Construction of a new cruise terminal is nearing completion in the port of Setúbal, Portugal. It is expected that the first passenger ships will use the new infrastructure in 2027.
According to information from the Setúbal and Sesimbra Port Administration, the construction works have entered their final phase. The next step will be the terminal’s certification and preparation for serving cruise companies.
Which ships will call at Setúbal?
The new facility has a dedicated pier for cruise ships and is designed primarily for:
small premium and luxury liners;
expedition vessels;
mega-yachts;
ships that make transit calls;
cruises with passenger embarkation or disembarkation in Setúbal.
The port plans to operate both with transit calls, when passengers visit the city during the day, and in turnaround format, when the cruise begins or ends in Setúbal.
This format can make the city an alternative home port for small cruise ships that do not require the infrastructure of a large Lisbon terminal.
Approximately 30 minutes from Lisbon Airport
One of Setúbal’s main advantages is its location. According to the port authority, the journey from Lisbon’s international airport to the port may take about 30 minutes, although the actual time will depend on traffic conditions.
This makes Setúbal potentially convenient for cruises with included flights or for passengers arriving independently to Portugal.
Before traveling, tourists will need to check:
the exact place to board the ship;
the availability of an organized transfer;
the recommended arrival time at the port;
the check-in rules for a specific cruise;
the option to stay overnight in Lisbon or Setúbal before departure.
Which cruise companies are planning events?
In 2027-2028, Setúbal expects small ships from companies Ponant, Noble Caledonia and SeaDream Yacht Club.
SeaDream I and SeaDream II are scheduled to make calls at the port in 2027. A new ship, SeaDream III, is, for now, planned to visit Setúbal for the first time in 2030.
This is primarily about the premium and expedition segment. Such liners carry fewer passengers but offer more intimate itineraries, longer port stays, and visits to ports that are inaccessible to the largest cruise ships.
Earlier, the port administration reported the potential to handle up to 40 cruise calls per year. At the same time, this is a target figure rather than a confirmed annual schedule.
Why have cruise companies become interested in Setúbal?
Setúbal is located on the banks of the Sado River, south of Lisbon. The city can be a separate tourist stop or a starting point for exploring the region, in particular the Arrábida Natural Park and the Troia Peninsula.
The port authority emphasizes that Setúbal does not aim to directly compete with Lisbon. It is positioned as an additional Portuguese destination for smaller vessels and specialized cruise itineraries.
The first cruise ship within the development of the new Setúbal route welcomed in 2024. The new terminal is intended to turn individual calls into a regular cruise program.
What does this mean for travelers?
The appearance of a new port can expand the choice of cruises from Portugal. In addition to major routes from Lisbon, tourists will also be able to access compact premium and expedition trips from Setúbal.
For Ukrainian travelers, cruises that start or end near Lisbon may be especially interesting. The port is relatively easy to reach after a flight, but specific transfers, check-in times, and baggage procedures will depend on the cruise company.
The complete list of routes, prices, and available stateroom categories will be released gradually after the terminal certification is completed and cruise operators publish their schedules.
Leave a request on Cruise‑Life.PRO to check available cruises by Ponant, SeaDream, and other premium companies with a stop in Setúbal.