Bali Cruise Tourism Thrives with Over 5,000 Visitors in Early January
Bali’s cruise tourism sector has kicked off 2026 with a bang, welcoming six cruise ships at Benoa Harbour from January 1-13. These arrivals brought a total of 5,500 foreign tourists and 2,802 crew members to the Indonesian island, marking a significant boost to the region’s tourism economy and underscoring Bali’s escalating popularity as a top-tier cruise destination in the Asia-Pacific region.
The succession of arrivals commenced with Ovation of the Seas on January 1. This was followed by Le Jacques Cartier, Seven Seas Navigator, Regatta, Viking Orion, and Paspaley Pearl. On January 11-12, Benoa Harbour witnessed simultaneous ship dockings, with Regatta still berthed when Viking Orion arrived. This event exemplifies the burgeoning demand for Bali as a cruise destination.
The Indonesian government and local tourism authorities are actively working on enhancing port facilities and broadening services for luxury cruise operators. This is to ensure that Bali maintains its position as a leading cruise destination. The consistent increase in international cruise arrivals is anticipated to stimulate further investment in tourism infrastructure. This includes new shore excursions and upgraded port facilities, which will benefit local businesses ranging from tour operators to restaurants and hotels.
Source: Travel and Tour World