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Cruise Boom at Funchal Port: Over 6,800 Visitors Arrive on Three Ships

Madeira GuideMadeira Guide
January 28, 2026
3 min read

Funchal Port in Madeira Island welcomes three cruise ships today, bringing a total of 6,820 passengers and 3,452 crew members. This influx is part of the Cruise Atlantic Islands itinerary, showcasing Madeira's appeal as a top tourist destination.

Today, Funchal Port, a significant hub on Madeira Island, is bustling with activity as it hosts three cruise ships simultaneously. This event marks a significant moment for local tourism, with a total of 6,820 passengers and 3,452 crew members arriving to explore the island's rich culture and scenic beauty.

The Mein Schiff 7 was the first to dock early Tuesday morning, carrying 2,853 passengers and 1,042 crew members. This ship, managed by JFM Shipping, sailed from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and will continue its journey to Santa Cruz de La Palma on Thursday at 2 PM. This visit is part of the Cruise Atlantic Islands (CAI) itinerary, which includes stops in Gran Canaria, Funchal, La Palma, Tenerife, and Fuerteventura.

Joining the Mein Schiff 7 is the AIDAluna, which docked on Tuesday with 2,091 passengers and 628 crew members. Operated by Blatas, the AIDAluna is on a 12-day CAI cruise, having already visited Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Agadir in Morocco, Tenerife, Fuerteventura, La Gomera, and La Palma.

The Marella Voyager is the third ship to arrive, anchoring on Wednesday morning with 1,876 passengers and 782 crew members. This vessel, managed by AgĂȘncia Ferraz, arrived from Fuerteventura and is set to depart for Santa Cruz de La Palma on Thursday at noon.

The Cruise Atlantic Islands itinerary highlights the strategic importance of Madeira as a cruise destination, offering passengers a chance to experience the island's unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. This event underscores Madeira's position as a key player in the Atlantic cruise circuit, attracting tourists from around the globe.

For Madeira residents and tourists alike, this influx of visitors is a welcome boost to the local economy, particularly in the tourism sector, which is a vital part of the island's livelihood. The presence of these cruise ships not only showcases Funchal's capacity to handle such large-scale operations but also emphasizes the island's appeal as a premier tourist destination.

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Madeira Guide

Madeira Guide

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