Madeira Forecasts Record 820,000 Cruise Passengers in 2026
During 2024–2025, the Madeira Regional Ports Administration completed a €1.5 million Port Community System project to support the digitalization of port operations.
Madeira is forecast to receive 349 cruise ship calls and close to 820,000 cruise passengers in 2026, setting annual records for both measures, according to the Madeira Regional Ports Administration (APRAM). The passenger total would take the Portuguese region above 800,000 for the first time.
The projections would surpass the previous records set in 2025, when Madeira received 746,000 passengers across 331 calls. Passenger traffic would rise by almost 10 percent, while ship calls would increase by 5.4 percent.
APRAM bases its outlook on updated forecasts and berth reservations through the end of the year. The authority manages port infrastructure in Madeira and Porto Santo.
The totals remain provisional. APRAM cautioned that weather and changes to cruise itineraries could alter the final figures before year-end.
According to APRAM, the region’s cruise activity has grown for five consecutive years. APRAM Chairwoman Paula Cabaco credited shipping agents, shore excursion businesses and other industry partners with contributing to that growth and to the experience delivered to visiting passengers.
Alongside its cruise operations, APRAM completed a €1.5 million Port Community System project during 2024–2025 under Portugal’s Recovery and Resilience Plan. The project supported the digitalization of port operations.
October is expected to contribute 33 calls and more than 75,000 passengers to the annual total, based on bookings already made. “Everything points to one of the strongest Octobers of recent years,” Cabaco said.
