Emirates and TUI Cruises extend partnership for next two seasons

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Emirates has reinforced Dubai’s standing as a top-tier destination for cruise tourism by prolonging its partnership with TUI Cruises for the upcoming two cruise seasons.

The reaffirmed partnership with TUI Cruises was formalized during ITB Berlin, emphasizing Emirates’ dedication to collaborating with compatible partners to deliver seamless travel experiences, both in-flight and on the ground. This commitment includes the provision of dedicated cruise terminal check-in areas and collaborative support from Dubai-based partners.

Emirates will coordinate closely with TUI Cruises to offer tailored flight options that align closely with upcoming cruise schedules, ensuring a seamless transition for passengers from air to sea. The airline will also explore enhanced transportation solutions between Dubai International (DXB) and Port Rashid, utilizing insights to enhance ground services and deploying dedicated support teams for cruise travelers. Presently, Port Rashid’s Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal, the world’s largest single covered cruise terminal facility, can accommodate up to 14,000 passengers daily.

In addition to streamlined operations and exploring joint marketing strategies, the partnership will focus on crafting exclusive luxury packages and experiences that highlight the finest offerings of Dubai and the region’s TUI Cruise programs.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) with TUI Cruises was signed by Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates Airline, and Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises.

Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline said: “Emirates is proud to play a vital role in supporting Dubai’s status as one of the world’s best cruise destinations. This is a result of many years of work to build a maritime infrastructure that is second to none, outstanding tourist attractions and landmarks, and unparalleled air connectivity coupled with streamlined on ground customs and handling facilities for inbound cruise tourists.  All of these factors have made Dubai a key gateway for some of the most sought-after cruise itineraries. Our agreement with TUI Cruises aims to continue our efforts to boost cruise passenger arrivals from all over our network, so they can experience the best in sea travel aboard TUI’s magnificent ships.”

Wybcke Meier, CEO Tui Cruises said: “For more than ten years, we have been calling at Dubai with the Mein Schiff fleet to give our guests the opportunity to discover the world of the Orient with us. Dubai is not only an important turnaround port, the destination and the region offer what Mein Schiff guests want: a mix of metropolises that are constantly evolving, wonderful beaches and special insights into the culture. With Emirates, we are working successfully with an airline that gives our guests this vacation feeling right from the start.”

In the previous year, Emirates facilitated the transportation of nearly 400,000 cruise passengers to Dubai. The city hosted over 166 ships during the preceding cruise season, solidifying its status as the region’s primary port of embarkation and the most sought-after destination for cruise liners. Anticipating a 23% surge in cruise passengers for the upcoming season, Dubai is poised for further growth.

The rise in cruise liner arrivals underscores the collaborative efforts of various partners within the travel and aviation sectors, ensuring a seamless experience for travelers. This collaboration encompasses streamlined customs and entry procedures, efficient visa facilities for cruise ship passengers, duty-free outlets, tour-operator desks, and complimentary shuttle bus services to the city. Additionally, Emirates provides remote check-in desks at Port Rashid.

Emirates’ 16 check-in counters at Port Rashid enable passengers disembarking from their cruise ships to check in luggage and obtain boarding passes up to 4 hours before their flight departure. This convenience allows travelers to explore Dubai without their bags before proceeding directly to the airport for their flight.

For the upcoming season, TUI Cruises plans to deploy two ships to Port Rashid, each capable of accommodating over 2,500 passengers. Passengers can choose between two programs: one featuring embarkation and disembarkation in Dubai, with destinations in the GCC like Abu Dhabi, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia; the other itinerary includes Asian destinations such as Singapore and Hong Kong.

« Back to Page

• Emirates collaborates with Tourism Ireland to increase inbound traffic

• Emirates extends a warm welcome to key dignitaries at ITB Berlin 2024

• Emirates and ITA Airways strengthen ties with new MoU, plan to extend codeshare co-operation

• At ITB Berlin: Emirates and AIDA Cruises extend partnership for two more seasons