Funchal’s cruise terminal in Madeira handled 335,748 passengers in the first quarter of 2026, representing a 24.79% increase compared to the same period last year.
In a press release, Paula Cabaço, CEO of Madeira Ports (Portos da Madeira) and chair of the Port Authority of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (Administração dos Portos da Região Autónoma da Madeira, APRAM, SA), called these numbers extraordinary.
She noted that 2025 had already been the best year ever for the cruise industry in the region.
“We are talking about double-digit growth compared to a period that had already been exceptional, which makes these results even more significant,” added Cabaço.
Additionally, Madeira received 129 cruise ships in Q1 2026, 24 more than in the first three months of 2025.
According to Cabaço, the 22.86% increase highlights the importance of Madeira and the Port of Funchal for cruise lines.
“Our goal here is clear: to promote the Region’s ports, reinforce commercial ties with our partners, and create new business opportunities for the Portos da Madeira and for Madeiran companies that work directly with this industry,” added Cabaço.
