Madeira Nominated Again for Prestigious Cruise Awards

Funchal town, Madeira, Portugal
Cruise Industry Ports & Logistics Europe
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Updated Published

For the fourth year in a row, Madeira has been recognized on the global stage, with Madeira Ports announcing that the region has been nominated for two categories in the World Cruise Awards 2025.

Madeira received nominations for World’s Best Cruise Terminal for Sustainability 2025 and Europe’s Best Cruise Destination 2025, highlighting the island’s growing reputation as a premier cruise and sustainable tourism hub.

“These nominations are a source of great pride and satisfaction and prove that the path we have followed, based on sustainability, quality and the enhancement of Madeira as a destination, is being recognized internationally,” said José Manuel Rodrigues, regional secretary for economy and the government official responsible for the Ports of Madeira.

“It is a collective success that belongs to all Madeirans and reinforces our confidence in the future of tourism,” Rodrigues added.

Paula Cabaco, chairwoman of the administration of the Ports of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (APRAM, SA), praised the ongoing commitment of the organization’s staff and the wider maritime community. She noted that their daily dedication has helped make Madeira’s ports “a benchmark in Europe.”

“These nominations also reflect our firm commitment to environmental sustainability and to continuously improving the experience we offer our visitors,” said Cabaco.

She emphasized that, beyond institutional recognition, “this is an award for Madeira and for its people, whose hospitality and professionalism make all the difference and turn every cruise call into a memorable experience.”

Public voting is now open on the World Cruise Awards website and will run from May 7 to November 16.

Competing alongside Madeira for Europe’s Best Cruise Destination 2025 are:

  • Southampton (England)
  • Athens (Greece)
  • Rome (Italy)
  • Oslo (Norway)
  • Barcelona (Spain)
  • Lisbon (Portugal)
  • Monte Carlo (Monaco)
  • Nice (France)
  • Dubrovnik (Croatia)
  • Kotor (Montenegro)

For World’s Best Cruise Terminal for Sustainability 2025, the nominees include:

  • Flam (Norway)
  • Kai Tak (Hong Kong)
  • Steinwerder (Germany)
  • Montreal (Canada)
  • Copenhagen (Denmark)
  • Valletta (Malta)
  • Victoria (Canada)
  • Kiel (Germany)

The winners will be announced during the 5th Annual World Cruise Awards Gala, scheduled to take place on December 6, 2025, in Bahrain.

The nominations reflect Madeira’s continued success in balancing sustainable practices with high-quality visitor experiences—further strengthening its position as one of Europe’s most admired cruise destinations.