Most luxury cruise push: Motril targets visitors with even greater spending power

Motril is attracting a different kind of cruise passenger, with a series of luxury ship arrivals giving the Costa Tropical port a taste of the high-end cruise market. The arrivals come as the port prepares for a record-breaking 2026 cruise season.

The port welcomed three cruise ships on Friday, November 6, including two luxury vessels, before the arrival of another exclusive expedition ship three days later. Details of the three cruise ships arriving together at Motril were confirmed by the Port Authority.

Distinguished cruising visitor

Among Friday’s visitors was Le Dumont D’Urville, operated by French company Ponant. The ship carried 137 passengers and 118 crew members and was making its first call at Motril. Reported cruise prices ranged from around €9,000 to €23,000 per passenger, depending on the trip and accommodation.

It was joined by Club Med 2, a luxury sailing vessel, and Norwegian Pearl, a much larger ship operated by Norwegian Cruise Line. Having three very different vessels in port at the same time demonstrated Motril’s ability to handle a varied mix of cruise traffic.

On Monday, November 9, Ponant returned with Le Bougainville, another ship making its first visit to Motril. It arrived with 141 passengers and 118 crew members. The vessel is one of Ponant’s luxury expedition ships calling at Motril.

Underwater spectacular

Le Bougainville has a feature rarely found on cruise ships: its Blue Eye underwater lounge. Built into the hull, the observation space allows passengers to look at the underwater world through large windows and listen to sounds beneath the sea using underwater microphones. Details of the Le Bougainville luxury expedition ship are available from the cruise operator.

The arrivals support the Port Authority’s efforts to attract more luxury cruise operators and visitors with greater spending power. Port president José García Fuentes has said these passengers can bring benefits to local shops, restaurants and other businesses, building on Motril’s growing cruise passenger numbers.

For Motril, the attraction is not simply the number of ships calling at the port, but the opportunity to bring visitors ashore who may spend more during their stay and discover the Costa Tropical.

The November schedule also includes a further Ponant visit, with Le Champlain listed for November 24, providing another opportunity to promote the destination to an international clientele. The official Motril cruise schedule lists the expected arrivals.