Madeira secured Europe’s Best Cruise Destination for 2025 at the World Cruise Awards, marking a fourth consecutive regional win and continuing a streak of international recognition.

The awards ceremony took place at the 5th World Cruise Awards Gala in Bahrain, affirming Madeira’s ongoing prominence in the cruise industry.

Secretary of Economy José Manuel Rodrigues credits the award to all Madeirans, praising local hospitality and the island’s tourism excellence.

APRAm president Paula Cabaço expresses pride in the international acknowledgment and commends the APRAM team, partners, and operators for delivering memorable cruise experiences.

Officials say the prize reinforces Madeira’s commitment to high standards of excellence and highlights Madeirans as the region’s greatest asset.

By October 2025, Madeira’s ports—Funchal and Porto Santo—recorded 213 port calls, hosting 478,374 passengers and 177,854 crew members across 213 calls, compared with the prior year’s figures.

World Cruise Awards, founded in 2021 as the “sibling” to the World Travel Awards, has Madeira previously winning eleven times as Europe’s Best Island Destination.

In 2024, Madeira’s cruise sector achieved its best year on record, with an estimated economic impact of €61.4 million, plus 316 port calls, 728,604 passengers, and 271,974 crew members.