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Malaga is preparing to welcome thousands of British holidaymakers this month as a series of cruise ships sailing from the UK arrive in the Costa del Sol city during what is expected to be its busiest August for cruise traffic in recent years.

 

According to the Malaga Port Authority, 23 cruise calls by 19 different ships are scheduled throughout August, slightly more than during the same month last year and the highest number recorded since the pandemic.

 

A strong British presence will be one of the month's defining features. Five cruise ships departing from UK ports will make six visits to Malaga, with P&O Cruises' Arvia calling twice. The other ships arriving from Britain include Celebrity Apex, Sky Princess, Ambience and MSC Virtuosa, all of which are expected to bring thousands of passengers into the city.

 

Most of these vessels can carry more than 3,500 passengers, providing a welcome boost for local restaurants, bars, shops and tourist attractions during one of the busiest periods of the summer.

 

Among all the ships due to arrive, Arvia will be the largest. At 345 metres long, it's the biggest cruise ship scheduled to dock in Malaga this month. At the other end of the scale is the Seven Seas Navigator, which measures 170 metres.

 

Some ships will become familiar sights in the harbour during August. MSC Opera, which is spending six months operating from Malaga this season, will visit three times, while Arvia and Silver Muse will each make two calls. Silver Muse will also remain in port overnight on both visits.

 

Cruise traffic is expected to be particularly busy during the Malaga Fair, when seven cruise ships are due to arrive over the course of the celebrations. The busiest day will be Friday August 21, when four cruise ships are scheduled to be in port at the same time, including two operated by the same cruise line.

 

 

Image: P&O Cruises