At the Seatrade Cruise Europe trade fair, Cruise Atlantic Islands (CAI) once again demonstrated that 30 years of cooperation between the Macaronesian islands have not only consolidated their presence on the world map of cruise tourism, but have also given them strength and credibility with shipping companies, operators and emerging destinations.
The archipelagos that make up the region— the Canary Islands, Madeira, the Azores, and Cape Verde—brought their strongest offerings to date to the event: diverse itineraries, excellent ports, unique cultural heritage, and recent improvements in sustainability. Thanks to a sustained joint effort, CAI has not only increased the visibility of each island individually but has also built a collective brand that stands out in the Atlantic cruise corridor.
Records and growth driven by unity
According to the latest statistics, CAI recorded over 4.17 million passengers, representing a growth of more than 25% compared to the previous year. The number of cruise port calls also increased significantly, rising from 1,609 in 2023 to 2,043 in 2024.
The Azores' inclusion in the association was key to this growth. They contributed over 150,000 additional passengers, and even excluding Azores data, the other CAI ports showed increases of 20–21% in passengers and around 16% in port calls.
During Seatrade Cruise Europe in Hamburg, CAI took the opportunity to showcase its latest developments, forge alliances with cruise lines, and strengthen its brand among key industry players. Seatrade Europe brought together professionals from over 90 countries, with more than 250 exhibitors and over 75 cruise lines in attendance.
Furthermore, in this edition, Madeira was selected by CLIA to host the CLIA European Summit 2026, which will take place from February 23 to 25, reinforcing the idea that Macaronesia is not only a transit destination but also a strategic epicenter for industry decisions. Meanwhile, Las Palmas will host Seatrade Cruise Med on September 23 and 24, one of the most important events in the sector, bringing together leading global operators to foster strategic alliances and generate new business opportunities.
Cooperation allows us not only to increase figures but also to face growing challenges: environmental demands, international regulations, and sustainability expectations. CAI has put forward concrete commitments to improve port services, promote more responsible practices, and develop green infrastructure. These efforts are presented not only as an obligation but also as a competitive advantage in an increasingly demanding market.
Likewise, the need for a strong and homogeneous identity for Macaronesia as a destination has been emphasized, where each island contributes its uniqueness, but within a common message of quality, authenticity and accessibility.
Seatrade Cruise Europe has once again been the stage where Cruise Atlantic Islands reaffirms that long-term cooperation bears fruit: a significant increase in passengers, international recognition, and a projection that goes beyond the transit of ships, towards the construction of an integrated, sustainable and competitive destination.
