Each year, in the first issue of the year, we have published detailed figures on cruise passenger traffic for the previous year. This year, although in a more general way, we want to at least remind everyone of the starting point.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 52 – June 2020
Cruise passenger traffic in Spain 2019: 10,661,799. Percentage change between 2018 and 2019 (Total number of cruise passengers): +4.83%
Spain has shown a significant increase in the number of passengers in recent years, not only due to the increase in ships on the market, but also due to their greater capacity
These figures will remind us not only of what has been lost but also of the cost of recovering traffic if, as expected, the industry's reactivation is gradual and takes at least two years to reach levels similar to those we had before. How quickly Spain returns to 2019 figures will depend on how the pandemic behaves in our region, the effectiveness of prevention and containment measures, and the eventual arrival of a vaccine.
The ports of Palamós and Roses, managed by the Generalitat of Catalonia,
are two boutique ports offering the cruise sector a high standard of quality and service. Palamós leads the way, while Roses complements it. This partnership, along with the Costa Brava, a powerful tourist destination, determines the two ports' strong position in this industry. The quality of service offered by both ports, combined with a desirable destination and a clear commitment from public authorities, are key to the growth of cruises on the Costa Brava and its international projection within its category and on the map of the world's leading cruise lines.
In 2019, the ports of Palamós and Roses closed the season with 50 port calls and 56,730 passengers, representing an 11% increase in passengers compared to the previous year and an estimated economic impact of €4.1 million.
The port of Palamós ended the 2019 season with 45 cruise calls and 54,200 passengers, representing an 18% increase in passengers while maintaining the same number of calls. The port welcomed nine cruise lines and the inaugural calls of the Marella Discovery 2 and Marella Explorer 2, from the British company Marella Cruises, and the Marina from Oceania Cruises.
The port of Roses closed the season with five calls and 2,530 passengers, and visits from four cruise lines. The port received three inaugural calls: the Crystal Spirit from Crystal Cruises, the Marella Discovery 2 from Marella Cruises, and the Wind Surf from Windstar Cruises.
Costa Brava Cruise Ports positions and promotes the ports of Palamós and Roses and the tourist destination to the cruise industry. Delta Ebre Port also promotes the port of Sant Carles de la Ràpita next to a unique natural environment, a Biosphere Reserve, such as the Ebro Delta Natural Park.
Joan Pere Gómez Comes, Ports Director of the Generalitat
