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Benoa Port Makes History with Anthem of the Seas, Largest Ship to Dock in Bali

• 28 Februari 2025
• Insight
• Denpasar

DENPASAR, NETIZENBALI.COM - PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo) Regional 3, Benoa Port Branch, has once again made history. Following the successful docking of three cruise ships simultaneously last week, Benoa Port has now welcomed and docked one of the largest ships ever to visit Indonesia: Anthem of the Seas. This achievement marks a significant step towards transforming Benoa Port into an International Home Port for cruise ships.

The colossal Anthem of the Seas, owned by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, successfully docked at Benoa Port, Denpasar, Bali, on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 06:00 WITA (local time). The docking process for this giant vessel, with a length overall (LOA) of 347 meters and accommodating approximately 4,279 passengers and 1,550 crew members, was facilitated by Pelindo's guidance and towing services using two of their tugboats.

Pelindo's Director of Strategy, Prasetyo, stated that the docking process went smoothly. "We are proud to serve Anthem of the Seas, the largest ship ever to visit Indonesia. This is special because it marks Benoa Port's readiness to become an International Home Port for cruises. This achievement is the result of the hard work of our team and the support of all parties, including KSOP, Customs, Quarantine, Immigration, local government, and travel agents," said Prasetyo.

On land, Pelindo had prepared passenger embarkation and disembarkation routes and provided modern mobile gangways to facilitate passenger access to and from the ship.

The ceremonial welcome event for Anthem of the Seas was attended by several key figures, including Deputy Minister of Transportation Suntana, Bali Governor I Wayan Koster, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President Syska Hutagalung, Pelindo Commissioner Jodi Mahardika, and Captain Toni Kristian of Anthem of the Seas. Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa praised Pelindo for their success in managing the cruise docking process. "We greatly appreciate Pelindo's success in bringing in jumbo-sized cruise ships. With more than 5,000 passengers, this will significantly impact the economy, especially in Bali," stated Deputy Minister Puspa.

Captain Toni Kristian of Anthem of the Seas also expressed high appreciation for Benoa Port's warm welcome and excellent facilities and services during the ship's first docking. "We are very impressed with the extraordinary welcome. Benoa Port's facilities and services are professional, especially the assigned pilots. We support Benoa Port's plan to become a home port soon," said Captain Toni Kristian.

Previously, Benoa Port had existing facilities with a 500-meter dock and a channel and basin depth of -12 LWS, deemed capable of serving jumbo ships. In 2024, Benoa Port successfully served 59 ship visits, with the number predicted to increase to 77 ship visits in 2025.

The Ovation of the Seas will also dock in Bali in April 2025, further expanding Royal Caribbean’s regional presence. (NB)