Passenger numbers for November reach all time high in FunchalPassenger numbers for November reach all time high in Funchal

Last month saw 145,232 cruise passengers visit Funchal, surpassing its previous record set in December 2023 when the destination recorded 108,221 passengers. 

Madeira received 63 cruise calls in November, one of these at the island of Porto Santo island located less than 50 nmi northeast. 

Last seen during the Arab Spring

This level of activity was last encountered in November 2012 when the Arab Spring – a series of anti-government protests that originated in North Africa – led to increased demand for the Port of Funchal. Even then, the number of passengers was significantly lower than last month’s figure, totaling 90,327. 

Crew 

In addition to passenger movement, the region also saw substantial activity from crew members.

According to a study by the ACIF, a local business association, the economic impact of crew is often comparable to or even greater than that of passengers. 

Last month, 58,685 crew members passed through the ports of Funchal and Porto Santo, exceeding the 41,685 recorded in November 2022, which until now was the highest figure. 

Summary

Comparing November 2023 to the same month this year, there has been an increase across the board: a 50% rise in cruise ship calls and a 57.68% increase in passenger movement.

Last year, Madeira recorded a total of 279 cruise ship calls overall and achieved its best-ever passenger figures, which went beyond 624,000. According to the Administration of Ports of the Autonomous Region of Madeira, this represented 51% growth compared to the previous year. 

Related:Increase in number of cruise lines restocking ships in Funchal

With 590,969 passengers (and 221,391 crew members) having already visited Madeira by November 2024, it is anticipated that this year will see a new record set for passenger movement.