Benoa Port in Denpasar, Bali, recorded the arrival of six international cruise ships during the first half of January 2026. The vessels docked between January 1 and January 13, carrying a combined total of 5,500 passengers and 2,802 crew members, according to port management data.
The cruise ship visits began on January 1, 2026, with the arrival of Ovation of the Seas. The schedule continued with Le Jacques Cartier on January 7, followed by Seven Seas Navigator on January 9. Regatta docked on January 10, Viking Orion arrived on January 12, and the series concluded with Paspaley Pearl on January 13.
Sequence of Cruise Arrivals
The six cruise ships arrived at Benoa Port over nearly two weeks, with several vessels docking on consecutive days. Port operations included managing overlapping ship schedules. On January 11 and 12, Benoa Port hosted cruise ships docked simultaneously: Regatta remained at the port while Viking Orion arrived.
Port authorities confirmed that services for both vessels were conducted concurrently and in accordance with standard operating procedures. These activities formed part of routine port operations during periods of increased cruise traffic.
Passenger and Crew Figures
Throughout the January 1 to 13 period, the six cruise ships brought a total of 5,500 passengers and 2,802 crew members to Benoa Port. The figures reflect a combination of large and mid-sized international cruise vessels operating in the region.
The arrivals required coordination across multiple port services, including berthing arrangements, vessel clearance, and maritime safety management.
Statement from Port Management
General Manager of Pelabuhan Benoa, Anak Agung Gede Agung Mataram, stated that the presence of cruise ships at the beginning of the year contributed to tourism movement and regional economic activity. He noted that the increasing frequency of cruise ship visits demonstrates the port’s role within the maritime and tourism sectors.
“While in Bali, cruise ship passengers participated in shore excursions to various leading tourist destinations, which also drove the transportation sector, tourism services, and local business actors,” said Agung Mataram, Tuesday (13/1/2026)
Mataram emphasized that Benoa Port management continues to prioritize service quality amid increasing cruise arrivals. He said the port ensures that all cruise-related services, including those involving closely scheduled or simultaneous dockings, are carried out safely, smoothly, and in accordance with established operational standards.
Outlook for Cruise Services
According to Mataram, the positive trend in cruise ship arrivals at the start of 2026 reflects growing confidence from international cruise operators in Benoa Port. He added that port management will continue to optimize services and facilities to support the development of marine tourism.
Management also aims to strengthen the port and maritime sector’s contribution to the national economy by improving operational performance and infrastructure readiness.
As of mid-January 2026, all six scheduled cruise ship visits had been successfully accommodated, concluding the early January cruise schedule at Pelabuhan Benoa.
