The record was set in a year in which passenger embarkation and disembarkation reached historic highs.

According to an activity report released today by the Lisbon Port Authority (APL), in the “turnaround” segment - where the ship begins and/or ends its voyage in the city - 206,226 passengers were counted, surpassing the previous maximum of 204,004, recorded in 2023.

The number of stopovers rose to 121, up from 110 in 2024, while the number of passengers embarked reached 105,900, surpassing the record of 102,680 observed in 2023.

According to APL, these figures indicate a 10% increase in the number of stopovers and a 20% increase in passenger numbers relative to 2024, reflecting demand for Lisbon as a port of origin and destination for cruises.

“These results are particularly important given the economic impact that this activity has on the region, with special relevance for operations involving the start/end of cruises in Lisbon,” the same statement emphasises.

The biggest markets

“With 105,900 passengers embarking and 499,211 in transit, the direct economic impact exceeded €80 million, reinforcing the strategic importance of this activity for the local and regional economy,” it adds.

The year 2025 was also marked by the first call of 20 ships at the Port of Lisbon, including four built in 2024, three of which made their maiden voyage in the capital.

In terms of source markets, Europe remained the leader, with 459,028 passengers; the United Kingdom accounted for 40% of the total.

“North America significantly strengthened its position, with the United States increasing its market share from 20% to 23% (6% growth) and Canada recording impressive growth of 19%, reaching 39,371 passengers visiting Lisbon,” they explain.

In the turnaround cruise segment, the North American market accounted for 43% of the total, driven by an increase in Norwegian Cruise Line stopovers, which rose from 11 to 20, bringing the number of passengers from the United States from 62,856 to 86,889.

The Canadian market grew by 49% and ranked second, followed by the Portuguese market, with 19,508 passengers.

Throughout the year, 257,923 crew members passed through the Port of Lisbon, of whom 3,488 embarked, 3,281 disembarked, and 251,154 were in transit, according to APL.