Representing a market of 3.3 million cruise passengers, Cruise Atlantic Islands is a differentiated product in the global cruise market, based on the unique and complementary identities of the Atlantic islands of Macaronesia, which is the collective name for five archipelagos in the North Atlantic, more or less close to the African continent: the Azores, the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Madeira, and the uninhabited Savage Islands.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 71 – December 2024
In an effort to diversify the tourism offering in the Atlantic, the president of Ports of Madeira (APRAM, SA), Paula Cabaço, has announced an ambitious goal: to position the archipelagos of Madeira, Azores, Canary Islands and Cape Verde as a new and attractive destination for cruise tourism under the name of Macaronesia.
A Destination with Its Own Identity
: “This is the path we must forge: a cruise destination that speaks with one voice to the cruise lines,” emphasized Paula Cabaço during the CAI 2024 Conference in Funchal. The president underscored that the four archipelagos that make up the Atlantic Cruise Islands (CAI) share an authenticity and uniqueness that complements them, allowing them to offer the cruise industry a differentiated product. “Just as the Caribbean is recognized today as a cruise destination, we are working to ensure that in the future the Macaronesian islands become a benchmark in the Atlantic,” she stated.
CAI Conference 2024
Although Cruise Atlantic Islands celebrated 30 years since its "founding" as a commercial brand in 2024, it was only now that its legal and fiscal personality as the International Association of Ports of Macaronesia has been created.
The attendees participated in a tree planting at the Funchal Ecological Park.
The CAI 2024 Conference thus marked the first formal meeting of the five port authorities that make up the newly created association.
This new body opens the door to key opportunities such as applying for European funds to promote the destination and establishing a single point of contact with shipping companies.
The conference was designed to reflect on the cruise tourism industry in the Atlantic region and globally, seeking the best solutions to increasingly competitive challenges. A focus on sustainability, port decarbonization, the energy transition, the circular economy, and technological innovation are key issues for any cruise destination, and for CAI, this must always occur within a joint strategy.
The Conference, organized by APRAM – Portos da Madeira, brought together in September nearly 80 experts from the cruise industry in an event consisting of visits to different points of the island, round tables between experts and several tribute acts.
CAI Foundation and tribute to the pioneers of the cruise market in Macaronesia
During the event, tributes were also paid to the founders of CAI, and the potential of the Atlantic islands was highlighted for their safety, port infrastructure, favorable climate, and proximity to major European capitals. A panel discussion was organized with participants from the 1984 meeting, an encounter that marked the beginning of collaboration to develop the cruise market in the Macaronesia region.
Among the special guests were key figures from that era: Juan Francisco Martin, former commercial director of the Ports of the Canary Islands, João Reis, former president of APRAM, Michael Blandy, former CEO of the Blandy Group, Eduardo Alvarez Hamilton, former CEO of Hamilton & Co. in the Canary Islands, Franklim Spencer, former president of the Ports of Cape Verde, and Pedro Roque, former president of the Port Authority of Tenerife, who detailed how they came to understand that only by working together could they establish the islands' presence in a global and competitive industry such as the cruise industry.
Although it has been using the CAI trademark for 30 years, the association was recently given legal status.
The second roundtable, entitled “Challenges and Opportunities for the Cruise Tourism Industry in the Atlantic Region and the World,” brought together industry executives such as Eduardo Cabrita, Managing Director of MSC Portugal; Fiona Noone, Marine Planning and Port Operations Manager at Marella Cruises TUI; Kai Algar, Marine & Port Planning Manager at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines; Amadeu Albuquerque, Nautical Senior Operations Manager at Mystic Cruises; Rafael Fernández-Álava, Communication & External Affairs Director at Costa Crociere; and Mark Robinson, General Manager of the BC Group. It was moderated by Virginia López Valiente, CEO of Cruises News Media Group. The discussion highlighted the region's opportunities for growth and its potential to become a year-round destination.
Funchal Ecological Park: A Natural Treasure.
The Funchal Ecological Park opened in 1994 at the initiative of the Funchal City Council. Located 12 km from the city, it lies in a mountainous region covering approximately 10 km², with altitudes ranging from 470 to 1818 meters. Its main objectives are nature conservation, the promotion of environmental education, and the development of infrastructure for recreation and leisure for visitors.
The park has a Visitor Center responsible for promoting its activities. The conservation and restoration of nature in the park involves various school communities, businesses, and the local population, especially in the reforestation process.
Within the park, there is also a nursery open to visitors, filled with native plants intended for reforestation. This space allows visitors to learn firsthand about the production process of species essential for ecological restoration.
Among the points of interest in the Park is an old snow pit, known as Poço da Neve, which is part of Madeira's cultural heritage. This pit, whose design resembles an Inuit igloo, stored snow and hail in the past. The ice stored here was used in hotels and hospitals when this resource was scarce.
The Funchal Ecological Park covers 10 km2 with heights ranging from 470 to 1818 meters.
Funchal Ecological Park is a key space for environmental conservation and education, while also offering visitors the opportunity to connect with nature and explore the region's cultural history. The park offers experienced trail runners a challenging and intense route where contact with lush nature is constant. This route, considered highly difficult, has a total length of 18.83 km. The various ascents along the trail total 835 meters in elevation gain, while the descents total 841 meters.
The Funchal Ecological Park trail is circular, beginning and ending in Chão da Lagoa, which belongs to the parish of Monte. The park's impressive expanse invites you to experience a long and challenging run, surrounded by lush green landscapes of great natural beauty. The Funchal Ecological Park trail connects Casa do Burro with Montado do Pereiro. Along the way, it passes iconic landmarks of the island, such as the Levada de Blandy, which carries water from Areeiro to Camacha, and Pico da Lenha, with an altitude of 1,351 meters. The entire route is lined with exotic plant species, lending a unique atmosphere to the experience.
Madeira, a cruise destination.
Located in the Atlantic Ocean, 500 kilometers off the African coast and 1,000 kilometers from the European continent, the Madeira archipelago emerges as a volcanic paradise with a rich history and unparalleled natural charm. Comprising two main islands, Madeira (740.7 km²) and Porto Santo (42.5 km²), as well as the Desertas and Selvagens Islands, this Portuguese destination is perfect for cruise tourism enthusiasts.
Funchal, the capital of Madeira, is a cruise ship port of call and a city that blends history, culture, and nature in perfect harmony. Founded by the Portuguese as their first city outside the mainland, Funchal stretches from the imposing mountains to the sea, offering a charming historic center.
During a cruise stop, Funchal offers several must-see experiences. Visitors can stroll through its old town, admiring the painted doors of Rua Santa Maria, which are veritable works of art. Another essential stop is the Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers' Market), ideal for enjoying a visual tour of the vibrant fruit and flower stalls. Nearby, Santa Catarina Park presents itself as a haven of peace with spectacular views and a lake with swans.
For the more adventurous, Funchal's cable car takes you up to Monte, a hilltop neighborhood with panoramic views over the city and the ocean. This area boasts attractions such as the Botanical Garden, a place overflowing with biodiversity and scenic beauty. You can also enjoy the famous wicker baskets, a traditional activity that allows you to speed down the area's steep streets.
In 2023, Madeira received 279 cruise ship calls and, for the first time, exceeded 624,000 disembarked passengers.
If time allows, exploring other corners of the island is an excellent option. Just a few kilometers from Funchal, the picturesque town of Câmara de Lobos offers an authentic fishing village atmosphere. This place, famous for inspiring Winston Churchill in his paintings, boasts charming bars where you can try the traditional local drink, "poncha.".
Another nearby attraction is Cabo Girão, one of the highest cliffs in Europe, with a glass platform offering a vertigo-inducing experience and breathtaking views. For those seeking a deeper connection with nature, the trails that follow the levadas (irrigation channels) are ideal for immersing themselves in Madeira's lush, green landscapes.
The small island of Madeira, just 57 kilometers long and 22 kilometers wide, allows you to explore much of its wonders in a single day. Thanks to its modern highways, partly funded by the European Union, it's easy to travel from Funchal to the north coast or the highlands inland.
Whether enjoying its rich gastronomy, exploring its natural landscapes, or immersing oneself in its cultural history, Madeira is a destination that promises unforgettable experiences for cruise passengers. A stop on this Portuguese island is an invitation to discover its magic and be captivated by its incomparable beauty.
The Azores, the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Madeira, and the uninhabited Savage Islands make up Macaronesia.
With this joint effort, the Atlantic Islands seek to consolidate themselves as a viable and exciting alternative for cruises in the Atlantic, adding value to the global tourism offer.
Commitment to the Environment
In parallel, APRAM signed an environmental cooperation protocol with the Funchal City Council and CLIA Europe, represented by its Vice President Nikos Mertzadinis. This agreement includes annual reforestation and environmental education activities in the Funchal Ecological Park, involving cruise lines that visit Madeira. As part of this initiative, a tree planting took place in the park with the participation of conference attendees.
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