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Alicante’s cruise industry is steering towards an exciting new high, with the Port Authority now forecasting 114 cruise ship calls and roughly 300,000 passengers arriving in 2026. This fresh forecast surpasses earlier predictions and promises to outshine the record-breaking year expected by the end of 2025, which itself will have welcomed around 250,000 visitors. The Alicante Costa Blanca Tourism and Cruises Association estimates this surge will bring an economic boost exceeding 70 million euros.

 

The growth stems from a collaborative effort between the Port, the City Council, Global Ports Holding, the Alicante Costa Blanca Tourism Board, and the local cruise association, all determined to attract more shipping lines. This week, they are showcasing Alicante’s appeal at the major Seatrade Europe trade fair in Hamburg, presenting a brand-new collection of 39 cruise routes and excursions. These include 20 routes focused on Alicante and 19 highlighting other beautiful towns along the Costa Blanca.

 

Excitingly, two cruise companies, Italy’s Costa Cruises and the UK’s Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, have scheduled trial home port calls in Alicante next year. If successful, Alicante could become their official home port as early as 2027, encouraging passengers to extend stays in the city’s hotels. Alongside MSC Cruises, which made Alicante its home port in 2023, this development signals Alicante’s rising status as a cruise hotspot.

 

Supporting this momentum, the Port is investing over one million euros in infrastructure upgrades, including new docks at Pier 14 to improve the handling of larger vessels. Luis Rodríguez, president of the Port Authority, commented, “We are achieving historic visitor numbers... investment in infrastructure is key to consolidating Alicante’s growth as a leading cruise destination.”

 

With growing passenger numbers and expanding offerings, Alicante is preparing to welcome more visitors than ever, bringing significant benefits not only to the port but to the city and region as a whole. The future looks bright as Alicante sails full speed ahead in the Mediterranean cruise arena.

 

 

 

 

Image: Sonja Czeschka/Pixabay