Cagliari Cruise Port, operated by Global Ports Holding, the world’s largest cruise port operator, celebrates the arrival of its 500,000th cruise passenger of the year, an exceptional achievement highlighting the city’s growing appeal in the international cruise tourism landscape. This day is even more special thanks to the simultaneous presence of three ships: Costa Smeralda, a Tuesday fixture at the port from Costa Cruises, Island Princess from Princess Cruises, and Emerald Sakara from Emerald Cruises.
This special guest was welcomed by Cagliari Cruise Port’s General Manager, Raffaella Del Prete; the President of the Sardinian Sea Port System Authority, Massimo Deiana; and the Marketing Manager of the Port System Authority, Valeria Mangiarotti.
“The current cruise season has shown remarkable growth, with 76 additional berths in 2024 compared to last year, and for the first time, calls scheduled even in the winter months, providing significant economic benefits for the region throughout the year,” stated Raffaella Del Prete, GPH Italian Cruise Ports General Manager.
“We have always believed that Cagliari is an ideal tourist destination for all seasons, not just for its beautiful beaches but for its unique history and outstanding features. As terminal operators, we are the first point of contact between cruise passengers and the region, so it’s natural for us to celebrate these extraordinary milestones by thanking the cruise lines that choose us and their guests, with a symbolic award for the 500,000th passenger.” she continued.
In 2024, Cagliari Cruise Port hosted 178 cruise ships compared to the 102 calls in 2023, representing an increase of over 50% in the number of tourists arriving on cruise ships.
“Today is a record-breaking day for Cagliari Port and the entire Sardinian Port System, which is set to close 2024 near 700,000 total cruise passengers,” noted the President of the Sardinian Sea Port System Authority, Massimo Deiana. “It’s a very positive and highly seasonally adjusted trend, with ships continuing to call at our ports weekly even in the winter months. Our goal over the next five years is to maintain this growth trajectory toward reaching one million cruise passengers and positioning ourselves at the top of Mediterranean destinations.”
The exponential growth in traffic reflects the excellent collaborative work between Cagliari Cruise Port, the Sardinian Sea Port System Authority, and local institutions, which has promoted Cagliari as a prominent tourist destination, helping to establish the Sardinian capital as a preferred Mediterranean destination.
Cagliari Cruise Port and all parties involved are committed to providing visitors with an authentic and unforgettable experience that begins at dawn with their arrival and ends in the evening when the ship departs.
To make the occasion even more special, Cagliari Cruise Port has awarded the lucky 500,000th passenger with two airline tickets for a return trip to Cagliari, allowing a deeper and immersive experience in which to fully enjoy the culture, tradition, and authentic spirit of the city and Southern Sardinia. Additionally, thanks to a partnership with Palazzo Tirso, the passenger will enjoy a stay for two at the prestigious hotel overlooking the sea.
About Cagliari Cruise Port
Cagliari Cruise Port, operated by Global Ports Holding since 2016, is a premier cruise terminal in the heart of the Mediterranean. Strategically positioned between the Iberian Peninsula, Italy, and North Africa, it offers cruise lines fuel-efficient routes and convenient access for passengers via the nearby Cagliari Elmas International Airport. With two large docks capable of accommodating the latest-generation ships and a modern 630m² terminal, Cagliari Cruise Port stands out as a top transit and turnaround port in the region. Beyond its excellent facilities, Cagliari offers a wealth of cultural, scenic, and culinary experiences, including year-round events like the festival of Saint Efisio, ensuring unforgettable visits for all travelers.
