Madeira Ports Administration (APRAM) reported that the overnight stays in Funchal Port doubled in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.
More specifically, the port saw 41 overnight calls totaling 43 nights between January and March 2026.
This was up from 27 calls and 39 nights in the first quarter of 2025 (51.8 percent increase) and 19 calls and 25 nights in 2024 (115.5 percent increase), according to a statement.
“This remarkable increase in overnight stays at Funchal Port confirms the confidence cruise companies place in Madeira and reinforces the destination’s attractiveness,” said Paula Cabaço, CEO of Madeira Ports.
The number of passengers has been increasing steadily since 2022, the first year of post-pandemic recovery.
In the first quarter of 2026, the number of overnight cruise passengers reached 84,091.
This represents an increase of 40.97 percent compared to 59,649 in 2025 and 107 percent compared to 40,607 in 2024.
Cabaço noted that the results show that ongoing investment in operational efficiency, safety and the modernization of port infrastructure is paying off, making Funchal a leading cruise port in the Atlantic.
Crew overnights also grew to 32,868 in 2026, compared with 21,856 in 2025 and 13,935 in 2024.
“Each overnight call means more visitors spending more time in the city, which translates into greater economic activity for local businesses, restaurants, transport operators and tourist services,” added Cabaço.
