The 2026 cruise season has been presented: 181 port calls and over 600,000 passengers for Cagliari
February 24, 2026 – This morning, Cagliari Cruise Port, part of Global Ports Holding (GPH) network of ports, presented the outlook for 2026 cruise season during a press conference held in the Multipurpose Room of the Ichnusa Pier, attended by local authorities and the press.
Raffaella Del Prete, General Manager of GPH Italian Cruise Ports shared the year’s outlook. The 2026 cruise calendar for Cagliari Cruise Port includes 181 calls (+11% compared to 163 in 2025), with over 600,000 passengers (26% compared to approximately 478,000 in 2025), including 40,000 embarking and disembarking, record figures for Cagliari Cruise Port.
Costa Cruises confirmed the Sardinian capital as a partial turnaround port for its flagship Costa Toscana, which is scheduled to call at our city 37 times between March and November. MSC Cruises is doubling its weekly calls, adding 29 calls by the MSC Splendida, scheduled to arrive every Wednesday from April to November, to its Sunday call (MSC Musica, 21 calls). Additional increases come from Aida Cruises with 15 calls, Silversea Cruise with 9 calls (only one in 2025), P&O with 6 calls (3 in 2025), TUI, Celebrity, Princess, Cunard, Oceania, Fred Olsen, Holland America, Viking, Marella, and Regent Seven Seas.
For the first time, Disney Cruise Line has also included Cagliari in its itineraries, with its magical Disney Dream ship scheduled to make two stops in May and one in July.
The 2026 cruise season began on January 27 with a double call and will end on December 27, a seasonality adjustment that confirms Cagliari as a year-round cruise destination with consequent economic benefits for the entire local community. In total, 31 cruise lines will call at Molo Rinascita, including 15 maiden calls. A key highlight will be October 28, when a rare quadruple call is expected to bring around 12,000 passengers, contributing to a record month of 34 scheduled calls.
Raffaella Del Prete said: “These results highlight Cagliari’s growing role as a Mediterranean destination, supported by collaboration between Cagliari Cruise Port, the Port System Authority of the Sea of Sardinia, and the Municipality of Cagliari.”
Positioned at the heart of the Mediterranean, Cagliari continues to strengthen its appeal as a leading cruise destination, offering a unique blend of history, culture, gastronomy, and natural beauty. From its charming old town and archaeological treasures to the renowned beaches of southern Sardinia, the city provides memorable experiences for every type of traveler. Its strategic location, efficient port infrastructure, and warm local hospitality make Cagliari an increasingly attractive call for cruise lines and passengers alike, while the growing number of turnaround operations further enhances its contribution to the region’s tourism economy.
Since joining Global Ports Holding in 2016, Cagliari Cruise Port has benefited from GPH’s global network across the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Asia-Pacific. Together, these achievements reinforce the strategic importance of Cagliari Cruise Port. With sustained investment, strong partnerships with local stakeholders, and a clear focus on enhancing the guest experience, the port is well positioned to support continued growth while delivering long-term value for both the cruise industry and the regional economy of Sardinia.
About Cagliari Cruise Port
Cagliari Cruise Port, operated by Global Ports Holding since 2016, is a premier cruise terminal in the heart of the Mediterranean. Strategically positioned between the Iberian Peninsula, Italy, and North Africa, it offers cruise lines fuel-efficient routes and convenient access for passengers via the nearby Cagliari Elmas International Airport. With two large docks capable of accommodating the latest-generation ships and a modern 630m² terminal, Cagliari Cruise Port stands out as a top transit and turnaround port in the region. Beyond its excellent facilities, Cagliari offers a wealth of cultural, scenic, and culinary experiences, including year-round events like the festival of Saint Efisio, ensuring unforgettable visits for all travelers.
