The Unicaja Foundation announced in a statement that it has supported the commercial expansion of Alma Cruceros, investing and taking a 35 percent stake and becoming a strategic partner in the company.

“Fundación Unicaja’s investment not only strengthens our financial position but also provides valuable knowledge and experience in financing future projects,” said Elisardo Sánchez, president of Alma.

Sánchez added: “Both institutions share the same values and pursue the same objectives: to generate the greatest social benefit in the destinations we reach, to promote culture and maintain an unavoidable commitment to the environment.”

Sergio Corral, general director of the Unicaja Foundation, said: “The incorporation of the institution into Alma Cruceros responds to the foundation’s interest in promoting the socio-economic development of our region. (This is) through the commitment to a high-growth segment within the tourism industry and with the capacity to attract other related sectors.”

According to the statement, the general manager of the Unicaja Foundation, Sergio Corral, and the president of Alma, Elisardo Sánchez, have formalized the incorporation of the foundation into the cruise line, which will begin operating in April with an inaugural cruise from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Malaga.

The company is targeting the Spanish market with a luxury product on the Ocean Victory, which is operating summer seasons for Alma on a charter deal with SunStone Ships.

According to the statement, the foundation’s entry into the company’s capital will accelerate growth, expand Alma’s commercial operations into new markets and enhance its capacity for innovation.

The investment will also serve as the basis for the order of the second ship in the Alma fleet, which is slated to enter operation in 2028.