BENOA, Bali – The new year arrived in Bali not just with fireworks, but with the colossal silhouette of a major international cruise ship. The MV Ovation of the Seas, one of the world’s largest cruise vessels, made its inaugural 2026 call at Benoa Port on Thursday morning, January 1, delivering a powerful signal of confidence in Bali’s post-pandemic tourism recovery.
The Bahamas-flagged leviathan, measuring 348 meters in length with a gross tonnage of 168,666 GT, arrived at 6:00 AM local time from Celukan Bawang Port. It carried 3,431 international tourists and 1,542 crew members, marking the first international cruise arrival of the year and setting a significant tone for the island’s 2026 maritime tourism prospects.
“Pelindo is committed to ensuring cruise ship services at Benoa Port run optimally with international standards, prioritizing the safety, security, and comfort of passengers,” stated Agung Mataram, General Manager of Benoa Port, following the smooth docking operation.
The vessel’s arrival is a logistical feat, managed through coordinated pilotage, berthing services, and multi-agency support. All passenger movements were facilitated through the port’s International Passenger Terminal, equipped with waiting lounges, prayer rooms, clinics, currency exchange, and enhanced security screening.
Following a day of onshore excursions across Bali, the Ovation of the Seas is scheduled to depart at 11:00 PM for Gili Mas Port in Lombok.
The visit builds on a resurgent 2025, which saw Benoa Port welcome over 140,000 cruise passengers from 65 ship calls. Port authorities now target a roughly 5 percent increase in cruise calls for 2026, leveraging strengthened infrastructure and operational protocols.
For Bali’s economy and its large community of tourism-dependent businesses, the sight of such a mega-ship represents more than a one-day influx. It underscores Bali’s regained status as a must-visit hub on major Asia-Pacific cruise itineraries and highlights the strategic importance of Benoa Port’s ongoing upgrades to handle global maritime tourism traffic.
As the island balances its cultural integrity with modern tourism demands, the successful handling of these floating cities will be a critical test of its sustainable tourism ambitions for the year ahead.
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