In 2025, MSC Cruises made 26 port calls in Málaga, further establishing the city as a significant port for the company. This level of operations enhances Málaga’s strategic role within the cruise lines’ itineraries, positively impacting the local economy and tourism by attracting thousands of passengers who combine the cultural richness of the capital with the charms of the province.
“This meeting reflects MSC Cruises’ commitment to Andalusia, particularly to Málaga as a strategic port within our Mediterranean programming. The city has established itself as a key point not only because of its cultural and tourist appeal but also as a gateway for passengers to discover the entire region.”
– Translation: “This meeting reflects MSC Cruises’ commitment to Andalusia, particularly to Málaga as a strategic port within our Mediterranean programming. The city has established itself as a key point not only because of its cultural and tourist appeal but also as a gateway for passengers to discover the entire region.”
Among the most popular excursions in 2025 are options that combine history, culture, and scenery. The visit to Málaga’s historic center and its cathedral is the top choice, followed by Mijas, known for its white village charm and Mediterranean viewpoints, and Marbella Pueblo, rounding out the top three with its Mediterranean atmosphere, art, and gastronomy. These selections indicate a diversified tourism model, extending from the capital to nearby towns, favoring a more balanced and sustainable travel model.
For 2026, MSC Cruises plans to continue its commitment to Málaga with approximately 25 annual port calls in total. Specifically, 24 calls are scheduled in Málaga, 15 of which will start from the city itself, bolstering its role as a departure port and offering greater possibilities for travelers worldwide, as well as improving connectivity for Spanish cruisers. Direct flights between Málaga and Copenhagen began operations in 2025, and this trend will continue in 2026, facilitating the arrival of international visitors.
According to the III Radiography of the Current Traveler study, Andalusia is the autonomous community that travels the most by cruise (26.7%); 66% of Andalusians who took their last cruise chose the Mediterranean as their destination. This regional interest reinforces Málaga’s importance as the starting point of experiences and as a gateway to Andalucía. By the end of 2026, MSC Euribia, one of the most innovative and environmentally advanced ships in the fleet, will arrive in Málaga for the first time. Its port call in the city will mark a milestone, highlighting MSC Cruises’ commitment to sustainability and establishing Málaga as a reference in the cruise industry within the Mediterranean.
