València Sets New Cruise Milestone with Record Ship Calls and Rising Turnaround Traffic

Published on November 27, 2025

València is reporting its strongest year on record for cruise activity as the city’s port receives more cruise calls than ever before. In the first ten months of the year, the Port of València welcomed 262 cruise ships, surpassing the same period of 2024 by twenty calls and significantly exceeding pre-pandemic levels. This increase contributes to a total of 1.46 million passengers arriving by sea, with roughly half of them traveling on cruise vessels. The figures underline València’s rising importance on Mediterranean itineraries and its growing appeal as both a port of call and a turnaround port.

The record-breaking cruise numbers are notable given that overall cargo throughput at the port has declined by 1.25% compared with the same period last year. While cargo volumes ease, passenger traffic continues to surge, showing how cruise tourism is offsetting weaker freight figures. According to port data, cruise activity now stands at its highest level ever recorded by October, with growth outpacing that of other major Spanish ports over the past decade. These developments position València as an increasingly competitive player among Mediterranean cruise destinations.

Cruise Growth Outpacing Spanish Ports

According to the Port Authority of València, the 262 cruise ships calling between January and October represent an 83-ship increase over 2019, the last full year before the pandemic. Compared with a decade ago, this year’s ship calls are 111 higher than the 151 ships registered then—a 75% increase in ten years. This growth rate is the fastest among Spain’s principal cruise ports based on national data compiled up to September.

In comparison, Tenerife and Las Palmas recorded increases of 58% and 59% over the same decade, while Barcelona experienced a 20% rise, and the Balearic Islands saw a modest 3% increase. While larger hubs like Barcelona, the Canary Islands, and the Balearic Islands still surpass València in total ship calls—each exceeding 410 calls by September València’s figures demonstrate meaningful progress in narrowing the gap and solidifying its position along Western Mediterranean and Atlantic cruise routes.

The city’s cultural attractions, convenient access to the historic centre, and enhanced air and rail connectivity continue to attract cruise lines seeking high-value passenger experiences.

Passenger Trends: Fewer Transit Visitors, More Turnaround Calls

Of the 1.46 million passengers arriving in València by sea this year, cruise passengers account for 726,889, with the remainder traveling via ferries and other passenger services. While cruise passenger volumes dipped slightly by approximately 4,000 compared to the same period in 2024 the port authority notes a shift in the type of cruise activity occurring.

Turnaround calls, where passengers begin or end their cruise in València, are increasing, while transit passenger numbers are declining. This shift has important implications for the tourism economy. Turnaround travelers typically stay longer in the destination, use local hotels, book tours, and travel through local airports and railway stations. Transit visitors, by contrast, spend only a few hours ashore and generate lower per-capita expenditure despite contributing to daytime activity in the city centre.

This trend indicates that València is repositioning itself as a more significant origin-and-destination port, aligning with broader tourism strategies aimed at maximizing economic impact while managing visitor flows more sustainably.

Smaller Ships and Policy Shifts

Despite the rise in total cruise calls, the average number of passengers per ship has decreased—from 3,020 passengers per ship in the first 10 months of 2024 to 2,774 passengers this year. This trend suggests a shift toward smaller and mid-sized vessels, consistent with local policies that aim to reduce the impact of very large cruise ships on the city.

Local authorities have previously announced that from 2026, mega cruise ships—often carrying well over 3,000 passengers will face restrictions on docking in València. Although the term “megacruceros” does not have a fixed definition, the policy is intended to decrease congestion, limit environmental strain, and maintain cruise tourism as a sustainable contributor to the regional economy.

The port’s gradual move toward attracting smaller ships and increasing turnaround traffic reflects a broader strategy that balances tourism growth with environmental and urban considerations.

A New Era for València’s Cruise Tourism

For travelers, these changes may lead to a different cruise experience in the coming years. With fewer very large ships docking simultaneously, visitor distribution throughout the city may become more manageable, enhancing the visitor experience while maintaining quality-of-life standards for residents.

València’s cruise sector remains a bright spot for the regional tourism economy, even as overall maritime trade experiences challenges. The port’s continued success in attracting cruise calls shows a resilient tourism strategy and a growing global interest in València as a destination.

The coming seasons will show how the city manages its sustained growth while implementing policies aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability. As València continues to rise as a major Mediterranean cruise hub, the balance between economic benefits and responsible tourism management will remain central to its port development plans.