More than one million people (1,024,442) visited Madeira aboard cruise ships in 2025. The Regional Secretary for the Economy and the President of APRAM, Madeira Ports Authority, announced the regional port traffic balance this morningduring a press conference.
According to the figures, these data reflect a record number of passengers (746,257), up 2.42%, and a record number of crew members (278,185), up 2.38% compared to 2024. José Manuel Rodrigues, therefore, speaks of “the best year ever for the cruise sector.” The secretary also highlighted the increase in stopovers. “There were 331 stopovers, representing an increase of almost 5%.”
“Based on a study by the Funchal Commercial and Industrial Association (ACIF), which indicates an average expenditure of €61.40 per passenger/crew member, we have an impact on the economy in 2025 of €62.9 million,” said José Manuel Rodrigues. APRAM will soon be conducting a more in-depth study on the economic impact of cruises, added Paula Cabaço, president of APRAM. The number of overnight stays on ships increased by 17%, from 104 nights in 2024 to 122 nights in 2025, with 172,396 passengers staying overnight in Funchal in 2025, a figure much higher than the 131,707 passengers recorded in 2024.
Cruises starting or ending in Funchal (turnarounds) also rose by 40.9%, from 22 stopovers in 2024 to 31 stopovers in 2025.
The Secretary of Economy also explained that last year “22,758 tourist vehicles entered the Port of Funchal, most of which were taxis (9,276 on stopovers and 905 with credentials), 6,833 buses, and 5,744 vans.” In Porto Santo, there were 8 stopovers, with 1,558 passengers.
The Regional Government of Madeira speaks of “highly satisfactory figures,” which are the result of “the great work that has been done by APRAM, from its leaders to its employees, who have made the port of Funchal a benchmark at the European level,” he emphasized.
Between February 23 and 26, 2026, Madeira will host the European Summit of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the largest trade association in the global cruise industry. The event is being organized in partnership with the Regional Government of Madeira and APRAM.
In terms of goods imports, the port of Caniçal recorded “an increase in goods transport of around 5%. This is a result of tourism and our economy, but also of increased household consumption,” explained José Manuel Rodrigues. The data reflects an increase in the number of ships that docked in Caniçal last year, as well as an increase in the size of ships docking in the eastern zone, “which meant that there were no disruptions to the regular supply of essential goods.”
Responding to journalists’ questions, José Manuel Rodrigues also reaffirmed the Madeiran executive’s commitment to moving forward with the expansion of the Pontinha pier. “It is an expensive project, but it will be necessary to respond to the increase in cruises, protect pier 8, and eventually create a marina for mega-yachts in the port basin of Funchal,” he said.
From Funchal Notícias.
Translated into English as a community outreach program by the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL), in collaboration with Bruma Publication and MDI-Madeira Diaspora Initiative at California State University, Fresno. PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.
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