The Norwegian Spirit cruise ship; and tourists from the cruise ship during their visit. - Photo: Borneo Bulletin/ANN
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/ANN): Throughout 2024, the Sultanate welcomed 11 cruise ships, bringing a total of 17,860 international visitors via sea travel. This marked a steady performance compared to the previous year’s 15,379 arrivals.
The Norwegian Spirit made its maiden call to Brunei yesterday, arriving from Kota Kinabalu with 2,092 passengers and 906 crew members on board, before continuing its journey to Phu My, Vietnam.
This visit represented the 11th and final international cruise ship arrival for the year, reinforcing Brunei’s growing recognition as an emerging cruise destination.
Passengers disembarking from the ship were greeted with a traditional hadrah performance, providing a warm and culturally immersive welcome. During their visit, they explored iconic landmarks, including Istana Nurul Iman, Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque, and Kampong Ayer.
At the Cruise Ship Centre, visitors sampled local delicacies, enjoyed traditional beverages, and browsed authentic Bruneian souvenirs, leaving with a memorable impression of the Sultanate’s rich heritage.
Several passengers praised Brunei’s cultural richness, pristine landscapes, and the warmth of its people. One traveller from Puerto Rico described Brunei as a delightful destination, enriched by the guidance of knowledgeable and courteous tour guides.
Meanwhile, Alice and Patrick from Hong Kong highlighted their excitement about visiting the water village, spotting proboscis monkeys, and enjoying a warm visit to a local water village home with tea and cake, which they described as unforgettable.
The consistent arrival of international cruise ships in 2024 underscores Brunei’s growing appeal among cruise travellers. Looking ahead, the Tourism Development Department anticipates welcoming another 11 cruise ships in 2025, with the first, Norwegian Sky, scheduled to make its maiden call on January 13. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
