Bali‘s cruise industry will receive a boost this year, as 60 ships call at the island’s main port, Benoa, over the next 12 months.
The port’s authorities were reported saying that the 2015 total will continue the growth experienced in previous years. In 2014, Benoa welcomed 49 cruise ships, up from 41 in 2013.
“We have seen a continuous increase in the number of cruise ship visits since 2009. This year, 60 cruise ships have confirmed they will call on the port,” Ali Sodikin, general manager of seaport operator Pelindo III for Benoa port, was quoted saying by the Jakarta Post.
Princess Cruises‘ Sapphire Princess was the first ship to dock in Bali this year, bringing approximately 2,600 passengers to the island on 1 January 2015. Since then, five other ships have docked in Benoa with a total of 7,000 passengers.
“Hopefully, it’s a good sign for cruise tourism in Bali this year,” Ali added.
Benoa is also planning to upgrade its port facilities this year, with the lengthening of one of its two piers. The eastern pier will be extended from 205 metres to 250 metres, to complement the existing 300-metre-long southern pier.
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