(Bandar Seri Begawan, 27th) With the return of two large international cruise liners to Muara Harbour, Brunei's cruise tourism industry continues to make remarkable progress.
On December 13, 2025, the Norwegian Sun cruise liner arrived in Brunei carrying approximately 1,902 passengers and 910 crew members; shortly after, the Costa Serena cruise liner arrived on December 14, 2025, with around 2,741 passengers and 1,042 crew members.
The consecutive arrivals of these two ships mark one of the largest cruise dockings in Brunei's history.
The cruise passengers received a warm welcome, enjoying traditional Malay dance performances and cultural shows that created a festive atmosphere and fully showcased Brunei’s hospitality and rich cultural heritage.
The Muara Cruise Centre also hosted exhibitions of local handicrafts, woven goods, traditional textiles, and specialty foods, providing local artists and small businesses with a valuable opportunity for direct interaction with international visitors.
Tourists had the chance to explore the country's famous landmarks, including the Royal Regalia Museum, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque, Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, and Istana Nurul Iman, as well as picturesque water village tours.
Denise Smith, a visitor from New York, described Brunei as “very clean, very quiet, very prosperous,” adding that she felt safe throughout her stay.
Leonard Sassin and his wife Ruth from California were visiting Brunei for the first time. He shared an enjoyable experience and recommended the destination following his visit. He also expressed interest in returning to experience the country’s golf courses.
The Norwegian Sun’s inaugural visit and the Costa Serena’s return further consolidate the Bay of Brunei as an emerging cruise destination in Southeast Asia.
Earlier in November, Brunei also welcomed the Blue Dream Melody cruise liner for its second visit, carrying 1,154 passengers and 346 crew members.
So far, 14 cruises have visited the country in 2025. Brunei's appeal in the international cruise tourism sector continues to grow, and it is expected that the arrival of the Coral Geographer on December 28, 2025, will bring this year’s cruise season to a close.
On December 13, 2025, the Norwegian Sun cruise liner arrived in Brunei carrying approximately 1,902 passengers and 910 crew members; shortly after, the Costa Serena cruise liner arrived on December 14, 2025, with around 2,741 passengers and 1,042 crew members.
The consecutive arrivals of these two ships mark one of the largest cruise dockings in Brunei's history.
The cruise passengers received a warm welcome, enjoying traditional Malay dance performances and cultural shows that created a festive atmosphere and fully showcased Brunei’s hospitality and rich cultural heritage.
The Muara Cruise Centre also hosted exhibitions of local handicrafts, woven goods, traditional textiles, and specialty foods, providing local artists and small businesses with a valuable opportunity for direct interaction with international visitors.
Denise Smith, a visitor from New York, described Brunei as “very clean, very quiet, very prosperous,” adding that she felt safe throughout her stay.
Leonard Sassin and his wife Ruth from California were visiting Brunei for the first time. He shared an enjoyable experience and recommended the destination following his visit. He also expressed interest in returning to experience the country’s golf courses.
The Norwegian Sun’s inaugural visit and the Costa Serena’s return further consolidate the Bay of Brunei as an emerging cruise destination in Southeast Asia.
Earlier in November, Brunei also welcomed the Blue Dream Melody cruise liner for its second visit, carrying 1,154 passengers and 346 crew members.
So far, 14 cruises have visited the country in 2025. Brunei's appeal in the international cruise tourism sector continues to grow, and it is expected that the arrival of the Coral Geographer on December 28, 2025, will bring this year’s cruise season to a close.