The UAE/Emirates has reaffirmed Dubai's position as a premier hub for cruise ship tourism by extending its collaboration with TUI Cruises for the next two cruise seasons.
The renewal of the partnership was formalized on the sidelines of ITB Berlin, reflecting UAE's dedication to fostering seamless travel experiences in conjunction with like-minded partners, both in the air and on the ground.
The partnership entails close coordination between Emirates and TUI Cruises to offer tailored flight options that align closely with upcoming cruise schedules, facilitating a smooth transition for customers from air travel to their cruise experience. Emirates will also explore enhanced transportation solutions between Dubai International (DXB) and Port Rashid, optimize ground services based on insights, and deploy dedicated support teams for cruise passengers. Notably, Port Rashid's Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal, the world's largest single-covered cruise terminal, boasts the daily capacity to accommodate 14000 passengers.
In addition to operational collaboration and marketing synergies, the partnership will focus on curating exclusive luxury packages and experiences that highlight the best of Dubai and the region covered by TUI Cruise programs. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates Airline, and Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises.
Emirates played a pivotal role in transporting ~400,000 cruise passengers to Dubai last year. With 166+ ships welcomed during the previous cruise season, Dubai emerged as the region's primary port of embarkation and a sought-after destination for cruise liners. Anticipating a 23% increase in cruise passengers for the upcoming season, Dubai underscores its commitment to providing a seamless experience for visitors through collaborative efforts across the travel and aviation ecosystem.
Efforts include streamlined customs and entry procedures, convenient visa facilities, duty-free outlets, tour operator desks, and complimentary shuttle bus services to the city. Emirates' remote check-in desks at Port Rashid further enhance the passenger experience, enabling passengers to check in their luggage and obtain boarding passes up to 4 hours before their flight departure, allowing them to explore Dubai luggage-free before heading to the airport directly.
TUI Cruises will deploy two ships to Port Rashid for the upcoming season, each capable of accommodating 2,500+ passengers. Passengers can choose between two programs, one featuring embarkation and disembarkation in Dubai, with destinations including Abu Dhabi, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, while the other itinerary covers Asian destinations such as Singapore and Hong Kong.