Cruise Ships Bring 5,500 Foreign Tourists to Bali in Early 2026
In January 2026, Bali welcomed a surge of international tourists as six cruise ships docked at Benoa Harbour. The arrivals brought an impressive total of 5,500 foreign tourists and 2,802 crew members between January 1 and January 13. The influx began with the arrival of the Ovation of the Seas on January 1, followed by several other vessels in the days that followed.
Cruise Ship Arrivals at Benoa Harbour
The schedule of cruise ships docking at Benoa Harbour is as follows:
- Ovation of the Seas – January 1
- Le Jacques Cartier – January 7
- Seven Seas Navigator – January 9
- Regatta – January 10
- Viking Orion – January 12
- Paspaley Pearl – January 13
Notably, between January 11 and 12, both Regatta and Viking Orion docked simultaneously, highlighting the harbour’s capacity and efficiency.
Improvements at Benoa Harbour
Anak Agung Gde Agung, the General Manager of Benoa Harbour, emphasized that the facility has been enhanced to accommodate larger cruise ships. The east pier’s capacity has been upgraded from 350 metres to 500 metres, allowing for better handling of jumbo cruise ships.
“We ensure that all cruise ship services run safely and smoothly, adhering to operational standards,” Agung stated during a press briefing on January 14.
Previous Records and Future Expectations
Looking back at 2025, Benoa Harbour saw a total of 65 cruise ships, welcoming around 140,000 international tourists. This marked a substantial increase from 2024, when 56 cruise ships brought in 107,717 tourists.
Enhanced Security Measures
In light of the recent influx of tourists, security has been intensified at Benoa and Sanur Harbours. The Denpasar Police’s Water and Air Police Unit has ramped up inspections for both passengers and cargo to prevent smuggling activities.
“We are enhancing surveillance and security in the waters and ports of Denpasar to deter any illegal operations,” said First Inspector I Gede Adi Saputra Jaya, the Denpasar Police Public Relations Chief. Officers are conducting inspections and increasing patrols around both harbours.
Bali’s strategic upgrades and security measures are set to make the island an appealing destination for cruise travelers in the coming months and years.
