The Port of Santander begins 2026 by strengthening its position as a strategic cruise destination in northern Spain. The first quarter of the year includes three significant cruise calls, marking the start of an especially positive season, with a forecast of more than 30 cruise ship calls throughout 2026, representing an increase of over 50% compared to previous years.
Spirit of Discovery, first call of the year
The first cruise call of the year has already taken place with the arrival of the Spirit of Discovery, operated by Saga Cruises, an elegant vessel measuring 236 metres in length. The ship made a weather-related refuge call at the Port of Santander, remaining alongside from 21 to 26 January, during its voyage from Portsmouth to Las Palmas.
During this stay, Santander once again demonstrated the reliability of its port facilities, its operational capacity and the high-quality experience it offers cruise passengers, even during unplanned calls.
First Ambassador Cruise Line call, scheduled for March
On Tuesday 17 March, the Ambition, operated by Ambassador Cruise Line, is scheduled to call at Santander. The vessel, 216 metres long, is expected to berth between 12:00 and 19:00 hours, as part of its itinerary from Lisbon to Le Verdon (Bordeaux).
This call will be particularly significant, as 2026 will be the first year in which Santander welcomes Ambassador Cruise Line, with a total of four calls scheduled: two by Ambition and two by Ambience. This milestone reinforces the port’s growing international presence and the diversification of cruise lines calling at Santander.
Ventura, a regular visitor to the Port of Santander
Also scheduled for the first quarter is the call of the Ventura, operated by P&O Cruises, one of the cruise ships with the strongest and longest-standing relationship with the Port of Santander. The vessel, measuring 289 metres in length, is scheduled to call on Friday 10 April, from 09:00 to 21:00 hours, on its voyage from Southampton to Lisbon.
Ventura is the cruise ship with the highest number of calls to Santander in recent years, highlighting the trust placed in the destination by the cruise line:
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2024: 9 calls
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2025: 6 calls
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2026: 9 calls scheduled
More than 30 cruise calls expected in 2026
These early-year calls form part of what is shaping up to be a record-breaking season for Cruise Santander, with a forecast of more than 30 cruise ship calls in 2026, officially announced at FITUR. This growth reflects the increasing interest of international cruise lines in Santander and the consolidation of the destination within northern European cruise itineraries.
Santander and Cantabria, a Cruise Deluxe destination
Santander, the capital city of Cantabria on the north coast of Spain and at the heart of “Green Spain”, offers cruise passengers a unique advantage: the entire region of Cantabria can be reached in less than 30 minutes from the Passenger Terminal. From unspoilt beaches and high mountains to outstanding gastronomy, rich architectural and cultural heritage, world-famous Paleolithic caves and endless opportunities for active tourism, every call becomes a truly memorable experience.
With this strong outlook for 2026, Cruise Santander continues to position itself as a Cruise Deluxe destination, ready to deliver authentic, high-quality and exclusive experiences for both cruise passengers and cruise lines.