Madeira expects to close 2026 with a new record of 349 cruise ship calls, while preparing to surpass, for the first time, the 800,000 cruise passenger mark in a single year.
These two milestones, both new all-time highs for the region, culminate an exceptional year for the Ports Administration of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (APRAM, SA), in which cruise activity has registered five consecutive years of growth.
“According to the latest forecasts and scheduled berth bookings until the end of the year, we expect to receive approximately 820,000 cruise passengers and almost 350 ship calls (349),” said APRAM President Paula Cabaço, who recalled that 2025 had already been the best year in history for cruises in Madeira, with 746,000 passengers and 331 calls.
If these figures are confirmed, 2026 will become a new record year for cruise activity in Madeira, with growth of almost 10% in the number of passengers and 5.4% in port calls compared to 2025. However, the figures are still provisional and could change before the end of the year, especially due to weather conditions or possible changes in ship itineraries.
The busy schedule planned for October is also contributing to this growth, with 33 port calls already scheduled and more than 75,000 passengers expected. “Everything points to this being one of the strongest Octobers in recent years, demonstrating the confidence cruise lines have in Madeira as a destination and is also the result of the work of everyone who contributes daily to ensuring a quality experience for our visitors,” highlighted Paula Cabaço.
The president of APRAM also highlighted the important role of maritime agents, shore excursion companies and the rest of the sector's partners, whose work has been fundamental to maintaining this growth trajectory.
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