The Port of Tarragona has closed the cruise season with figures exceeding expectations and breaking records with 51,390 cruise passengers, representing a 284% increase compared to last season. Regarding the number of cruise ships, 37 vessels called at Tarragona this year, compared to 22 in 2016. These more than 51,000 cruise passengers, of whom 37,000 were in transit and 14,000 were homeport passengers, generated an economic impact of €3.9 million in the region.
Looking at the passenger profile, it's predominantly family-oriented, with an increase in cruise passengers aged 35 to 54, who now make up almost 42% of the total. By nationality, 38% are Italian, 23% Spanish, 13% British, 5% French, 7% a mix of German, Swiss, and Austrian, and 9% other nationalities. The vast majority of these passengers, 95% of those in transit, choose to visit the city of Tarragona. Booked excursions have also seen a significant increase, and passenger feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with Tarragona receiving a perfect score of 9. Regarding passenger satisfaction, over 90% believe that Tarragona meets or exceeds their expectations, and 89% would recommend it.
2018 Season Forecast
The Port of Tarragona plans to continue its commitment to cruises, with forecasts for 2018 predicting 55 cruise ships, a 49% increase compared to 2017, and 80,000 passengers, representing a 56% increase. This growth is largely due to Costa Cruises, which uses Tarragona as its home port, changing this year's ship, the Costa neoRiviera (1,727 passengers), to the Costa Victoria, which can accommodate up to 2,394 passengers. This will significantly increase the number of passengers arriving at the Port of Tarragona.
