Port of Lisbon | “Cruise for the Community” Program _ Cruise Ship Ventura Donates Goods to Solidarity Institution ENTRAJUDA

09/09/2026

Port of Lisbon Records Its Best August Ever for Cruise Traffic

Turnaround Traffic More Than Doubles Compared to August 2025 The Port of Lisbon achieved its best-ever August for cruise activity in August 2026, setting new all-time records for total passenger numbers, transit passengers, turnaround passengers, transit calls, and turnaround calls. During the month, the Port of Lisbon welcomed 86,322 cruise passengers, an increase of 23% compared with August 2025 and above the previous August record of 73,949 passengers, set in 2024. The number of port calls also reached a new all-time high, with 33 calls, representing a 32% increase year-on-year and surpassing the previous record of 29 calls, set in August 2008. The turnaround passenger segment recorded particularly strong growth, with 24,633 embarkation and disembarkation movements, up 117% compared with August 2025. This result exceeds the previous record of 21,292 passengers, achieved in August 2023. The increase in turnaround operations resulted from significant growth in both embarkations and disembarkations. The number of embarking passengers rose from 5,701 to 12,090 (+112%), while disembarking passengers increased from 5,663 to 12,543 (+121%). Transit passenger traffic also reached a new August record, with 61,689 passengers, surpassing the previous record of 60,132, set in 2024. More Turnaround Calls and Reduced Seasonality August also established a new record for the number of turnaround calls, with nine turnaround calls, exceeding the previous high of eight, recorded in 2009. As a result of this performance, turnaround traffic accounted for 28.5% of total monthly passenger movements, compared with 16.2% in August 2025. The strong performance achieved during August also highlights a gradual reduction in the seasonality of Lisbon’s cruise activity, with the summer months attracting increasing demand from major international cruise lines. During August, the Port of Lisbon also welcomed two vessels on their maiden calls: Explora III, which included Lisbon on the itinerary of its inaugural voyage, and Mein Schiff Flow. Year-to-Date Results Continue Growth Trend In the first eight months of 2026, the Port of Lisbon recorded 220 cruise calls, a 6% increase compared with the same period in 2025, and welcomed 448,037 passengers, representing a 2% growth. The turnaround segment continued to stand out, with 127,194 passengers between January and August, up 13% year-on-year. This segment accounted for 28.4% of total passenger traffic, an increase of 2.8 percentage points compared with the same period in 2025. The results achieved confirm the positive development of cruise activity at the Port of Lisbon, further strengthening Lisbon’s competitiveness and international appeal as a cruise destination.

04/08/2026

Port of Lisbon, MSC Cruises and CLIA strengthen youth engagement with maritime careers through “All Aboard!” programme

The Port of Lisbon, in partnership with MSC Cruises and CLIA, hosted a new session of the “All Aboard!” educational initiative, reinforcing its commitment to promoting maritime culture and showcasing career opportunities within the cruise industry to younger generations. The activity is part of the “Cruises for the Community” program, a pioneering initiative by the Port of Lisbon Authority, created to bring cruise companies closer to the local community and strengthen their engagement with the region. Held on 7 July, the session brought together 11 participants aged 11 to 15 from the Beato Parish Council’s summer programme. Through interactive activities and role‑playing exercises, the group explored key onboard functions — from navigation and engineering to medical services, environmental management, guest relations and entertainment — gaining insight into the skills required in each area. The programme also featured the participation of five MSC Opera crew members, who shared first‑hand perspectives on professional life at sea, highlighting the importance of technical training, language proficiency, cultural diversity and the potential of an international maritime career. The initiative concluded on 27 July with an onboard visit to MSC Opera, offering participants a real‑world immersion into cruise ship operations. The guided tour provided direct contact with essential departments and crew, consolidating the knowledge acquired throughout the programme. With this joint action, the Port of Lisbon and MSC Cruises reaffirm their dedication to education, community engagement and the development of future maritime professionals.

14/07/2026

Port of Lisbon records best June ever in passengers and calls at the Cruise Terminal

The Port of Lisbon recorded this year its best June ever in cruise activity, reaching new historic highs in both passenger numbers and ship calls, confirming a sustained growth trend that reinforces Lisbon’s position among the leading European destinations in this tourism segment. Throughout the month, 81,735 cruise passengers passed through the Port of Lisbon, 53% more than in June 2025 and far surpassing the previous June record of 2024, which stood at 60,922 passengers. The total number of calls rose to 37, the highest figure ever recorded for this month and 32% more than in the same period last year. Transit calls also reached a new peak, with 21 calls, above the 19 recorded in 2023. The results were driven by the strong growth of turnaround operations (embarking and disembarking passengers who start or end their cruise in Lisbon), precisely the segment that generates the greatest economic impact for the city and the region. June’s performance also strengthened the results of the first half of 2026, during which the Port of Lisbon registered 302,496 passengers and 165 calls, corresponding to increases of 5% in both indicators compared with the same period of the previous year. Turnaround passengers grew by 7%, while transit passengers increased by 4%, confirming the positive evolution of the activity. Records across nearly all indicators June 2026 set new historic highs for this month in virtually all key activity indicators. In addition to the absolute passenger record, the Port of Lisbon received 54,885 transit passengers, 32% more than in June 2025, while the turnaround segment reached 26,850 passengers, representing growth of 125% and becoming the best June ever for this segment, surpassing the previous June record of 2024 (23,090). This result stemmed from a very significant increase in embarkation and disembarkation operations. Embarked passengers rose from 6,166 to 13,425, an increase of 118%, while disembarked passengers increased from 5,747 to 13,425, corresponding to growth of 134%. These indicators show that Lisbon continues to strengthen its role as a port of origin and destination for cruise travel, a type of operation particularly valued by cruise lines and the local economy. First semester confirms the trend June’s results are not an isolated episode. In the first six months of the year, the Port of Lisbon recorded: • 165 calls (+5%) • 302,496 passengers (+5%) • 217,047 transit passengers (+4%) • 85,449 turnaround passengers (+7%) Together, these indicators demonstrate balanced growth in both volume and quality, reinforcing the Port of Lisbon’s international competitiveness. Much more than numbers Unlike transit passengers, those who start or end their cruise in Lisbon typically stay longer in the city, use hotels, rely on local transport, visit restaurants and make purchases before or after their trip. This is precisely why the growth of the turnaround segment is today one of the most strategically relevant indicators for assessing the economic contribution of cruise activity. This evolution also confirms the increasing confidence of major international cruise companies in the Port of Lisbon’s operational capacity and in the quality of the destination. Lisbon continues to attract new ships Another sign of growing international recognition was the arrival of eight ships on their maiden call during the first semester. Among them, the Orient Express Corinthian stands out, choosing Lisbon as the first port of its inaugural voyage immediately after leaving the shipyard. For the cruise industry, selecting a port to host an inaugural voyage represents recognition of its operational capability, service quality and international prestige, demonstrated by its ability to welcome next generation vessels. Reduced seasonality The results achieved in June also show an evolution in the distribution of activity throughout the year. Traditionally a less intense period for cruise tourism in Lisbon, the summer months have been registering a consistent increase in demand, helping reduce seasonality and enabling a more balanced use of port infrastructure.