Port of Lisbon Records Its Best August Ever for Cruise Traffic

09/09/2026 | by Ana Lourenço

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.

Port of Lisbon Records Its Best August Ever for Cruise Traffic © @Rui Minas

LISBON | Portugal

Ana Lourenço
Porto de Lisboa
Cruise and Nautical Department
+351 21 392 2025

Share on Facebook :Share on LinkedIn Share via Email

This could be of interest to you

13/10/2026

Lisbon Elected Europe’s Best Cruise Destination for the Third Time

Portuguese capital once again wins at the World Cruise Awards, following previous victories in 2021 and 2024 The city of Lisbon has been named Europe’s Best Cruise Destination at the 6th edition of the World Cruise Awards, held on 12 October in Jamaica. This marks the third time the Portuguese capital has received the distinction, following its victories in 2021 and 2024, further strengthening its position among Europe’s leading cruise destinations. Lisbon stood out among some of the continent’s most renowned cruise destinations, surpassing cities and regions such as Athens, Barcelona, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Funchal, Monte Carlo, Nice, Rome, Oslo, and Southampton. According to the Port of Lisbon Authority the award recognises the efforts of the entire cruise tourism ecosystem in the city: “This award is the result of the dedication and commitment of everyone working within Lisbon’s cruise ecosystem, who strive every day to provide unique and memorable experiences for our visitors, as well as the hospitality of Lisbon’s residents. Lisbon is increasingly establishing itself as a destination of excellence, competitive, innovative and sustainable.” Created in 2021, the World Cruise Awards celebrate excellence and innovation in the global cruise industry. Since their inception, Portugal has maintained a prominent presence in the category of Europe’s Best Cruise Destination, with Lisbon and Madeira repeatedly earning this prestigious recognition. This latest accolade further reinforces Lisbon’s position as a gateway for thousands of international visitors, supported by its privileged location, modern port infrastructure, and diverse tourism offering. The distinction comes in a year when the Lisbon Cruise Terminal has also been nominated, for the sixth consecutive year, as Europe’s Best Cruise Terminal, further highlighting the international recognition of the quality and excellence associated with cruise tourism in the Portuguese capital.

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.