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.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 75 – December 2025
The Santander Cruise Deluxe brand symbolizes the unified, strengthened, and coordinated effort between the Port Authority, CANTUR (Cantabria Tourism), and the Santander City Council to promote cruise tourism. This collaborative model has already held a total of 15 meetings since its inception, with five of those taking place in 2025 alone.
2025 Season: A Milestone in Northern Growth.
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-19, the figures show solid progress.
Within a 60-minute radius, we find very special towns and landscapes, such as Laredo and Castro Urdiales on the coast
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 project for cruise ships (OPS), 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, the traveler enters Cantabria, a region that is the perfect welcome to a land that has it all: wild beaches, majestic mountains, charming villages, high-altitude gastronomy and a vibrant cultural heritage20. It is the ideal starting point to discover a destination that surprises at every turn21.
Culture, Art, and Citizenship:
Santander is consolidating its position 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 famous medieval town of Santillana del Mar, and the Altamira Caves. The town of Comillas is sure to surprise you.
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 forest inland.
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 delight in star products such as fish and seafood. Given its location on the Cantabrian coast, fresh seafood and fish are 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.
Follow cruise news at Cruisesnews.es
