
It is further proof that Portimão is in high demand as a port-of-call and continues to rise in popularity.
The defining moment for this month will be when the brand new ‘Nieuw Amsterdam’ sails into Portimão’s port. It is described as Holland America’s ‘jewel in the crown’ and was launched on July 4th this year. It will stop off in Portimão before initiating its transatlantic crossing to Fort Lauderdale (USA), carrying more than 2,000 passengers and a crew of 292.
In 2009 some 30,000 cruise-ship passengers visited Portimão, along with a further 26,000 carried by the Volcan de Tijarafe ferry, which connects the city to Madeira and the Canary Islands.
This year that figure is expected to be surpassed by a wide margin.