A stunning Spanish city saw a record number of cruise passengers visiting it last year.

The Port of the Bay of Cadiz hit a milestone in 2024 after a total of 695,171 passengers passed through the port last year, this is a 2% increase from 2023. 

Despite a slight decrease in calls, 333 from 347 in the year before, the port remains a top destination for cruise traffic in Andalusia and the second busiest on the Iberian Peninsula after Barcelona.

The Port of Cadiz’s strategic location between the Mediterranean, Atlantic Ocean, and the nearby Strait of Gibraltar makes it an ideal stop for cruise lines navigating between Europe, North Africa, and the Caribbean. 

Beyond its geographical advantages, Cádiz itself has become a popular destination for cruise lines, with its rich culture, historical landmarks, and vibrant tourism sector. 

The city’s proximity to other Andalusian tourist hotspots further boosts its appeal to international cruise travellers.

The Cruise Terminal at the Alfonso XIII pier, recently expanded to 1,300 square meters, continues to offer top-notch services for arriving passengers. It features check-in desks, luggage storage, tourist information, free Wi-Fi, and various shops. 

Located just a short walk from Cadiz’s historic centre, visitors have easy access to the city’s attractions, making it a favourite among cruise passengers. 

The terminal is also equipped with extensive facilities for buses, taxis, and other transportation, ensuring a smooth experience for tourists.

The record growth reflects a rising trend in the cruise industry, with the Port Authority of the Bay of Cadiz noting an increase in the average size of ships visiting the port. 

The average gross tonnage of the arriving vessels grew by 2% times 82,243, and the average number of occupancy of cruise ships also rose from 1,958 passengers per ship in 2023 to 2,087 in 2024, EuropaSur reports.

There was also an increase in calls from premium and deluxe cruise ships, which now represent 51% of total arrivals.

These ships have fewer passengers but higher spending power.

These passengers contribute significantly to the local economy. 

According to the latest figures from Junta de Andalucía, the average expenditure per cruise passenger per day at the port is €40.60 (£34.25), and can rise to €200 (£168) for home-porting vessels.

The cumulative impact of cruise tourism in 2024 would have brought in €28 million (£23.6 million) in passenger spending alone, excluding passage fees.

But its popularity is not declining, as the Port of Cadiz is poised for another record-breaking year in 2025, with 351 cruise calls already scheduled.