Cruise Tourism Now Surge in Cambodia: Sihanoukville Welcomes Thousands of Global Travelers”

Published on November 28, 2025

Cambodia has received a positive force for the cruise tourism due to the arrival of two foreign cruise ships, Westerdam and Norwegian, at the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port within Preah Sihanouk Province. Approximately 4000 international passengers were able to get off for the first time, representing a positive increase to the area’s blooming cruise and maritime tourism.

From Sihanoukville’s port, passengers of different backgrounds and countries can travel and take advantage of the port’s facilities. Sihanoukville has the greatest potential to become a tourism hub in Cambodia, and the port’s positive outlook for the arrival of international cruise ships stabilizes Sihanoukville’s promises to become a great tourism center and a positive player in the maritime sector.

Sihanoukville has played a Significant Role as a Maritime Hub in Cambodia

Not only has Sihanoukville been known as the only coastal city in Cambodia, but it has also built a reputation for being one of the most important cruise port destinations in Southeast Asia for its competitive pricing and modern facilities. Sihanoukville is perfectly situated for cruise ships, as it is located close to the other cruise port destinations in the region, like Thailand and Vietnam.

The recent arrival of the cruise ships Westerdam and Norwegian at the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port represent the potential increased prominence of Sihanoukville Port for international cruise lines. Sihanoukville, of interest from budget and luxury cruise lines alike, can accommodate large passenger ships and is receiving substantial investments to infrastructure that is likely to enhance its appeal.

Sihanoukville now offers international cruise passengers the opportunity to see and experience more of Cambodia’s varied geography and attractions. The beaches on Koh Rong and the region’s temples offer a great deal for tourists to do, gaining the attention of those seeking to relax and culturally immerse themselves.

The Expansion of Cruise Tourism in Cambodia

Cambodia cruise tourism has seen international interest, and the rapid expansion of the cruise tourism sector has made it a focus for the government. As part of a diversified economic strategy aimed at Sihanoukville, the Cambodian government has made extensive investments in the cruise tourism sector and surrounding infrastructure. It is anticipated that cruise tourism will have a dominant economic impact on local economies.

Cruise tourism is considered by the country’s development team as part of the strategy that includes cultivating eco, cultural, and heritage tourism in the country. Given the coastal assets and cultural sites such as Koh Ker and Preah Vihear, Sihanoukville offers considerable historical and natural combination that is extraordinary. For this reason, it is attractive to tourists in Cambodia.

The reception of two big ships on the same day illustrates the demand and increasing popularity of Sihanoukville as part of the tourism strategy. Moreover, the arrival of about 4,000 international tourists illustrates the popularity of Cambodia as one of the countries that offers maritime routes in the region.

Impact on Local Tourism and Economy

The arrival of almost 4,000 tourists in Sihanoukville is going to greatly impact the local economy, especially in the hospitality, transport, and retail. Sihanoukville is going to see an advance in sales in petty business sectors for cruise tourists are going to shop in the vicinity. The local restaurants and hotels and also souvenir shops are going to receive an increase in sales as the cruise tourists are going to visit Sihanoukville.

As more people are looking for guided day tours, beach activities, and local cuisine, Sihanoukville’s tourism sector is taking advantage of the rising number of cruise ship visits. Furthermore, soaring tourism is also creating employment opportunities for the local population, with more demand for guides, tours, and transport services.

Optimism expressed by local administrators regarding the growing cruise tourism industry is well-founded. Such Overt tourism is symptomatic of the more extensive optimistic pulse of the tourism sector in Cambodia. The influx of international tourists enhances the prestige of Sihanoukville and Cambodia in International tourism and invites further global interest in the years to come.

The Expansion of Southeast Asia’s Cruise Ship Routes

Cambodia’s stake in the growing cruise tourism market of Southeast Asia is expected to continue. Sihanoukville’s growing status as a cruise port success story in the region confirms that Cambodia is likely to attract cruise industry players.

All over the globe, cruise lines have begun including Cambodia on their list of potential stopping points on trips. Because of the infrastructure development and influx of potential travelers, higher demand on these cruises is likely. With beautiful coastal cities, varied tourism potential, and a rich culture, Cambodia is destined to be a major player on the tourism front of cruising Southeast Asia.

Forecasts for cruise-related activities centered on Cambodia continue to be positive. The country is committed to almost singularly focused efforts on the construction of cruise-related infrastructure and on the provision and promotion of tourism service activities for cruise travelers, including, as a primary strategy, the spawning of economic tourism-related activities. Marketing focus will include the construction of economic partnerships with foreign cruise lines. On the tourism-related front, the Cambodian government is focused on attracting cruise-based tourism, including both high-end and standard cruise tourism.

As expected, Sihanoukville will continue to be the “Ports of Call” primary docking site. The Port of Sihanoukville will be enhanced to allow for greater numbers of tourism-related passengers and for the docking of larger cruise-related vessels. With the enhanced tourism development and infrastructure provided, culturally and historically Sihanoukville will attract the international traveler and the cruise tourism-related traveler seeking to culturally and historically enrich their Southeast Asia travel experience.

Conclusion

Almost four thousand international travelers on board the Westerdam and the Norwegian Cruise Lines represents yet another achievement for the Cambodian cruise tourism. Sihanoukville is enhancing its position as one of Southeast Asia’s foremost maritime cities and, as a result, the overall tourism in the area will improve. Cambodia’s cruise tourism is in the position to expand and succeed for many years to come with the active development of infrastructure, increased cruise itineraries, and the offering of varied tourism services.