The Port of Cadiz has recorded 227 cruise ship calls in the nine months from January to September, 17 more than in the same period of the previous fiscal year, representing an 8% growth in the number of vessels.
Regarding passengers, between January and September, 430,065 cruise passengers have arrived, 9% less than until September 2024. This decrease is explained by the reduction in the size of the ships (12% less GT), also in line with the Port Authority’s commitment to promoting Premium or Deluxe class cruises, which are smaller and have higher purchasing power.
For 2025, 355 calls are scheduled, of which 204 are Premium or Deluxe category.
In this category, among others, is La Belle de Cadix, which, with 30 calls, is the cruise ship that has arrived the most times in the Bay of Cadiz until September. It is followed by the MSC Musica, with 16 calls, and the Arvia, with 10.
In terms of the number of passengers, the AIDA Cosma has broken this year’s record so far with 6,820 cruise passengers on board. Behind it is the Arvia, with 6,381, and the MSC Virtuosa, with 6,063 passengers.
The month with the most calls so far has been April, with a total of 46, followed by September with 38 and May, with 29 calls.
Of the 96 transatlantic ships that have passed through Cadiz so far this year, 14 made their first call in the city.
The economic impact of the cruises is especially significant in the area. According to the latest study carried out by the Junta de Andalucía on cruise tourism in the region, the average spending per cruise passenger per day in a port of call is set at USD 47.5, and can reach up to USD 235 in the case of a homeport.
