Princess Cruises Expands with New Southeast Asia Routes Including their Direct Services from Singapore, Boosting Cruise Tourism and Economic Growth in Regional Destinations

Published on December 19, 2025

Princess Cruises has strengthened its cruise product line related to Southeast Asia as the Diamond Princess will kick-start its homeporting season in the city-state of Singapore on 7 December 2025. Initially, the ship has kicked off its homeporting season with a 16-day Scenic Cruise, exploring the biggest ports such as Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Penang, Phuket, and Nha Trang. By such expansion, Princess Cruises further asserts its presence in the Asia market by catering to holidaymakers and business people alike, further enhancing the status of the city-state of Singapore as a major cruise hub.

Its route also encompasses two days in the increasingly popular eco-destination and cultural tourism destination of Halong Bay in Vietnam, as well as the visit to Sihanoukville in Cambodia where passengers can see the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Angkor Wat.

Future Cruise Tourism Growth: Boosting Regional Destinations

The growing number of cruise departures from Singapore will contribute significantly to the future growth of cruise tourism across Southeast Asia. With Princess Cruises expanding its seasonal offerings, including voyages during Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year, and Valentine’s Day, more international travelers will have access to the region’s dynamic cultural and natural attractions.

As regional connectivity improves with direct flights and homeporting services, Southeast Asia is poised to become an even more important cruise tourism destination, attracting a global audience and boosting tourism in countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Malaysia. This growth will benefit local tourism-related industries, such as hospitality, transportation, and tour services, contributing to a more diverse and resilient economy in the region.

Long-Term Impact: Expanding Cruise Tourism Infrastructure in Southeast Asia

The rise in cruise tourism is expected to drive significant investments in port facilities and tourism infrastructure across Southeast Asia. The increase in passenger traffic brought about by Princess Cruises’ expanded presence will likely spur more development in cruise ports such as Halong Bay, Sihanoukville, and Phuket. This development will include expanding dockside facilities, improving tourist amenities, and ensuring efficient logistical operations for cruise ships of varying sizes.

In addition to infrastructure improvements, this expansion will also lead to collaborations between local governments, port authorities, and private companies to foster sustainable tourism and eco-friendly practices in popular destinations. Southeast Asia will thus continue to thrive as a leading global cruise hub, with Princess Cruises leading the charge for future cruise tourism growth.

Southeast Asia: A Growing Cruise Hub for the Future

As Princess Cruises increases its presence in Southeast Asia, the region is expected to see a steady rise in cruise arrivals. The launch of new itineraries and the introduction of Royal Princess to Southeast Asia in 2026 further strengthens the region’s cruise offerings. The Royal Princess, set to sail from Singapore for the first time on 16 October 2026, will mark another significant step in Princess Cruises’ strategic expansion in the region.

By continuing to develop new routes and expand its offerings, Princess Cruises will position Southeast Asia as a key global cruise destination, catering to both luxury travelers and those seeking authentic regional experiences. The future growth of the region as a major cruise hub will benefit local economies, foster tourism development, and support cultural exchange across the Pacific and Indian Ocean regions.

Future of Cruise Tourism: Expanding Southeast Asia’s Global Appeal

The expansion of cruise tourism in Southeast Asia through initiatives like Princess Cruises’ new routes will play a major role in the region’s long-term growth. As Southeast Asia’s cruise market continues to evolve, the demand for luxury cruises, cultural exploration, and eco-tourism will continue to rise. Princess Cruises’ offerings of longer, immersive itineraries and the introduction of new ships will meet the needs of modern travelers, encouraging them to explore Southeast Asia’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

With increased tourism flows, Southeast Asia will benefit from job creation, business opportunities, and infrastructure development. By investing in sustainable tourism practices, the region will secure its future as one of the top cruise destinations, attracting international tourists while maintaining environmental responsibility.

Princess Cruises Role in Shaping Southeast Asia’s Cruise Tourism Future

The future growth of cruise tourism in Southeast Asia can be attributed largely to the expansion plans of Princess Cruises within this region. As a major player that focuses on luxury, connectivity, and sustainability, Princess cruises is setting the tone for tourism growth in Southeast Asia.

With the rising demand for luxury and culture tourism across the globe, the availability of cruise routes to places such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Malaysia will offer a great opportunity for tourists to visit these places. The future for cruise tourism looks promising with Princess Cruises at the forefront of ensuring that there is growth in tourism and sustainable practices are adopted to ensure a bright future for cruise tourism as a major hub globally.