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Alicante port kicks off 2026 cruise season with a splash
Carnival Dreams brings 3,600 passengers as 112 ship calls are expected this year
Alicante's port has launched its 2026 cruise season in style this Monday, welcoming the Carnival Dreams for its maiden visit to Pier 14. The 306-meter ship carried 3,646 passengers, marking the first of seven calls set for March and the start of 112 visits throughout the year, following an early January preview. It's an exciting sign of things to come, building on forecasts from last year that pointed to a record-breaking season.Port officials called it "a milestone that symbolizes Alicante's consolidation as one of the most dynamic Mediterranean destinations for this tourism segment". After 230,000 cruise visitors in 2025 generated a big economic boost, this year could top 325,000 passengers and bring in over €84 million to the province, according to the Alicante Costa Blanca Cruise Tourism Association. That follows news last November of Costa Cruises setting sail from Alicante in the spring, adding to the variety of lines docking here.
March sets a lively pace with six more ships to follow the Carnival Dreams. But the real action peaks later, especially in October with 20 calls, including four doubles and a triple. June, September, April and August round out the busiest months, spreading visitors evenly across the year to keep the local economy humming.
For residents, it's great to see familiar names returning alongside newcomers. Shops in the city centre, cafés near the waterfront and tour guides for the castle and old town are all set to welcome the crowds. Whether you're spotting these floating hotels from the promenade or just enjoying the buzz, Alicante's cruise scene keeps getting bigger and better.
This steady flow reinforces the port's pull on major routes, from luxury lines to family favourites. With spring around the corner, keep an eye out for more arrivals lighting up the bay.
Image: wikicommons
