Sihanoukville:A Norwegian-flagged cruise ship, Viking Ocean, carrying nearly 900 international tourists, arrived at the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port for a two-day visit to Cambodia. The vessel docked on Tuesday morning, having traveled from Vietnam, and is scheduled to depart for Thailand at 200 p.m. on Nov. 11.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the 228.3-metre-long ship brought 888 passengers from 14 different nationalities and 465 crew members representing 34 nationalities. Among the passengers, the majority, totaling 736, are from the United States.

During their stay, two passengers traveled to the Angkor temple complex in Siem Reap province, while 18 passengers joined the ship from Siem Reap to continue their journey. The rest of the tourists explored attractions around Sihanoukville, including the Tumnup Rolok fishing village, local markets, cultural temples, and coastal beaches.

Port authorities stated that the ship's arrival marks a transition into the peak dry season, during which a steady influx of international tourists, particularly from Western countries, is anticipated. Tourism plays a crucial role in Cambodia's national economic growth, with the government prioritizing sustainable eco-tourism as a primary economic driver for local communities.