Cruise Boom Set to Bring 25,000 Tourists to Sihanoukville

[geovalin]

cruisedig

 

 

Cambodia’s coastal city of Sihanoukville is preparing for a surge in international visitors as 22 cruise ships are scheduled to dock at its port throughout 2026, marking a significant uptick in the country’s maritime tourism.

 

According to data from Cruisedig.com, nearly 25,000 cruise passengers are expected to arrive next year—more than doubling the 2024 figure of 12,000 and comfortably surpassing the 15,000 projected for 2025. The influx signals growing interest in Cambodia’s coastal and river-based travel experiences, with Sihanoukville emerging as a key gateway.

 

The first liner to arrive will be the Bermudan-flagged Oceania Sirena, docking on New Year’s Day with over 800 passengers. February will see the arrival of the Italian Costa Serena, carrying 3,617 tourists, followed by Dutch and Norwegian vessels with over 2,000 passengers each. The smallest ship, Star Seeker from the Bahamas, will bring 224 visitors.

 

January is set to be the busiest month, with six cruise arrivals, followed by December and February. No sea cruise traffic is expected between May and September, reflecting seasonal patterns in regional itineraries.

 

Beyond ocean liners, Cambodia’s river cruise sector is also gaining traction. Routes along the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Sangker rivers offer travellers immersive experiences, from floating villages to lush landscapes. Virginie Kury, Managing Director of Asian Trails Cambodia, described cruise tourism as “a unique way of discovering a destination,” highlighting its appeal to both adventure seekers and comfort-focused travellers.

 

“Cruising allows visitors to engage with Cambodia beyond the usual tourist routes,” she said, adding that the country’s growing connection with Vietnam enhances its appeal for multi-country itineraries.

 

With high-quality vessels increasingly including Cambodian ports in their schedules, the cruise sector is poised for steady growth. As Sihanoukville welcomes more ships, Cambodia’s tourism industry may find itself riding a new wave of opportunity—one that flows not just from the sea, but along its storied rivers.

 

-2025-08-20