Málaga, April 27, 2025 – Alma Cruceros, Spain’s first boutique cruise line, has officially presented its innovative project at the Port of Málaga, the city from which its itineraries will depart and which becomes the homeport for this new tourism proposal entirely designed in Spanish.
The event was attended by institutional representatives, tourism industry agents, and media, who had the opportunity to board the Ocean Victory, tour its facilities, and enjoy a tasting menu created by Michelin-starred chefs Martín Berasategui and Paolo Casagrande.
During the presentation, the strategic role of Málaga as the starting point for this new way of sailing was highlighted, a concept based on sustainability, excellence in service, and respect for the cultural identity of Spanish-speaking travelers. Elisardo Sánchez, president of Alma Cruceros, emphasized the scale of this project: “Alma Cruceros, which today becomes a reality, is a cruise line that represents the way we have always imagined traveling: with soul, intimacy, closeness, and excellence. It is a proposal designed for Spanish speakers, combining the best of a cruise with the essence of a private yacht. Starting this adventure precisely in Málaga makes it even more special: it is a starting point that symbolizes everything this project stands for. Moreover, having the support of Fundación Unicaja has been key: not only did they believe in the vision of Alma Cruceros from the beginning, but their support has been essential for driving its recognition and expansion.”
The institutional event was attended by a broad representation of Andalusia's port and tourism ecosystem, including Jonathan Gómez Punzón, Director General of Tourism and City Promotion at Málaga City Council; Gemma del Corral, General Director of Promotion at Turismo Andaluz; José Francisco Salado Escaño, president of Málaga Provincial Council; María Esperanza González, Tourism Deputy; Manuel Marmolejo, vice president of Málaga Provincial Council; Antonio Díaz, Managing Director of Turismo Costa del Sol; Carlos Rubio Basabe, president of Málaga Port Authority; Javier de Pro, Director of the Financial Division at Fundación Unicaja; Cristina Rico, Director of Activities, Communication and Image Division at Fundación Unicaja; Gerardo Landaluce Calleja, president of Algeciras Port Authority and president of Suncruise Andalucía; Rafael Carmona, president of Seville Port Authority and vice president of Suncruise; José García Fuentes, president of Motril Port Authority; Manuel Quevedo, president of Melilla Port Authority; Juan Manuel Doncel Doncel, president of Ceuta Port Authority; Alberto Santana, president of Huelva Port Authority; Teófila Martínez, president of Cádiz Port Authority; Esther Molina, Managing Director of Suncruise Andalucía; and Elisardo Sánchez, president of Alma Cruceros.
Representatives from Andalusia’s tourism and port sectors, as well as executives from Fundación Unicaja, a strategic partner of the company, also attended. All highlighted the importance of projects committed to innovative, quality, and sustainable tourism, positioning Andalusia as a reference destination in the boutique cruise segment.
José Francisco Salado Escaño, president of Málaga Provincial Council, noted: “The Costa del Sol has established itself as one of the leading Mediterranean destinations for cruise tourism, and the arrival of Alma Cruceros’ Ocean Victory further strengthens that position. A boutique cruise line from Málaga betting on exclusive and sustainable experiences is a milestone that demonstrates our province’s potential as a leader in tourism innovation, job creation, and the attraction of discerning, culturally engaged travelers committed to the environment.”
Carlos Rubio Basabe highlighted: “Today’s presentation is the culmination of a long journey, not without challenges and obstacles, that only Alma Cruceros’ determination —and in particular that of Elisardo Sánchez— made possible. From the Port of Málaga, we can only congratulate Alma Cruceros for this achievement and feel very honored to be part of it as its homeport, working closely alongside the magnificent Costa del Sol airport.”
Gerardo Landaluce emphasized that “the Alma Cruceros project represents the consolidation of the work promoted by Suncruise Andalucía to position the southern Mediterranean as a strategic corridor for nautical tourism. Having a boutique cruise through Southern Spain connecting Andalusia, Ceuta, and Melilla is a solid step toward that goal.”
Alma Cruceros was born with the mission to offer an exclusive and carefully curated product, featuring itineraries connecting the jewels of Andalusia, Ceuta, and Melilla, along with the major destinations of the Western Mediterranean. A proposal designed for those who wish to sail with style, warmth, and soul.
The Ocean Victory continued its route this Sunday afternoon, inaugurating its second itinerary with calls at emblematic cities of Southern Spain.
About Alma Cruceros
Alma Cruceros is Spain’s first boutique cruise line. Offering a truly authentic Spanish product, it aims to meet the unmet demand from Spanish, Latin American, and Spanish-speaking travelers, as well as non-Spanish-speaking lovers of Spain and its culture. Gastronomy led by Michelin-starred chefs Martín Berasategui and Paolo Casagrande, alongside art, culture, entertainment, and nightlife, will be the pillars of the onboard experience. Special focus will also be placed on delivering memorable experiences at each destination.
Another key differentiator of Alma Cruceros is its perfect blend of an exclusive traditional cruise and a private yacht experience, allowing guests to enjoy direct access to the sea through its marina and the deployment of an external pool, in addition to the pool onboard the vessel itself.
The Ocean Victory, Alma Cruceros' first ship, was built in October 2021. Measuring 104 meters in length, it offers 93 all-outside cabins, 85% of which have balconies. It has a maximum capacity of 186 guests in double occupancy. With a cutting-edge inverted bow design and hybrid electric engines, it consumes 60% less fuel than a conventional ship, making it the vessel with the lowest CO₂ emissions per guest in its class. Its onboard water and waste management systems further reinforce Alma Cruceros’ strong commitment to sustainability and the environment.
Alma Cruceros began operations in April with its inaugural cruise from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Málaga. Since its launch, the company has recently begun selling its cruises, securing agreements with major sales channels in Spain and beginning the same process in Latin America. Through its website, almacruceros.com, its voyages across Andalusia, Ceuta, Melilla, the Spanish Mediterranean coast, the French Riviera, Corsica, Sardinia, and the Balearic Islands are now available.
The new company's current shareholding structure consists of 59% owned by Alma Cruises, owned by Elisardo Sánchez, 35% held by Fundación Unicaja, and the remaining 6% divided equally among three executives of the cruise line. The Board of Directors is composed of Elisardo Sánchez (president), Agustín Fernández, Pedro Costa, Javier de Pro, Cristina Rico, and Antonio Jesús López (secretary).
