Emirates extends its Diamond Elite partnership with CLIA
Representative image
“In 2025, 37.1 million passengers are forecast to sail globally, with Dubai growing as a cruise destination and homeport,” said Karyn Gruenberg, CLIA’s MD of Enterprise Development and Senior VP of Membership.
Emirates has strengthened its strategic partnership with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) through the extension of its Diamond Elite executive partnership. With CLIA representing more than 90% of the global ocean cruise fleet, including more than 55 cruise lines, this partnership is expected to offer Emirates the opportunity to deepen its engagement with cruise industry leaders and enhance its visibility in key cruise markets.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, said, “The extension of our Diamond Elite Partnership with CLIA comes at the right time for Emirates. The cruise industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience, with robust demand spanning diverse traveller segments and a healthy performance outlook. We will strategically tap into the growth opportunity that the industry presents, especially across CLIA’s expansive business community of executive partners, travel trade members and advisors to boost cruise passenger arrivals through our superior network and premium product proposition.”
“Our CLIA executive partnership also reinforces Dubai's emergence as one of the world’s best cruise destinations. Through collaborative efforts with our partners, Dubai today benefits from an integrated air-land-sea proposition, anchored by world-class maritime infrastructure, iconic tourist attractions, and exceptional air connectivity, and we remain committed to grow its appeal to an expanding base of cruise travellers,” added Kazim.
Karyn Gruenberg, CLIA’s Managing Director of Enterprise Development and Senior Vice President of Membership, said, “In 2025, 37.1 million passengers are forecast to sail globally, with Dubai growing as a cruise destination and homeport. Through their CLIA executive partnership, Emirates is well-poised to continue collaborating with cruise decision-makers to support this emerging market.”
The extended partnership is said to grant Emirates access to cruise industry leadership through events, while securing sponsorship opportunities at key industry gatherings. It is also said to enhance airline’s visibility in cruise markets, and provides access to industry research and insights, including passenger demographics and emerging trends. The airline will also be able to promote its fly-cruise packages and crew movement solutions, complemented by brand positioning across CLIA's digital platforms.
In 2024, Emirates transported nearly 187,000 cruise passengers to Dubai. The Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal at Port Rashid is said to be capable of processing 14,000 passengers daily.