The data was released at a press conference within the framework of the European summit of this organisation, considered the largest in the global cruise industry, which is taking place in Funchal, Madeira, until 26 February.

The CLIA European Summit is considered the main forum for cruise policy in Europe, bringing together the leadership of cruise companies, European institutions, national and regional governments, ports and destinations, shipyards, and maritime leaders.

Paula Cabaço stressed that the event also contributes to the region's efforts to break the seasonality in the cruise sector, whose high season is winter, and that in Summer there are few calls at the port of Funchal.

Highest number of port calls

Even so, in 2025, the port of the Madeiran capital recorded the highest number of cruise ship port calls ever - 331 - moving around one million people and generating €62.9 million in revenue for the regional economy.

APRAM indicated that in January of this year alone, 41 port calls were recorded (+13.89% compared to the same period in 2025), with a movement of 113,210 passengers (+26.27%) and 39,143 crew members.

Economic impact

CLIA data indicates that cruise tourism had an economic impact of €64.1 billion at the European level in 2024 and is associated with 445,000 jobs, with figures in Portugal reaching €940 million and 9,800 jobs.

Lisbon maintained its position as the country's main cruise port that year, while Madeira consolidated its position as Portugal's largest port of call.

At the press conference, CLIA President Bud Darr noted that these numbers demonstrate that cruise tourism is a fundamental part of the European maritime economy, emphasising that the benefits extend beyond ports and involve local economies across all regions.

Data from the organisation indicates that, in 2024, direct spending on cruises reached €31 billion, including €14 billion on goods and services purchased from European suppliers and €10 billion on shipbuilding.