BULELENG, DEWATA.NEWS – PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo) has officially begun operations of the newly inaugurated Cruise Passenger Shelter at Celukan Bawang Port, marking its first service with the arrival of the luxury cruise ship MV Seven Seas Explorer on Wednesday (Feb 11).
The facility, inaugurated on February 9, 2026, handled its first cruise call when the Regent Seven Seas Cruises vessel docked at Pier II of Celukan Bawang Port in Buleleng Regency.
The ship carried 687 international tourists and 542 crew members. After disembarking, passengers proceeded to various tour destinations across North Bali and surrounding areas. The vessel was scheduled to depart for Singapore at 18:00 WITA the same day.
General Manager of Pelindo Celukan Bawang Branch, Mochammad Imron, said Thursday (Feb 12) that the service of Seven Seas Explorer marked a historic milestone for the port.
“Today’s service for Seven Seas Explorer is a historic moment as it marks the first operation of the Celukan Bawang Cruise Passenger Shelter,” he said.
According to Imron, the new shelter represents a strategic step to improve cruise passenger services in line with international standards, particularly to support the growth of marine tourism in North Bali.
The cruise passenger shelter is designed to ensure smoother and more organized passenger flow from disembarkation to transportation areas. The facility includes shaded and comfortable waiting areas, as well as accessible features for passengers with disabilities to ensure ease of mobility.
The arrival of hundreds of international tourists through cruise visits is expected to generate economic benefits for the surrounding region. Local transportation providers, tour guides, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and tourism site operators are among those benefiting from the increased activity.
In addition to Seven Seas Explorer, Celukan Bawang Port is scheduled to receive several other cruise ships in February 2026, including MV Riviera on February 20, MV Azamara Pursuit on February 21, and MV Celebrity Millennium on February 24.
The series of cruise arrivals further strengthens Celukan Bawang Port’s role as a gateway for marine tourism in North Bali.