Port of Lisbon records best June ever in passengers and calls at the Cruise Terminalace with news title)

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.