BADUNG, DEWATA.NEWS – Bali welcomed its first international cruise ship arrival of 2026 as MV Ovation of the Seas docked at Benoa Port on Thursday morning, January 1, 2026, at 06:00 WITA.
The Bahamas-flagged cruise liner carried 3,431 passengers and 1,542 crew members, marking the opening of Bali’s cruise tourism activity for the new year. Measuring 348 meters in length with a gross tonnage of 168,666 GT, Ovation of the Seas is among the largest cruise ships to have berthed at Benoa.
The vessel arrived from Celukan Bawang Port in North Bali and was scheduled to depart Benoa at 23:00 WITA the same day, continuing its voyage to Gili Mas Port after completing its shore excursion program in Bali.
General Manager of Benoa Port, Agung Mataram, said the docking process ran smoothly with support from vessel pilotage and tug services provided by Pelindo, alongside coordination with relevant authorities. He emphasized that safety and security were prioritized throughout the berthing process and passenger movements.
“Pelindo is committed to ensuring cruise ship services at Benoa Port meet international standards, with safety, security, and passenger comfort as top priorities,” Agung said on Thursday.
During the ship’s stay, embarkation and debarkation activities were handled through the International Passenger Terminal, which is equipped with waiting lounges, prayer rooms, lactation rooms, a clinic, money changer, MSME area, X-ray and walk-through metal detector systems, toilets, parking facilities, and both mobile and manual gangway systems.
Throughout 2025, Benoa Port recorded more than 140,000 cruise passengers from 65 ship calls. Building on this positive trend, Pelindo is targeting an increase of around five percent in cruise ship visits in 2026, supported by ongoing infrastructure upgrades and operational improvements.
According to Pelindo, the arrival of Ovation of the Seas reflects growing confidence among international cruise operators in Benoa Port’s readiness and service quality. The company reiterated its commitment to enhancing port services and strengthening collaboration with stakeholders to position Benoa as a strategic hub for Indonesia’s maritime tourism.
“With support from all parties, we aim to ensure Benoa Port becomes increasingly reliable, well-integrated, and globally competitive,” Agung concluded.