Denpasar, Bali. Benoa Port in Denpasar, Bali, has emerged as a major hub for international cruise tourism, driven by upgraded infrastructure and integrated port services.

Between January 1 and 13, 2026, the port welcomed six cruise ships carrying a total of 5,500 passengers and 2,802 crew members. Arrivals included Ovation of the Seas (Jan. 1), Le Jacques Cartier (Jan. 7), Seven Seas Navigator (Jan. 9), Regatta (Jan. 10), Viking Orion (Jan. 12), and Paspaley Pearl (Jan. 13). For two days in January, Benoa successfully managed parallel docking, with Regatta and Viking Orion berthed simultaneously, demonstrating the port’s operational efficiency.

“We ensure that all cruise operations, including ships docking close together, run safely, smoothly, and according to operational standards,” said Anak Agung Gde Agung Mataram, General Manager of Benoa Port, on Tuesday.

The eastern pier has been extended from 350 meters to 500 meters, enabling it to accommodate two jumbo cruise ships at the same time, while offering embarkation and debarkation services for turnaround operations. “Parallel docking shows our readiness to manage cruise operations efficiently,” said Anak Agung.

During their stay, passengers tour Bali’s top attractions, boosting local transportation, tourism services, and small businesses.

Benoa Port’s cruise activity has grown steadily. In 2025, 65 ships visited the port, bringing 140,000 international tourists, up from 56 ships and 107,717 visitors in 2024, and 48 ships with 78,241 passengers in 2023.

State-owned port operator Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo) reported a surge in global cruise operator interest for 2026, with 73 luxury ships registered to call at Benoa. Cruise traffic has grown steadily: 48 ships carrying 78,241 passengers visited in 2023, rising to 56 ships and 107,717 passengers in 2024, and 65 ships with 140,000 passengers in 2025.