The new cruise terminal in Setúbal, Portugal, is expected to welcome its first guests in 2027, according to the local port authority.

According to Administração dos Portos de Setúbal e Sesimbra SA (APSS), construction for the new facility is nearing completion and will soon enter the certification phase.

The port authority highlighted the impact of the terminal on the city, which is located on the banks of the River Sado.

“More than new port infrastructure, this project will strengthen Setúbal’s connection to international maritime networks, boost the local economy, and create opportunities for the region.”

APSS said it is prepared for both transit and turnaround calls and offers a dedicated cruise berth, noting that the infrastructure was designed for luxury vessels, mega yachts and expedition ships.

The port is located approximately 30 minutes away from Lisbon International Airport, the port authority noted.

According to Sapo, Setúbal hosted its first cruise ship in 2024. At the time, the port announced plans to welcome up to 40 calls per year.

A spokesperson from APSS told the website the plan was to offer Setúbal as a complementary destination for vessels visiting Portugal and not to compete with other ports in the country.

The destination is set to welcome smaller cruise ships between 2027 and 2028, with vessels from Ponant, Noble Caledonia and SeaDream scheduled for transit calls.

The latter will bring all of its ships to the port, with the SeaDream II and the SeaDream I scheduled for calls in 2027 and the new SeaDream III set for a maiden visit in 2030.

Setúbal is also home to the Lisnave Shipyard, which welcomes cruise ships for maintenance and upgrade projects.

One of the ships that visited the facility recently is the Vasco da Gama, which underwent a five-week modernization program in Setúbal.

As reported by Cruise Industry News at the time, the 1994-built ship underwent a significant upgrade project that aimed at increasing efficiency and sustainability while improving guest comfort.