Lisbon and the cruise ships

Lisbon is now a major stop in the itinerary of the cruise ships that navigate this corner of Europe. At this time of the year, it is usual to see two or three big vessels by the tourist harbour. Today they were six, all very large.

This daily influx of visitors is bringing some much need vitality to the centre of the city, lots of people with some euros to spend. It also gives the key monumental areas a strong sense of economic dynamism. And that is deeply appreciated, particularly at a time when many Portuguese try to move out of a morose approach to the crisis and be able to access new sources of income.