The stunning beauty of Bali has long captivated travelers worldwide. Tourists arrive in droves, drawn by its natural charm and cultural richness. While most visitors reach the island by air, Bali is also a favorite stop for luxury cruise ships. Recently, a historic moment unfolded as the massive Anthem of the Seas made its way to Bali, becoming the largest cruise ship ever to dock in Bali.
The ship, operated by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, anchored at Tanjung Benoa Port on Friday (28/2/2025). Carrying 4,279 passengers and 1,550 crew members, its arrival was met with enthusiasm, as it is expected to bring significant benefits to the local economy. Before reaching Bali, the vessel had made a stop at Celukan Bawang Port in Buleleng a day earlier. It set sail from Singapore and is scheduled to continue its voyage to Lombok before heading to Australia.
A grand welcoming ceremony was held at the port, attended by several high-ranking officials. Among them were Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa, Deputy Minister of Transportation Suntana, Bali Governor Wayan Koster, Presidential Staff Deputy Syska Hutagalung, and Pelindo Commissioner Jodi Mahardika.
“With more than 5,000 people on board, the arrival of Anthem of the Seas will have a major impact on Bali’s economy, particularly in the tourism sector,” said Deputy Minister Puspa.
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Governor Koster highlighted the importance of cruise ship tourism in Bali’s broader development strategy. He emphasized that such arrivals help attract high-spending visitors who contribute significantly to the local economy.
“Passengers of cruise ships are generally affluent travelers. Travel is a luxury, so they have substantial purchasing power. I also checked, and they are very disciplined in making payments,” Koster remarked.
Looking at the economic potential, Koster projected that Bali will welcome around 70 large cruise ships throughout the year.
“Each ship carries about 4,000 people. When you calculate the impact, the benefits for the local economy are enormous. While the numbers are still far from those arriving by air, it’s still a very positive development,” he added.
As the island continues to enhance its tourism appeal, the arrival of the largest cruise ship ever to dock in Bali like Anthem of the Seas is seen as a step toward diversifying its visitor base. With more ships expected in the coming months, Bali is positioning itself as a premier destination not only for land and air travelers but also for luxury cruise passengers seeking an unforgettable experience.
