4 more cruise ships in the first 8 months
The Diario reports that leaving the low season of summer behind, Funchal Port still managed to close the first eight months of the year with a slight increase in cruise ship calls, but above all excellent figures for passengers from January to August.
According to the accounts of the Madeira Port Administration (APRAM), in this eight-month period, Madeira’s main port infrastructure received a total of 153 cruise ships, four more than in the same period last year (149), a 2.68% growth.
For now, July is the only month that had fewer stops (-50%) than the same month of 2018, with four months standing out (January, April, June and August) with the same number of ships as a year ago. and the other three months with year-on-year increases (February, March and, above all, May, with + 38% making the biggest difference).
As for passenger numbers, the increase is even more interesting, as according to APRAM, bringing together tourists in transit, the boarded and disembarked gives a total of 328,030 people until August, resulting in an increase of 14.53%. A year ago 286,402 had passed through the port, giving this year another 41,628 passengers. This is striking because, with the difference of just four more ships, it reveals that ships are either carrying more passengers, but more likely the latest ships having a higher capacity.
In addition, passengers in transit accounted for almost 99.5% of the tourists who passed through this port between January and August, with just 964 embarking here for a cruise and landing 723 at the end of a cruise. Accompanying all these people were 119,212 crew members, about twelve thousand more than in the same period last year.
There seems to be fewer ships each year but, they are now bigger ships. So more pax fewer ships. I still wonder how much of an impact they have on the local economy. So many of the pax pile on to buses, tour the island and return to their ships having spent little along the way. Just a few brave souls who make their own way into town to have a look around and spend a few euros.
Some may say I am cynical but I have taken many cruises in the past and have seen what happens.
As most port dues are based on size of vessel ( gross tonnage), although fewer in number, larger ships will probably bring in even greater revenue.
Looking ahead, the Ports of Tenerife are forecasting 447,000 passengers from 245 ship visits in the next 4 months with November scheduled to be the busiest month with 30,000 more passengers compared to 2018.
This must bode well for Madeira as generally Funchal is on the same winter cruise ‘circuit’ as the Canaries and whilst being ‘all inclusive’ the visitors may not “splash the cash” around town the cruise market still must generate considerable revenue and employment for the island in port dues, supply and support services, and coach / taxi tour operators.
I have been to Madeira many times (April being the last) and don’t think this photo is of the port there. I cannot believe the Britannia is able to berth outside CR7 Hotel, even though that area has been dredged. It must be bad enough waking up to some of the Aida vessels let alone that one!
BrianW – I am inclined to agree with you. I picked up the image from an image bank I have, as it fitted with the subject of the post. However, upon closer inspection, I think it is a photo taken in Ponta Delgada on San Miguel in the Azores. Visually very similar, but well spotted! I have changed it for a more accurate one.
Ah, thanks.
Just couldn’t seem to make the image fit, even allowing for possible distortion