The Port Alicante has opened its 2026 cruise tourism season with the strongest outlook in its history.
This year there are 112 confirmed cruise calls, with more than 325,000 passengers expected. The estimated economic impact for the province is over €84 million.
These figures mark a major step forward for the Puerto de Alicante, strengthening its position as one of the Mediterranean’s leading cruise destinations.
October set to be busiest month
October will be the busiest month, with 20 scheduled calls. These include four double arrivals and one triple call, showing steady growth in demand.
Cruise tourism in Alicante has risen sharply in recent years. In 2017, the port welcomed around 18,000 passengers. By 2025, that number had grown to more than 230,000. In 2026, forecasts point to over 325,000 visitors arriving by sea.
More cruise lines, higher value tourism
Part of this growth comes from a wider range of cruise companies operating in Alicante.
Established operators such as MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises continue to include the city in their routes. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has also maintained a regular presence.
At the same time, more premium and luxury ships are choosing Alicante. The port is increasingly used as a home port, where passengers begin or end their cruise, rather than just a short stop.
The economic impact goes well beyond the city itself.
Cruise passengers are taking organised excursions to towns across the Costa Blanca, including Elche, Novelda, Benidorm, Altea, Torrevieja, Villajoyosa, Orihuela and Alcoy.
Port of Alicante: A longer cruise tourism season
Cruise tourism is also helping reduce seasonality. While October has the highest number of calls, June, September, April and August are also busy months.
The growth follows a coordinated strategy between the Port Authority, tourism businesses, local institutions and cruise companies. The focus has been on improving services, increasing competitiveness and moving towards a more sustainable, higher value tourism model.
With 112 calls and more than 325,000 passengers expected, 2026 is set to be the most ambitious cruise season ever for the Port of Alicante.
