Emirates and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, two world-class travel brands, have today announced a partnership to offer travellers combined luxury cruise and air travel experiences in the form of special packages. Emirates and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises aim to create seamless connectivity for cruise travelers, underpinned by a high-end proposition for luxury air and sea journeys.
Starting from the 2026/2027 season, Emirates and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will begin collaboration on jointly developing and marketing luxury air-sea packages and campaigns in key markets targeting premium customer segments and upscale trade partners. Both brands will also work towards establishing dedicated fares and capacity in the form of ‘cruise blocks’ aligned to cruise seasonality and luxury demand profiles; and align global cruise itineraries with the Emirates’ route network and flight schedules, providing cruise passengers more options to reach their ports of disembarkation on the cruise brand’s luxury ships or expedition vessels across the Indian Ocean Islands, Africa, the Far East and Australia and New Zealand and beyond.
Operationally, the airline and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will also focus on sharing relevant data and insights to enhance service excellence, explore opportunities to integrate luxury guest services in jointly served destinations as well as dedicated premium support services at key ports and airports.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer said: “We’re eager to start our partnership with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and are confident that we have the right approach in place to deliver a premium, consistent and seamless sea-air journey for our cruise customers. In Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, we also have a partner that shares our commitment to curating unique and personalized travel experiences for discerning travelers, which is aligned with our efforts to offer our customers high-quality, award-winning service and best-in-class products.”
Corinna Fritsch, Director Flight & Ground Operation Services Hapag-Lloyd Cruises said, “We are truly delighted about the upcoming, even closer collaboration with Emirates – as our five ships, named the best in the world by Insight Guides 2025, combine ultimate comfort with a spirit of exploration. It is a great privilege to have a partner who shares our deep understanding of luxury and who values the exclusive, personal travel experience in the most remote corners of the world just as much as we do. We’re confident that our well-traveled and discerning guests will truly appreciate this and benefit from the offering.”
Emirates and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will collaborate on special packages for MV EUROPA 2, HANSEATIC inspiration, and HANSEATIC spirit. While MV EUROPA 2 is celebrated for its relaxed luxury, all ocean-view suites with private verandas, and exclusive dining options for a maximum of 500 guests, the expedition ships open new dimensions of discovery for a maximum of 230 guests. With small, modern vessels, fascinating destinations, and experienced crews, they navigate award-winning routes to remote corners of the world.
