Cruise ship surge brings 4,000 tourists to Sihanoukville

AKP

Cambodia’s cruise tourism industry received a major lift this week as two international liners docked in Sihanoukville, delivering nearly 4,000 visitors in a single day. The simultaneous arrival of the Westerdam and the Norwegian was hailed by officials as proof of the port city’s growing status as a regional maritime hub.

Immigration Police confirmed that the disembarkation of passengers from both ships was handled smoothly, with safety and security protocols strictly observed. The Dutch-flagged Westerdam, arriving from Thailand, carried 1,896 passengers of 42 nationalities, supported by 800 crew. The largest groups were from the United States and Australia. Later in the day, the Bahamian-registered Norwegian arrived from China with 1,877 passengers representing 52 nationalities, alongside 864 crew.

Once ashore, tourists dispersed across Preah Sihanouk province to explore beaches, markets and cultural attractions. In a sign of Cambodia’s wider appeal, five passengers chose to skip their ships’ onward journeys, travelling instead to Siem Reap to visit Angkor Wat.

Local authorities staged a formal welcome, deploying staff and security forces to ensure order and a positive experience for guests. Officials said the successful handling of such large numbers underlined the port’s readiness to accommodate further growth in cruise tourism.

The Westerdam is scheduled to depart for Vietnam later the same evening, while the Norwegian will sail for Thailand on 27 November. For Cambodia, the influx of visitors represents not only a boost to the local economy but also a clear signal that Sihanoukville is positioning itself as a key gateway for international travellers.

With global cruise travel rebounding, Thursday’s arrivals highlight the sector’s potential to become a cornerstone of Cambodia’s tourism strategy, linking its coastal attractions with the country’s cultural treasures inland.

-2025-11-28