The Port of Santander stands majestically as the "blue gateway to the Cantabrian Sea," offering cruise passengers an unparalleled welcome. Strategically located in one of the world's most beautiful bays, its setting allows for disembarkation right in the city center, the ideal starting point for discovering Cantabria, a land of contrasts and profound natural beauty. The Santander Cruise Deluxe symbolizes the unified, strengthened, and coordinated effort between the Port Authority, CANTUR (Cantabria Tourism), and the Santander City Council to promote cruise tourism.
2025 Season: A Milestone in the Growth of the North
The 2025 season has been a clear indicator of Santander's growth and consolidation as a cruise destination. After the hiatus in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID, the figures show solid progress.
The forecast for 2025 is 20 port calls and 29,862 cruise passengers, aiming towards the ambitious goal of reaching 30 port calls and 50,000 cruise passengers in 2026.
The 2025 season culminated on Wednesday, October 29, when the British cruise ship Ventura, operated by P&O Cruises, made its sixth and final call of the year at the Maritime Station. Other notable vessels, such as the Spirit of Discovery, which called with nearly 1,000 passengers on board, also made their mark during the season. The continued presence of ships like the Ventura has reinforced Santander's reputation as an attractive and welcoming destination on Spain's northern coast.
Investment in Infrastructure and Environmental Commitment
The growth strategy is accompanied by significant improvements to accommodate an ever-increasing fleet. The maximum length of cruise ships that can dock at the Maritime Station pier has been increased from 290 meters to 330 meters . Furthermore, the commitment to more sustainable tourism is being realized with the shore power supply for cruise ships (OPS) project , which is scheduled to be operational in the port by 2028
Active Promotion: Santander Cruise Deluxe in the industry
The brand has played a very active role in international promotion, taking the name of Cantabria to the most important industry forums. Santander Cruise Deluxe has consolidated its presence by sponsoring the International Cruise Summit 2025, the leading industry event in Europe, and also participated in the Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 trade show held in Miami in April.
Representatives from Santander Cruise Deluxe also took the opportunity to invite several cruise lines to visit Cantabria through a familiarization trip, designed to allow them to experience the region firsthand. According to Sophie Lanos, Cruise Director at APS, “The aim is to show cruise lines and itinerary planners the advantages of calling at Santander. We have a magnificent port entrance across the bay and a maritime terminal right in the city center, but we also offer exclusive experiences within easy reach of the dock, allowing visitors to make the most of their time in the destination.”.
These actions are complemented by the inter-institutional roadmap, which includes not only the carrying out of Fam trips, but also the preparation of a promotional catalog, merchandising and the delivery of plaques.
Cantabria: The Cruise Traveler's Experience
From the dock, travelers enter Cantabria, a region that offers the perfect welcome to a land that has it all: wild beaches, majestic mountains, charming villages, exquisite cuisine, and a vibrant cultural heritage. It's the ideal starting point for discovering a destination that surprises at every turn.
Culture, Art and Citizenship
Santander is establishing itself as a modern and cosmopolitan destination. It is part of the Association of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World, being a founding member of this organization which has 44 members worldwide.
The opening of new cultural spaces, such as Espacio Faro and the Reina Sofía Associated Center – Lafuente Archive , is expected soon . In addition, the city will launch its new 2026 map in English and Spanish, reflecting changes that occurred throughout 2025, including an increase in bicycle rental stations. In an effort to boost French tourism, a new French edition of the map will also be released.
Unique Excursions in Green Spain
Cantabria offers quick access to tourist gems that delight cruise passengers. Santander Cruise Deluxe has categorized these experiences based on travel time. Within a 30-minute radius, you can visit Cabárceno Nature Park , home to over 120 animal species in expansive habitats accessible by car or cable car. Also near Santander, you can enjoy the Costa Quebrada Global Geopark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , the renowned medieval town of Santillana del Mar , and the Altamira Caves
The town of Comillas surprises us with Gaudí's Capricho, a vibrant villa with unique shapes and colors that showcases the early genius of the Catalan architect. Right next door stands the majestic Sobrellano Palace, in the Neo-Gothic style, alongside its impressive Chapel-Pantheon, a testament to the wealth and influence of the era. Completing this monumental triangle is the imposing Old Pontifical University, which dominates the town from its hilltop perch.
Within a 60-minute radius, we find very special towns and landscapes, such as Laredo and Castro Urdiales on the coast, and the Pasiegos Valley, Cabezón de la Sal, and the sequoia forestinland.
Also the Soplao Cave, a spectacular natural cavity of karst origin, considered one of the great wonders of world geology due to the immense quantity and quality of its eccentric formations.
Within a 90-minute radius, for those seeking mountain adventures, the Picos de Europa offer hiking, wildlife viewing, and breathtaking landscapes. The Fuente de Cable cable car ascends 800 meters, offering incredible panoramic views. You can also explore the charming town of Potes and its important Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana.
Gastronomy, a Luxury for the Palate
The region is a gastronomic paradise. Cruise passengers seeking authentic flavors can indulge in star products such as fish and seafood. Given its location on the Cantabrian coast, fresh seafood is essential. Santoña anchovies are a world-renowned delicacy.
Inland, dishes like Cocido Montañés (a hearty mountain stew) exemplify the robust and traditional Cantabrian cuisine. The region is also renowned for its high-quality cheeses, such as Queso de Nata de Cantabria (PDO) and Picón Bejes-Tresviso (a blue cheese), as well as its traditional pastries. Sweets are a must-have souvenir: Sobaos Pasiegos (a type of sponge cake) and Corbatas de Unquera (a type of pastry) are two iconic examples of traditional confectionery.
For a truly deluxe culinary experience, Cantabria boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants, where the finest local ingredients are transformed into gourmet masterpieces. Among the most outstanding examples of regional gastronomy are Cenador de Amós, which holds an impressive three Michelin stars and a Michelin Green Star for its sustainability, and Casona del Judío, with one Michelin star and also a Michelin Green Star.
Santander Cruise Deluxe positions itself as a quality brand and a successful collaboration model, which not only guarantees an efficient and sustainable port, but also offers cruise passengers the key to a complete destination, where each stop becomes an unforgettable journey to the cultural and natural heart of Green Spain.
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