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The cruise scene in Andalucía is heating up this summer, with Málaga and Cádiz out in front, accounting for more than 70% of all cruise ship arrivals in the region. Both ports are on track to see even higher passenger numbers than last August, reinforcing their reputation as must-stop destinations for international liners.

 

In Málaga, the forecast for August looks bright. The port is set for 19 cruise calls and more than 44,000 passengers, marking a 7.5% bump on the same month last year. That’s three more ships and a jump from the 40,926 holidaymakers welcomed in 2024.

 

The upward trend confirms Málaga’s position as a top choice on Mediterranean routes, having already recorded 206,252 passengers and 151 stopovers through June this year, accounting for almost half of all visitors to Andalucían ports, with July and August figures still to be added.

 

Cádiz is keeping pace, with over 20 dockings planned for August. Nine have already happened in the first two weeks. While precise passenger numbers are yet to be released, last August’s record of 70,899 people spread across 28 port calls sets the bar for this month. Through June, Cádiz had already welcomed 210,000 cruise-goers and 141 ship visits, hinting at another bumper year for the port.

 

Elsewhere, Almería recently saw the arrival of the “Wind Surf” on August 9, with more cruise traffic planned for the month. Already, the port expects to beat last summer’s tally of 300 passengers on a single ship, and the total for 2024 has already reached 7,306 visitors.

 

Motril, in Granada is hosting two cruise stops, including the “Seven Seas Splendor” on August 25. Last August saw 5,051 passengers arrive over five berths, a figure not likely to be matched this year, but still a welcome boost for local tourism.

 

Meanwhile, Seville’s inland port, Muelle de las Delicias, has already played host to the “SH Diana” and is gearing up to welcome the “Sea Dream II” on August 29. The capital handled 947 cruise visitors last August, a slight dip from 2023, but numbers are steadily growing as Seville benefits from the wider cruise boom in the region.

 

Across all ports in Andalucía, this summer sees activity climbing, but Málaga and Cádiz remain firmly in the lead, set to welcome the bulk of sea-going holidaymakers and cement their status as cruising capitals of southern Spain.

 

 

Image: Pixabay