In a milestone for Brunei Darussalam’s growing tourism sector, the luxury cruise ship, Norwegian Sky, returned to the Sultanate for the third time, bringing 1,899 passengers and 862 crew members for a brief but memorable visit before continuing its voyage to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
During their short stay, passengers explored Brunei’s iconic landmarks, such as the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Istana Nurul Iman, Kampong Ayer, the Royal Regalia Museum and more.
The shore excursions were specially tailored to provide a deeper understanding of Brunei Darussalam’s unique heritage and unspoiled natural environment.
According to the Tourism Development Department, several passengers shared their feedback on their short stay. Maureen Harcourt from the United Kingdom described Brunei as beautiful, highlighting the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque as her favourite destination, along with Kampong Ayer and Tasek Lama Recreational Park, where she enjoyed seeing wildlife such as monkeys. James Fisher from New Zealand praised Brunei’s cleanliness and also enjoyed spotting monkeys and crocodiles during water village and mangrove tours.
Clara Lin from the United States was captivated by the historical and cultural landmarks of the water village, the Brunei Arts and Handicraft Training Centre and Istana Nurul Iman.
She added that her visit to Brunei was inspired by last year’s royal wedding broadcast, where she hoped to catch a glimpse of the royal family to make her visit even more unforgettable.
With Norwegian Sky concluding its final visit to Brunei Darussalam this year, the Sultanate has once again demonstrated its growing appeal as an emerging cruise destination.
This visit marks the fourth cruise ship arrival since January.
The Tourism Development Department said it remains committed to positioning Brunei Darussalam as a leading cruise destination by creating distinctive experiences that attract cruise lines and encourage repeat visits from international passengers.
Following Norwegian Sky’s visit, the MS Riviera is scheduled to arrive on February 26, further solidifying Brunei’s rising prominence on the global cruise scene. – James Kon
