Cruise ship visits to Benoa Port surge
This article has been translated by PwC Indonesia as part of our Indonesia Infrastructure News Service. PwC Indonesia has not checked the accuracy of, and accepts no responsibility for the content.
Investor Daily - Kunjungan kapal pesiar ke Pelabuhan Benoa melonjak
25 February 2025
State-owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir stated that Benoa Port in Bali made history on Friday (21/2) with the simultaneous docking of three international cruise ships.
Erick stated in his press statement in Jakarta on Monday (24/2/2025), “This success solidifies Benoa Port as a main destination for international cruise ships and marks a historic moment in the port’s journey to becoming Indonesia’s home port for tourism.”
Erick appreciates this achievement as a significant step in the development of Indonesia's maritime and tourism sectors. The cruise ships that docked at the port were Silver Nova, Queen Elizabeth, and Viking Sky.
Erick stated, “This is real proof that Benoa Port is capable of becoming a main destination for cruise ships. With developing infrastructure, we are optimistic about more cruise ships making Benoa Port their home port.”
The three cruise ships that docked at the port have large capacities, accommodating thousands of passengers and crew. Silver Nova, a luxury cruise ship spanning 244 metres, carries 1,185 passengers and crew. Queen Elizabeth, spanning 293 metres, carries 2,927 passengers and crew, while Viking Sky, spanning 228 metres, carries 1,311 passengers and crew.
Erick believes that the visit of cruise ships at Benoa Port has a significant impact on Bali's tourism industry and economy. He mentioned that the thousands of passengers who disembark from these ships carry huge potential for the hotel, restaurant, transportation, and local creative economy industries.
Erick continued, “Besides that, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) also benefit from increased demand for local products”
He mentioned that Pelindo Regional 3 recorded 134 cruise calls in 2024, with a forecasted increase to 149 cruise calls in 2025. Meanwhile, Benoa Port logged 56 cruise ship visits in 2024.
Erick stated, “The success of docking three cruise ships affirms the strategic role of Benoa Port in the national shipping and tourism industries.”
Erick continued that in the future, Benoa Port is ready to accommodate more international cruise ships, with the commitment of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in supporting President Prabowo Subianto's Asta Cita programme. With improved facilities and services, Erick believes that Benoa Port can become a main destination for cruise ships in Southeast Asia.
Meanwhile, Pelindo Acting Executive Director 3 Johannes Wayu said that the three ships bring positive impacts to the local economy and tourism sector in Bali, with thousands of passengers and crew on board. Tourists from the cruise ships have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Bali, shop, and savour signature Balinese cuisine, which attracts tourism to the area.
He added that Benoa Port’s east pier currently spans 500 metres. In the future, a special pier for cruise ships will be developed, extending to 1,100 metres, which will be able to accommodate four cruise ships docking simultaneously.
He expressed hope that, “With this success, Benoa Port solidifies its position as a main port for international cruise ships and is ready to welcome more cruise ships in the future.”
