The Porto Cruise Terminal (Port of Leixões) has reaffirmed its position as a leading cruise tourism hub and a major economic driver for Porto & North of Portugal Region after successfully handling five consecutive turnaround operations for the TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 4, between June 19 and July 17.
It was a challenge and a significant logistical effort as it was the largest turnaround operations ever took place at the Port of Leixões, accomplished with high efficiency and competence by all teams involved. A total of 23,351 passengers, along with approximately 4,500 crew members passed by Porto Cruise Terminal during these five turnaround calls: 10,327 embarkations, 10,185 disembarkations and 2,839 transit passengers, almost all of German nationality, which is one of the most important source markets at the port.
The 2015-built TUI Mein Schiff 4 cruise ship is owned by TUI Cruises and built by Meyer Turku Shipyard (Finland) targeting predominantly the German-speaking market with a premium travel vacation product. She is 293 meters long, 35 meters wide and has a gross tonnage of 99,500. It can accommodate around 2,700 passengers and 1,000 crew members.
Over these five weeks having Porto Cruise Terminal as her “Home Port”, Mein Schiff 4 followed Atlantic Coast itineraries calling Bilbao, Le Verdon-sur-Mer, La Coruña, Vigo, Gibraltar, Tangier, Cádiz and Lisbon.
These operations clearly reinforce the position of Porto Cruise Terminal as a leading port for cruise activity and turnaround operations, acting as an important driver and bringing significant economic benefits to Porto & Northern Portugal Region, attracting visitors, generating revenue and reinforcing its reputation as a premium destination.
Most of the over 20,000 turnaround passengers for these Mein Schiff 4 calls arrived via weekly charter flights from various German cities, specifically to explore the best of Porto and Northern Portugal, uncover authentic experiences, breath-taking landscapes, cultural heritage and the finest gastronomy and directly contributing to the regional economy.
Looking ahead, 2026 is set to bring even more turnaround calls and passengers. The Mein Schiff 6, also operated by TUI Cruises, is scheduled to carry out 11 turnaround operations at Porto Cruise Terminal between July and September, involving close to 50,000 embarking and disembarking passengers.
