Labuan Bajo felt a little busier than usual last Thursday. Two massive cruise ships, MS Riviera and MS Viking Sky, dropped anchor near Komodo and Rinca Islands in Komodo National Park on February 19, 2026. Together, they carried almost 2,000 international tourists. For a destination that has been pushing its world-class image, this kind of arrival matters.
Both ships sailed from Darwin, Australia, before making their stop in Labuan Bajo. Their visit is part of the steady stream of foreign tourists heading to Indonesia’s super-priority destinations, especially Komodo National Park.
MS Riviera brought 1,142 passengers, and 1,136 of them went ashore to explore. MS Viking Sky carried 799 passengers, with 795 stepping onto land. Most of the visitors came from the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Canada, and several other European countries.
They did not stay long. The stopover lasted around seven to eight hours. Still, that was enough time to take in the dramatic hills, clear waters, and the natural beauty that has made East Nusa Tenggara famous far beyond Indonesia.
Behind the scenes, immigration officers were working carefully. Charles Christian Mathaus, Head of the Class II TPI Labuan Bajo Immigration Office, said his team carried out full immigration checks on both passengers and crew members. No violations were found.
“We ensured that the entire immigration clearance process for cruise ship passengers and crew ran smoothly, quickly, and in accordance with applicable regulations,” Charles said on Friday, February 20, 2026.
The arrival of the two cruise ships is expected to bring real benefits to the local economy. When thousands of visitors come ashore, even for a few hours, they spend money on tours, transport, food, and souvenirs. That activity supports businesses across the area.
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“The arrival of these international cruise ships is expected to have a positive impact on the regional economy and further strengthen Labuan Bajo’s image as a world-class tourism destination,” he added.
For the immigration office, the task is clear. Provide solid service. Keep supervision tight. Make sure security stays intact. As more international ships add Labuan Bajo to their routes, maintaining that balance will only become more important.
