Between January and March 2026, the port registered 41 overnight cruise calls totalling 43 nights, compared with 27 calls and 39 nights during the first quarter of 2025. The data represents a 51.80% increase in overnight stays year-on-year.
Compared with the first quarter of 2024, the increase was even more significant, with overnight calls rising by 115.50% from 19 calls and 25 nights.
Paula Cabaço, CEO of Madeira Ports, said: “This remarkable increase in overnight stays at Funchal Port confirms the confidence cruise companies place in Madeira and reinforces the destination’s attractiveness.”
She added: “The results show that ongoing investment in operational efficiency, safety and the modernisation of port infrastructure is paying off, consolidating Funchal as a leading cruise port in the Atlantic.”
The number of overnight cruise passengers also increased significantly, reaching 84,091 in the first quarter of 2026, compared with 59,649 in 2025, representing growth of 40.97%. Compared with 2024, when 40,607 passengers were recorded, the increase exceeded 107%.
Crew overnights also continued to grow, with 32,868 crew members recorded in the first quarter of 2026, compared with 21,856 in 2025 and 13,935 in 2024.
Cabaço stated: “Each overnight call means more visitors spending more time in the city, which translates into greater economic activity for local businesses, restaurants, transport operators and tourist services.”
According to Madeira Ports, the cruise industry currently generates more than USD 68 million annually for Madeira’s regional economy, based on the approximate conversion from the reported 63 million euros.
The APRAM Chairwoman also noted that cruise tourism does not compete with residents for accommodation, car rentals or supermarket purchases and therefore does not add pressure to the city’s daily life.
Since 2022, the first year of post-pandemic recovery, overnight cruise calls at Funchal Port have shown a consistent upward trend. In 2022, the port recorded 40 overnight calls, with 34,405 passengers and 23,484 crew members. In 2023, although the number of calls declined slightly, passenger numbers increased to 54,163 and crew numbers reached 20,105.
Cabaço added: “This growth is also the result of the work we’ve been doing at major international cruise industry fairs and forums, where the unique strengths of Funchal Port — including its proximity to the city centre, the quality of our services and the warm hospitality Madeira is known for — continue to be highlighted.”
Tags: Paula Cabaço, Madeira Port Funchal Port
