Roses port in Alt Empordà expects to receive seven cruise ships and approximately 2,700 passengers this season, according to local officials. All vessels scheduled to call at the port are high-end, bringing tourists with greater purchasing power to the region.
These visitors will experience unique cultural and enogastronomic activities across the territory. Notably, 70% of these cruise calls will occur during the low season, helping to extend the tourist season in Alt Empordà and the Costa Brava. This strategy is designed to boost employment and the economy in Roses and its surrounding areas.
Six cruise companies are set to visit Roses this season: Azamara, Club Med, Crystal Cruises, Sea Cloud Cruises, Seadream Yacht Club, and Windstar Cruises. The port will also host the inaugural call of the Azamara Onward.
Seadream's Long-Standing Relationship with Roses
The 2026 season began with the arrival of the Seadream I, operated by Seadream Yacht Club. This company has shown loyalty to Roses port and its tourist destination, having made calls there for 14 years. The Seadream I arrived on Sunday at 8am from Barcelona port and departed at 9pm for Sète, France. The ship carried 50 passengers, mostly from North America. The Seadream I measures 104.8 metres in length, has a draught of 4 metres, and a gross tonnage of 4,333.
Broader Impact on Costa Brava Tourism
This year, the ports of Roses and Palamós collectively expect 72 cruise calls and around 70,000 passengers. This activity is projected to generate an economic impact of €6.7 million. This figure is based on cruise sector data, which indicates that each disembarking passenger spends an average of €90 when visiting a destination. An additional €6 per passenger is added for expenses related to the ship's port services.
Costa Brava Cruise Ports, an organisation formed in 2012, works to promote cruise tourism in the region. It is a collaboration between Ports de la Generalitat, the Costa Brava Girona Tourist Board, the Chambers of Commerce of Girona and Palamós, and the city councils of Roses and Palamós. This alliance centralises information and streamlines procedures for cruise companies and travellers. Costa Brava Cruise Ports is a member of MedCruise, the association of Mediterranean cruise ports, and CLIA, the Cruise Lines International Association, both significant organisations in the global cruise industry.
