BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Brunei Darussalam recorded a significant milestone in its cruise tourism sector with the consecutive arrivals of two major international cruise vessels at the Muara Cruise Ship Centre recently.
The Norwegian Sun arrived on Dec 13, bringing approximately 1,902 passengers and 910 crew members. This was followed by the arrival of the Costa Serena on Dec 14, carrying around 2,741 passengers and 1,042 crew members.
The back-to-back port calls marked one of the largest combined cruise movements in Brunei Darussalam’s history, highlighting the growing appeal of the country as a regional cruise destination.
The arrival of the cruise ship passengers was warmly welcomed with traditional Hadrah performances and cultural showcases, creating a festive atmosphere that reflected Brunei Darussalam’s hospitality and rich heritage.
Visitors were also greeted at the Muara Cruise Ship Centre with displays of locally made handicrafts, woven products, traditional textiles, and Bruneian delicacies, providing meaningful opportunities for local artisans and small businesses to engage directly with international visitors. During the brief stay in the country, passengers participated in a curated shore excursions to Brunei’s key attractions, such as Kampong Ayer, the Royal Regalia Museum, Istana Nurul Iman, and scenic river cruises.
Many visitors also experienced Brunei’s natural offerings through mangrove and river ecotours, where they observed sightings of proboscis monkeys, while learning about Brunei’s environmental conservation efforts.
Feedback from visitors was overwhelmingly positive, with many passengers praising Brunei’s peaceful atmosphere, cleanliness, safety, and warm hospitality. Passenger and first-time visitor from New York City, Denise Smith, described Brunei as “very clean, very quiet and very rich”, adding that she felt safe throughout her visit and would “definitely come again”.
Another first-time visitor, Leonard Sasin from California, who travelled with his wife Ruth, shared that they “loved it” and highly recommended the destination after enjoying a customised tour to Istana Nurul Iman, museums and mosques.
He also expressed interest in returning to experience Brunei’s golf offerings, reflecting the destination’s appeal to a wide range of cruise travellers. The maiden arrival of the Norwegian Sun and the return visit of the Costa Serena further reinforce Brunei Darussalam’s growing reputation as an emerging cruise destination in Southeast Asia.
Earlier in November, Brunei also welcomed the second visit of the Blue Dream Melody, carrying 1,154 passengers and 346 crew members.
With 14 cruise ships arrivals recorded so far in 2025, the Sultanate continues to strengthen its appeal for international cruise tourism and is set to conclude the year’s cruise calendar with the arrival of the Coral Geographer on Dec 28. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
