Lisbon cruise port records busiest June ever

The Port of Lisbon enjoyed its busiest June on record this year, welcoming more cruise passengers and ships than ever before as the Portuguese capital continued to strengthen its position as one of Europe’s leading cruise destinations.

Throughout the month, 81,735 cruise passengers passed through Lisbon’s cruise terminal, a 53% increase compared with June 2025 and well above the previous June record of 60,922 passengers, set in 2024.

The number of cruise ship calls also reached a new high, rising 32% year-on-year to 37, while 21 transit stops set another June record.

More cruises starting and ending in Lisbon

One of the biggest drivers behind the record month was the sharp increase in turnaround operations – cruises that either begin or end in Lisbon rather than simply stopping for a few hours.

Unlike transit passengers, who typically spend only a short time in the city, turnaround passengers often stay in hotels, eat in local restaurants, use taxis and public transport and spend more time shopping before or after their cruise, according to a statement from the Port of Lisbon.

The number of turnaround passengers more than doubled to 26,850, an increase of 125% compared with June last year, while passengers embarking in Lisbon rose 118% and those disembarking increased by 134%.

Strong first half of the year

The record June also capped a positive first six months of 2026.

Between January and June, Lisbon welcomed:

302,496 cruise passengers (+5%)

165 cruise ship calls (+5%)

85,449 turnaround passengers (+7%)

217,047 transit passengers (+4%)

According to the Port of Lisbon, the figures demonstrate balanced growth across the sector while reinforcing the cruise terminal’s international competitiveness.

New ships and a longer season

The port also welcomed eight ships on their maiden calls during the first half of the year, including the luxury Orient Express Corinthian, which chose Lisbon as the first port of its inaugural voyage after leaving the shipyard.

Port officials said the results also suggest that cruise tourism is becoming less seasonal, with summer increasingly attracting cruise operators and helping spread visitor numbers more evenly throughout the year.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.