two-day stop in Dubai, plus calls in Muscat (Oman), Doha (Qatar) and Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), allowing travelers to discover the ancient traditions, natural wonders and futuristic cities that these destinations have to offer.
The renewal of this strategic alliance between Emirates and Costa Cruises not only reinforces Dubai's position as a premier cruise hub, but also underscores both companies' commitment to delivering integrated, high-quality travel experiences. By combining Emirates' air connectivity with Costa Cruises' maritime experience, European travelers, including Spanish travelers, can expect a seamless and enriching travel experience that spans from the moment of take-off to the end of their adventure on the high seas.
