Emirates and TUI Cruises Extend Partnership to Elevate Dubai’s Cruise Tourism
Emirates has reaffirmed its partnership with TUI Cruises for the next two cruise seasons to fortify Dubai’s position as a premier cruise destination. The renewal of this partnership, announced at ITB Berlin, highlights Emirates’ dedication to offering seamless travel experiences, combining air and sea travel seamlessly.
The collaboration aims to enhance the travel experience for customers by aligning flight schedules with cruise itineraries, providing dedicated transportation solutions between Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Port Rashid, and offering personalized support services for cruise passengers.
Additionally, Emirates and TUI Cruises plan to develop exclusive luxury packages and experiences showcasing the best of Dubai and the region’s cruise offerings.
Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates Airline, expressed pride in supporting Dubai’s growth as a top cruise destination. He credited Dubai’s maritime infrastructure, tourist attractions, and air connectivity for attracting cruise tourists from around the world.
Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises, emphasized the success of their partnership with Emirates over the past decade, highlighting Dubai’s appeal as a turnaround port and its unique blend of attractions.
Dubai’s cruise tourism has seen significant growth, with Emirates transporting nearly 400,000 cruise passengers to the city last year. With over 166 ships visiting during the previous cruise season, Dubai remains the region’s largest port of embarkation and a popular stop for cruise liners.
Anticipating a 23% increase in cruise passengers for the upcoming season, Dubai’s success in this sector reflects collaborative efforts across the travel and aviation ecosystem.
Key factors contributing to Dubai’s attractiveness as a cruise destination include hassle-free customs procedures, seamless visa facilities, duty-free shopping, and Emirates’ remote check-in desks at Port Rashid. These amenities allow passengers to explore Dubai before their flights, enhancing their overall travel experience.
For the upcoming season, TUI Cruises will deploy two ships to Port Rashid, each capable of accommodating more than 2,500 passengers. The itineraries offer passengers the opportunity to explore destinations in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, such as Abu Dhabi, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, as well as Asian destinations like Singapore and Hong Kong.
The extended partnership between Emirates and TUI Cruises signals a continued commitment to enhancing Dubai’s cruise tourism sector and providing passengers with unparalleled travel experiences both on land and at sea.
