The number of cruise ships that made overnight stops in the port of Funchal doubled in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2025, according to data published by APRAM – Administração dos Portos da Madeira. The figures reflect a 51.80% increase in overnight stays compared to last year.
Between January and March 2026, the port recorded 41 overnight calls, totaling 43 nights, compared to 27 calls and 39 nights in the first quarter of 2025. Compared to 2024, the growth is even more significant: an increase of 115.50% in the number of overnight calls (19 calls and 25 nights in that period).
“This significant increase in overnight calls at the port of Funchal confirms the confidence that cruise lines have in Madeira and reinforces the destination’s appeal,” stated Paula Cabaço. She added that these results demonstrate that the ongoing investment in operational efficiency, safety, and modernization of port infrastructure is paying off, consolidating Funchal as one of the leading cruise ports in the Atlantic.
The number of cruise passengers who stayed overnight also increased significantly, reaching 84,091 in the first quarter of 2026, compared to 59,649 in 2025 (+40.97%). Compared to 2024 (40,607 passengers), the increase exceeds 107%. Crew overnight stays also grew steadily: 32,868 in 2026, compared to 21,856 in 2025 and 13,935 in 2024.
“Each overnight stop means more visitors spending more time in the city, which translates into greater economic activity for local businesses, restaurants, transport operators, and tourism services,” Cabaço noted. He also highlighted that the cruise industry already generates more than €63 million annually for Madeira’s regional economy.
Beyond the economic impact, the president of APRAM stressed that cruise tourism does not compete with local residents for accommodation, car rentals, or supermarket shopping, and therefore does not increase pressure on the city's daily life.
Since 2022—the first year of recovery after the pandemic—overnight port calls have followed a steady upward trend. That year, the port recorded 40 overnight calls, with 34,405 passengers and 23,484 crew members. In 2023, the number of calls decreased slightly, although both the number of passengers (54,163) and crew members (20,105) increased.
“This growth is also a result of the work we have been doing at the main international cruise industry fairs and forums, where the unique strengths of the port of Funchal continue to be highlighted — including its proximity to the city center, the quality of our services and the warm hospitality for which Madeira is known —,” Cabaço added.
