For the second time within a week, Cádiz has been removed from the itinerary of a major cruise vessel due to ongoing labor disputes impacting the region’s maritime and tourism infrastructure. The latest cancellation involves P&O Cruises’ Ventura, carrying over 3,000 passengers.
The vessel had been scheduled to berth at 07:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24, and remain in port until 06:00 p.m. before proceeding to Lisbon on a 14-day cruise. However, early that morning, local port agent Cadiship reported that the call had been cancelled by the cruise line, which cited security concerns related to continued industrial action by metalworkers in the Bay of Cádiz.
The cancellation is estimated by municipal authorities to have caused a loss exceeding EUR 100,000 in potential tourism revenue. Cádiz, a city with a significant economic dependency on cruise-related activity, has now experienced two such diversions in less than a week. Just days prior, Arvia, another vessel operating under Carnival Corporation, also bypassed the port due to similar disruptions. That missed call reportedly cost the city nearly EUR 250,000.
At the core of the disruption is an extended strike by metalworkers associated with the region’s ship repair industry, including the state-owned Navantia shipyard. The strike, involving walkouts and work stoppages, has raised concerns among port and tourism authorities, as Cádiz has long been regarded as one of Europe’s most reliable and cruise-friendly ports. The unrest threatens that reputation at a time when the summer cruise season is at its peak.
The impact extends beyond cruise port calls. Earlier in June, Carnival Liberty was withdrawn from Navantia mid-refit after labor action brought shipyard operations to a halt. The vessel had entered dry dock for a suite of technical upgrades and comprehensive interior refurbishment. With progress stalled by the strike, Carnival opted to remove the ship prematurely, resulting in disrupted sailing schedules and an incomplete refit project valued in the millions of euros.
As labor negotiations continue without resolution, Cádiz faces mounting operational and reputational risks across both the cruise and ship repair sectors.