Alicante is quickly becoming a favourite stop for cruise ships and, more importantly, a place to begin a holiday at sea.
The port is welcoming more visitors each year, with thousands of passengers stepping ashore for a few hours of sightseeing and shopping.
If the figures are correct, 2025 will end as a record breaker, with 104 cruise ships and around 250,000 passengers arriving. This creates an economic impact of more than €64 million. The following year looks even brighter, with 114 expected arrivals and close to 300,000 passengers.
The average cruise passenger who comes ashore spends €80.18 during a port visit. However, those who begin their cruise here are much more valuable to the local economy. They often stay at least one night in a hotel and enjoy a few extra meals and drinks before boarding. Their average spending rises to €319.36. Alicante already hosts a cruise ship base, and in 2024 there were 20 cruises starting from the city. A new route will begin in April 2026.
Costa Pacifica arrives in Alicante
Costa Cruises is increasing its presence with the arrival of the Costa Pacifica. From April 15, 2026, the ship will alternate its starting and finishing point between Alicante and Valencia. This setup allows travellers to take an eight day Mediterranean trip without the need for flights. The company will also provide free buses between the two cities whenever embarkation or disembarkation takes place in the other port.
Mayor Luis Barcala welcomed the announcement, calling it “magnificent news.” He noted that having such a major company choose Alicante as a home port shows the strong position of tourism in the city, which he credits to the cooperation between public institutions and private businesses.
The Costa Pacifica offers a route packed with classic Mediterranean highlights. From Alicante, the ship heads to Rome, with stops in La Spezia, Savona, Marseille, and Palma.
