As the first third of 2026 draws to a close, statistics from the cruise sector in Málaga reveal substantial growth. Overnight stays have already exceeded those recorded in the same period of 2025, indicating an upward trend in cruise lines' preference for longer stays in the capital of the Costa del Sol.

Traditionally, cruise ship calls do not usually exceed twelve hours. However, in the first four months of 2026, 13 overnight stays have been counted, compared to 10 in the previous year. This data suggests that stays of two or more days are becoming more established in the planning of various shipping companies operating in Málaga waters.

Among the notable stays is that of the vessel Four Season I, which remained in port for four nights and was christened in Málaga waters. Similarly, the ship La Belle Des Océans made a three-night stop, a practice it has carried out for several years. The cruise ship with the most overnight stays so far in 2026 has been the Silver Ray, which has stayed overnight in port on all three of its calls to date.

These overnight stays are associated with embarkations and disembarkations that mark the beginning or end of a voyage, or with stays that include long-duration activities and excursions. With these numbers, the Port of Málaga is on track to surpass the 42 overnight calls recorded at the close of the previous year, strengthening its position in the cruise market.