Madeira has been voted Europe’s Best Cruise Destination 2025, an award presented by the World Cruise Awards. According to the Regional Secretary for Economy, José Manuel Rodrigues, the distinction “belongs to all Madeirans.”
“This recognition is not directed solely at the cruise sector—although it certainly deserves it. It is also a well-deserved tribute to all Madeirans, whose kindness, professionalism and genuine hospitality make Madeira a destination of excellence,” stated José Manuel Rodrigues, who oversees the Administration of the Ports of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (APRAM, SA).
The award was presented during the 5th Annual World Cruise Awards Gala, held this year in Bahrain, in the Middle East. It marks the fourth consecutive year that the Region has been honoured. Madeira was previously awarded Europe’s Best Cruise Destination in 2022 and 2023, and in 2024 the Ports of Madeira won the title of World’s Best Cruise Terminal for Sustainability.
For Paula Cabaço, President of APRAM, the award represents both pride and responsibility. “We feel an enormous sense of pride in seeing the work of our entire team—APRAM staff, partners and all tourism stakeholders—recognised internationally. Every day they give their best to ensure that each cruise visitor enjoys an unforgettable experience,” she said.
“This award reinforces our responsibility to continue raising the bar of excellence, ensuring that Madeira maintains its status as a leading cruise tourism destination,” added the head of the Ports of Madeira. She emphasised that the distinction is also a “well-deserved tribute” to all Madeirans, who excel in welcoming visitors. “Madeirans are our greatest asset,” she stressed.
In 2024, Madeira recorded its best cruise season ever, generating €61.4 million for the regional economy. The ports registered 316 cruise calls, with 728,604 passengers and 271,974 crew members.
All indicators point to further growth this year. By the end of October, the ports of Funchal and Porto Santo had welcomed 478,374 passengers and 177,854 crew members, across 213 cruise calls. Over the same period in 2024, Madeira had registered 192 calls, bringing 445,515 passengers and 162,535 crew members.
The World Cruise Awards were first established in 2021, and last year the Annual Gala was held in Funchal. The awards are considered the “sister” distinction of the World Travel Awards, created in 1993 and often described as the “Oscars of Tourism,” in which Madeira has already won the title of Europe’s Leading Island Destination eleven times.
