The cruise movement at Madeira’s ports recorded significant growth in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2024. Passenger numbers rose by 19.64%, and cruise ship calls surged by 36.36%.
“These are very encouraging figures, reflecting the vitality and strength of the cruise sector in the Region, and the serious and committed way this global industry views Madeira as a cruise destination,” said Paula Cabaço, Chairwoman of the Board of Madeira Ports, speaking in Miami, USA, where the Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 is taking place this week.
Last year was already the best year ever for cruise tourism in the Region, and the first three months of 2025 are proving even more promising. A total of 266,964 passengers passed through the ports of Funchal and Porto Santo (compared to 223,144 in 2024), along with 92,903 crew members (up from 73,541 the previous year). The increase in ship calls was even more significant, rising from 77 to 105 in the same period.
These numbers make this the strongest start to a year since the post-COVID recovery began in 2022, when Madeira welcomed 95 cruise ship calls, 95,618 passengers, and 67,798 crew members. In the first quarter of 2023, the region saw 94 calls, 230,582 passengers, and 86,115 crew members.
“We can only be thrilled with these results. On one hand, they acknowledge the work that APRAM and all stakeholders in the sector have been doing, and on the other, they give us even greater confidence to keep improving and growing in this highly competitive market,” added Paula Cabaço, during the industry’s leading trade show held at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Florida.
Madeira Ports is participating in the event at two exhibition stands: one as part of the Cruise Atlantic Islands (CAI) — which brings together ports from the Azores, Canary Islands, Cape Verde, and Madeira — and another at the Ports of Portugal stand, alongside ports such as Lisbon, Leixões, Aveiro, Viana do Castelo, Azores, Figueira da Foz, Setúbal, and Sines.
“This is another important moment affirming Madeira as a strategic partner in the global cruise industry,” emphasized Paula Cabaço, who was joined in Miami by Madeira Ports’ Commercial Director, Patrícia Bairrada.
“Seatrade Cruise Global is the most important event in the cruise industry worldwide. The meetings we’ve had with cruise lines and other sector players clearly show that Madeira is increasingly seen as a key asset in the cruise market,” she added. According to her, the Miami trade fair is a vital platform for showcasing the destination and fostering new business opportunities.
Last year, several important deals were closed in Miami, with a direct impact on the 2024/25 season and future seasons through to 2028/29. This year’s outlook is also positive, with new contacts established, including with a cruise line interested in adding Madeira and Porto Santo to its itineraries as early as next year.
“Our main goal here is precisely that: to promote the Region’s ports, strengthen ties with cruise lines already calling at Madeira, and create new business opportunities for local companies in the sector,” said Paula Cabaço.
The Madeira delegation at Seatrade — which opened on Monday, April 7 — also includes representatives from local shipping agents DMC Madeira/JFM Shipping, Blandy Shipping, and BC Tours Madeira.
During the Miami fair, taking advantage of the presence of all CAI member port authority presidents, an extraordinary general assembly was held. Discussions focused on developing the CAI Marketing Plan and the strategic positioning of the CAI brand in the coming years.
Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 marks the 40th edition of the event, featuring more than 600 exhibitors and the participation of around 80 cruise lines.
