The season achieved 63 port calls and 136,850 passengers; for 2025, an increase in the number of port calls is expected, reaching 71.
The 2024 cruise season at Tarragona Cruise Port concluded with a highly positive outcome, achieving a historic record of 136,850 passengers and 63 port calls, surpassing the 2019 figures—the highest until now—and solidifying its position as a key Mediterranean destination.
The season featured two major events: the inauguration of the new cruise terminal located at the Balears wharf and the 64th edition of the MedCruise General Assembly.
Projections for 2025 are similar to the current figures, with expectations of attracting more premium and luxury cruises, which will increase the number of port calls to 71 but not the total number of cruise passengers.
With a 19% growth compared to the previous season, Tarragona Cruise Port has concluded a historic season that consolidates the sustainable growth trend of recent years. The total of 136,850 passengers disembarking in the city represents an increase of 21,641 cruise passengers compared to 2023.
The number of port calls also increased, with 63 calls made by various international cruise lines, compared to 57 in 2023. This success is partly due to the consolidation of Tarragona as a home port for MSC Cruises, which operated 28 calls on Fridays between April and October, offering itineraries that attracted thousands of passengers.
According to the president of the Port Authority of Tarragona, Santiago J. Castellà, "This success is the result of the strategy of the various administrations and companies involved to attract prestigious cruise lines, improve infrastructure, and strengthen collaboration with local tourism agents."
Cruise passenger feedback
An analysis of the cruise passengers' profiles reveals the significance of the Spanish market, with 40,289 passengers, followed by Italy with 30,790, France with 15,026, the United States with 8,835, Germany with 4,194, and the United Kingdom with 6,243. This diversity of source markets demonstrates Tarragona's appeal as an international tourist destination, capable of offering an attractive experience to visitors from various origins.
Regarding their activities, 87% of cruise passengers choose to explore the area independently, 6% participate in organized excursions throughout the province of Tarragona, 4% take guided tours of the city, and another 3% decide to visit Barcelona. Among the most requested excursions are visits to the city of Tarragona (61%), PortAventura (21%), Poblet and its surroundings (10%), with the remainder divided among visits to beaches, wineries, and Reus.
Cruise passengers rate their visit at 8.8, a score consistent with recent years. Notably, 64% would recommend Tarragona to others as a cruise destination. The most improved ratings are related to Tarragona Cruise Port: the new cruise terminal received a 9.1, the proximity between the port and the city a 7.6, and the frequency of shuttle buses an 8.7, all showing increases compared to 2023.
The average total expenditure per cruise passenger has risen significantly from €17.6 to €22.6. Spending habits have also shifted compared to previous seasons; in 2024, cruise passengers primarily spent on shopping, transportation, and hospitality services.
A year of significant developments
The Port of Tarragona experienced an eventful 2024, not only due to record-breaking figures but also because of numerous events and innovations. In June, the highlight of the season was the organization of the 64th edition of the MedCruise General Assembly, followed shortly by the inauguration of the new cruise terminal at the Balears wharf.
Although the MedCruise Assembly was initially scheduled for 2022, organizers aligned both events in June to share these milestones of Tarragona's cruise project with the entire sector.
Commitment to sustainability
Tarragona Cruise Port has also advanced its commitment to sustainability by implementing measures to reduce the environmental impact of cruise activities. Notably, the new cruise terminal by Global Ports Holding incorporated environmentally friendly technologies and practices during its construction and future operations, achieving a 50% reduction in waste generation and a 60% decrease in CO₂ emissions during the construction phase.
Additionally, the Port of Tarragona is working towards electrifying its docks, with plans for the Balears wharf to be equipped to provide shore power connections to docked cruise ships and vessels by 2026.
Future outlook
The season's results position Tarragona as a reference point in Mediterranean cruise tourism. Tarragona Cruise Port Costa Daurada and the Port Authority are jointly developing new projects for 2025, aiming to attract new routes with premium and luxury cruise lines. This market segment brings more cruises and port calls but a lower volume of passengers with higher purchasing power. Since 2019, this market segment has quintupled at the Port of Tarragona.
For the 2025 season, 35 different cruise ships are expected, 19 of which will be docking at the Port of Tarragona for the first time. In total, 26 cruise lines are anticipated to make calls at Tarragona's docks.
Local administrations and companies in the sector have also worked towards reducing the seasonality of the cruise industry. It is anticipated that the next season will start earlier, with the first cruise arrivals in the first quarter of the year, extending until the final third of 2025, similar to this season.
The 2024 cruise season marks a turning point in the trajectory of Tarragona Cruise Port, which continues to commit to sustainable growth and strengthening its contribution to the economic and tourist development of the region.
