Lisbon Cruise Terminal Named Best in Southern Europe at the World Luxury Travel Awards 2025

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.

06/05/2026

Lisbon is the first port to welcome the world’s largest sailing ship, the Orient Express Corinthian

Lisbon is the first port to welcome the world’s largest sailing ship, the Orient Express Corinthian The Port of Lisbon welcomed, on 6 May 2026, the inaugural call of the Orient Express Corinthian, the largest sailing ship in the world, arriving in the Portuguese capital on its first official voyage, which began in Saint‑Nazaire and will conclude in Marseille. According to the Port of Lisbon Authority, “the choice of Lisbon for the inaugural call of the Orient Express Corinthian demonstrates the international recognition of the quality of our infrastructure and the excellence of our port operations.” The port authority further highlights that “this call reinforces Lisbon’s position as a leading port in the Atlantic and confirms the city’s attractiveness for high‑prestige operations. Corinthian is a remarkable example of technological innovation and environmental responsibility, values that also guide the Port of Lisbon’s strategy”. To mark the occasion, the Port of Lisbon presented the captain with the traditional inaugural call plaque, and the vessel will be escorted by Portugs tugboats, symbolically underscoring the importance of this operation for both the port and the city. SolidSail Technology: Innovation in the Service of Sustainability The Corinthian is equipped with three 100‑metre masts and SolidSail technology, a rigid composite sail system that combines wind propulsion with LNG (liquefied natural gas). This innovative solution provides greater aerodynamic efficiency, tilting masts (AeolDrive system) that facilitate manoeuvring and adaptation to adverse conditions, as well as a significant reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions. With this hybrid propulsion system, the Orient Express Corinthian stands as one of the largest cruise ships in the world operating with wind‑assisted propulsion, setting new standards in maritime sustainability. A Masterpiece of Engineering and Contemporary Luxury Built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint‑Nazaire (France), the vessel was developed by the Accor Group in partnership with LVMH and is the first unit of the new ultra‑luxury Silenseas fleet. It inaugurates a new era in luxury sailing, where elegance, cutting‑edge engineering and sustainability converge. With 220 metres in length, 26,600 GT, 54 exclusive suites, and capacity for around 110 guests, the Orient Express Corinthian has been conceived as a true “floating palace”.

31/03/2026

Carnival UK, MSC Cruises and CLIA Honoured at the 14th Edition of the Cruise Activity Awards of the Port of Lisbon

The 14th edition of the Cruise Activity Awards of the Port of Lisbon, held on 23 March, was marked by the introduction of a new category dedicated to sustainability and community engagement, integrated into the “Cruise Lines for the Community” – Community Interaction Programme. For the first time, cruise companies were recognised for their cooperation in social and environmental responsibility initiatives carried out in the city of Lisbon. Carnival UK receives Excellence in Community Engagement Award Carnival UK was awarded the Excellence in Community Engagement prize, in recognition of the significant contribution made by its ships and crew members in urban conservation and social support initiatives.  Urban and Environmental Conservation Projects Three beach clean-up activities were carried out by crew members from the cruise ships Queen Anne, Britannia and Arcadia, resulting in a total of 60 kg of litter collected and contributing to the preservation of Lisbon’s coastal areas.  Donation of Equipment and Materials Two donation initiatives promoted by the Arcadia and Ventura delivery of 400 kg of equipment and materials to ENTRAJUDA – Association Supporting Social Solidarity Institutions MSC Cruises and CLIA recognised for the All Aboard! project MSC Cruises and CLIA were also recognised for the development of the ALL ABOARD! project, an educational initiative carried out in a Lisbon school involving around 70 5th‑grade students, promoting learning and strengthening the connection between the school community and the cruise sector. Awards that reinforce the connection between the city and the cruise industry The awards aim to encourage cruise operators to deepen their relationship with the local community, promoting sustainable practices and contributing to more responsible tourism. The initiative highlights the importance of strengthening ties between cruise companies and the city of Lisbon, fostering greater integration and supporting the sustainable deve