On February 27, 2025, the port of Benoa in Bali welcomed the Anthem of the Seas, the largest cruise ship ever to arrive in Indonesia. This 16-deck cruise ship, 348 meters in length, can carry up to 5,829 people, including crew. This stopover marks a major milestone for Indonesian maritime tourism, highlighting ongoing efforts to position the country as a prime destination for international cruises.
Benoa: a port in full transformation
For the past five years, the port of Benoa has been undergoing significant investments to modernize its infrastructure. The improvements include deepening the bay channels to -12 meters LWS, extending existing docks to 500 meters, and installing modern mobile gangways to facilitate passenger boarding and disembarkation. These developments have allowed the port to accommodate several large vessels simultaneously, significantly boosting its capacity.
In 2024, Benoa recorded 59 cruise ship stopovers, compared to 48 in 2023. Forecasts for 2025 estimate this number will rise to 77 stopovers, reflecting sustained growth in the sector.
Bali, the driving force behind Indonesian maritime tourism
Bali remains Indonesia’s leading tourist destination, attracting 45% of the 13.8 million foreign visitors in 2024. The government aims to reach between 14.6 and 16 million international tourists in 2025. Cruises play a key role in this strategy, especially through routes connecting Australia to Singapore via the Indonesian archipelago.
At the same time, the Bali Maritime Tourism Hub (BMTH) project is under development. This complex will include a marina with 180 berths, capable of accommodating over 50 superyachts up to 90 meters in length. The opening of this marina is scheduled for the second half of 2025, further enhancing Bali’s appeal for luxury tourism.
The arrival of the Anthem of the Seas in Bali symbolizes a new era for maritime tourism in Indonesia. With modernized infrastructure and an ambitious strategy, the country is positioning itself as an essential cruise destination in Southeast Asia.
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