The Port of Funchal is experiencing a growing trend: cruise ship overnight stays. This increase is in line with the expectations of the Madeira Ports Administration (APRAM, SA) and is projected to reach 73 cruise ship overnight stays by the end of this year.
Last year, the final two months saw 14 overnight stays. This year, by the first week of December, that number had already been matched. With the additional stays scheduled through December 31, the total will reach 34 overnight stays.
“For us in the Port of Funchal, this is a strategic priority, not only in terms of revenue, since overnight stays generate more fees, but also in promoting the destination itself,” explained Paula Cabaço, president of the APRAM Board of Directors. She highlighted the benefits these stays bring to the city, such as a stronger economic impact and a greater connection with the local community.
According to ship owners, around 80% of passengers and crew on overnight cruises go out at night to explore and enjoy the city. This results in a “greater impact on the local economy,” as visitors have more time to discover what Funchal has to offer. “This translates into greater benefits for sectors such as gastronomy, retail, and cultural and leisure activities,” Cabaço noted. He added that “longer stays foster deeper connections with the city, strengthening the bond between the port and the community.”.
Cabaço emphasized that both the port's infrastructure and APRAM's human resources are well-prepared to respond to this market trend, which they aim to further develop. Next year, APRAM plans to intensify its promotional efforts with cruise lines, showcasing Madeira's main attractions and the diversity of its offerings. "The short distance between the port and the city is undoubtedly a key factor in encouraging cruise lines to extend their stay in Funchal, allowing passengers to enjoy the city at night," concluded Paula Cabaço.
In 2023, Madeira received 279 cruise ship calls and, for the first time, exceeded 624,000 disembarked passengers, representing a 51% increase compared to 2022. This year, those figures are expected to be surpassed again in a market with a direct economic impact of more than 53 million euros on the regional economy.
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