Norway’s Viking Venus Docks in Sihanoukville with 900 Tourists, Signaling Maritime Surge

Sihanoukville: The Norwegian-flagged cruise ship Viking Venus docked at the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port on Friday, bringing nearly 900 international tourists to Cambodia for a scheduled two-day visit. According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Sihanoukville International Port Immigration officials reported that the vessel-measuring 228.30 metres in length and 28.80 metres in width-carries 861 passengers representing 15 nationalities, along with 470 crew members from 42 different countries. Among the passengers, U.S. nationals constitute the largest demographic, totaling 712 individuals. The Viking Venus arrived from Thailand at noon on Friday and is slated to depart for Vietnam at 8:00 PM on April 11. While the majority of travellers planned to explore local sites, 18 passengers departed for a specialised excursion to the Angkor temple complex in Siem Reap province. Local immigration authorities emphasised that streamlined processing procedures have been implemented to ensure a seamless experience for visitor s, aiming to bolster international confidence in Cambodia as a premier maritime destination. The arrival marks a continued trend of international cruise dockings in early 2026, signaling a robust recovery in sea-based tourism from Europe and North America to Southeast Asia. The Royal Government of Cambodia continues to prioritise the tourism sector-often referred to as "Green Gold"-as a vital pillar for national economic growth and local livelihood development. During their stay in Sihanoukville, tourists are expected to visit prominent landmarks including the Tumnup Rolok fishing village, local markets, coastal beaches, and various cultural sites and pagodas across the province.