The new year opened quietly but confidently at Benoa Port. Just as the calendar turned to 2026, a massive cruise ship, Ovation of the Seas, eased into Bali, signaling the return of global maritime tourism to the island.
Ovation of the Seas became the first cruise vessel to dock at Benoa Port Bali in 2026. The Bahamas-flagged ship arrived early on Thursday, 1 January 2026, at 06.00 Central Indonesian Time or WITA. Measuring 348 meters in length overall and weighing 168,666 gross tonnage, the ship brought 3,431 passengers along with 1,542 crew members. After spending the day exploring Bali, the vessel is scheduled to depart again at 23.00 WITA.
The visit was more than a routine port call. For port operator Pelindo, it marked the opening of international cruise traffic at the start of the year. It also reflected renewed trust from global cruise operators in Indonesia’s port services.
General Manager of Benoa Port, Agung Mataram, said the arrival carried strategic meaning for Bali and Indonesia’s maritime sector. “MV. Ovation of the Seas arrived from Celukan Bawang Port and will continue its voyage to Gili Mas Port. While at Benoa Port, Pelindo ensured that all berthing processes, passenger movements, and embarkation and debarkation activities ran safely, smoothly, and in accordance with international service standards,” Mataram said on Thursday (1/1/2026).
Benoa Port’s performance in the previous year provides context for that confidence. Throughout 2025, the port handled more than 140,000 cruise passengers from 65 ship visits. With steady growth, improved infrastructure, and strengthened operational services, Pelindo projects cruise ship arrivals in 2026 will rise by around 5 percent compared with the year before.
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To support increasing traffic, Pelindo has continued to optimize the International Passenger Terminal at Benoa Port. The terminal is equipped with waiting areas, a prayer room, a lactation room, and a clinic. Security facilities include X-ray screening and walk-through metal detectors. Additional amenities include a money changer, UMKM areas, toilets, parking facilities, and both mobile and manual gangway systems. All of these elements are prepared to ensure passenger safety, comfort, and smooth movement during arrival and departure.
Agung Mataram emphasized that service quality remains the main priority as cruise tourism grows. “Pelindo is committed to ensuring that cruise ship services at Benoa Port operate optimally by prioritizing safety, security, and passenger comfort,” he said.
With Ovation of the Seas setting the tone on the first day of 2026, Benoa Port begins the year positioned as a key gateway for international cruise tourism, backed by infrastructure readiness and rising global confidence.
