According to data published by APRAM (Administração dos Portos da Madeira), the number of cruise ships that overnighted at the Port of Funchal doubled in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2025. These figures reflect a 51.8% increase over last year.
Between January and March 2026, the port recorded 41 overnight calls, with a total of 43 nights, compared to 27 calls and 39 nights in the first quarter of 2025. Compared to 2024, the growth is even more significant, 115.5% in the number of overnight calls (19 and 25, respectively).
“This remarkable increase in overnight stays at the Port of Funchal confirms the confidence that cruise companies place in Madeira and reinforces the destination’s appeal,” stated Paula Cabaço, General Director of Ports of Madeira.
The director added that the results demonstrate that the continuous investment in operational efficiency, safety, and modernization of port infrastructure is paying off, consolidating Funchal as a leading cruise port in the Atlantic.
The number of passengers who overnighted on cruise ships also increased notably, reaching 84,091 in the first quarter of 2026, compared to 59,649 in 2025 (+40.97%). Compared to 2024 (40,607), the increase exceeds 107%. Crew overnight stays also grew steadily, being 32,868 in 2026, compared to 21,856 in 2025 and 13,935 in 2024.
“Each overnight call means that more visitors spend more time in the city, which translates into greater economic activity for local businesses, restaurants, transport operators, and tourism services,” explained Cabaço, who highlighted that the cruise industry already generates over USD 74 million annually for the regional economy of Madeira.
Beyond its economic impact, the president of APRAM highlighted 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 calls have shown a constant 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, but both the number of passengers (54,163) and crew members (20,105) increased.
“This growth is also the result of the work we have been doing at the major international cruise industry fairs and forums, where the unique advantages 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,” concluded Cabaço.
