Published January 3, 2026 | Category: Infrastructure

TL;DR: The Port of Almeria is preparing for its 2026 cruise season with 29 scheduled ship calls and an estimated capacity of around 15,300 passengers. While the number of vessels is slightly higher than last year, overall passenger numbers are expected to be lower, pointing to a continued shift towards smaller cruise ships and more evenly distributed arrivals.

Almeria port prepares for 2026 cruise season with more calls but fewer passengers

The Port of Almeria will begin operations for the Almeria cruise season in April, with 29 scheduled ship calls and an overall passenger capacity of close to 15,300 visitors, according to provisional figures released by the Port Authority of Almería (APA).

Compared to the previous season, the data points to an increase in the number of ship calls but a reduction in total passengers. In 2025, Almeria received 28 cruise ships carrying more than 18,000 passengers. The new figures suggest a growing presence of smaller and mid-sized vessels rather than large-capacity cruise ships.

Season starts in April with peak activity in spring

The 2026 season is set to open on April 6 with the arrival of the Seven Seas Voyager, a vessel with capacity for nearly 700 passengers. April is expected to be the busiest month of the season, with up to seven cruise ship arrivals, including several days with multiple calls.

These early-season arrivals are forecast to account for roughly 18% of total passengers, with around 2,700 visitors expected during April alone. The concentration of calls in spring reflects the port’s positioning within wider Mediterranean cruise itineraries.

Smaller ships dominate the 2026 schedule

The boutique sailing ship Wind Surf will make the highest number of visits to Almeria, with four scheduled calls on April 23, June 17 and 27, and November 2. On June 27, its arrival will coincide with that of the Renaissance, resulting in a combined disembarkation of approximately 1,600 passengers.

The largest vessel expected during the season will be the Marella Explorer, operated by Marella Cruises. With a capacity of around 2,000 passengers and a length of 248 metres, it is scheduled to dock on November 4.

September will be the quietest month, with only one planned arrival: the Vidanta World’s Elegant, carrying fewer than 300 passengers, scheduled for September 24.

Season extends into December

Cruise activity in Almeria will continue into late December. On December 26, the Ambience is expected to arrive at the Ribera dock with approximately 1,400 passengers, coinciding with the Day of the Banner. Earlier in the month, on December 11, the Sirena, with capacity for 684 passengers, is also scheduled to call at the port.

Overall, the 2026 schedule confirms the structure of the Almeria cruise season, with a gradual shift towards lower-capacity ships and more evenly spaced arrivals, reducing peak-day pressure on port operations while maintaining a steady level of maritime activity throughout the year.

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