One, two, three, four. For the fourth consecutive year, Madeira has been nominated for the prestigious World Cruise Awards. The Region stands out once again with nominations in two categories: World’s Best Cruise Terminal for Sustainability 2025 and Europe’s Best Cruise Destination 2025.
Voting is open to the public and takes place online on the World Cruise Awards website (https://worldcruiseawards.com/nominees/2025) from May 7 to November 16. Competing for Europe’s Best Cruise Destination alongside Madeira are Barcelona (Spain), Southampton (England), Rome (Italy), Oslo (Norway), Lisbon (Portugal), Monte Carlo (Monaco), Athens (Greece), Dubrovnik (Croatia), Kotor (Montenegro) and Nice (France).
In the category of World’s Best Cruise Terminal for Sustainability, the Port of Funchal faces strong competition from the ports of Steinwerder (Germany), Flam (Norway), Kai Tak (Hong Kong), Montreal (Canada), Copenhagen (Denmark), Kiel (Germany), Valletta (Malta) and Victoria (Canada).
“These nominations are a source of great pride and satisfaction and prove that the path we have followed — based on sustainability, quality and the enhancement of Madeira as a destination — is being recognised internationally,” stated José Manuel Rodrigues, Regional Secretary for Economy and the government official responsible for the Ports of Madeira. “It is a collective success that belongs to all Madeirans and reinforces our confidence in the future of tourism.”
Paula Cabaço, Chairwoman of the Administration of the Ports of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (APRAM, SA), highlighted the “dedication” of the company’s employees and all professionals in the sector who contribute daily to making the Ports of Madeira a benchmark in Europe. “These nominations also reflect our firm commitment to environmental sustainability and to continuously improving the experience we offer our visitors,” she underlined, adding that beyond institutional recognition, “this is an award for Madeira and for its people — whose hospitality and professionalism make all the difference and turn every cruise call into a memorable experience.”
The winners will be announced on December 6, during the 5th Annual World Cruise Awards Gala, to be held this year in Bahrain.
