In brief
Brunei announced a goal of ten new international cruise ship calls by 2026, aiming to enhance tourism development and boost local economies. The plan follows the recent arrival of MV Dream and aligns with preparations for Visit Brunei Year 2027. According to the Tourism Development Department, the initiative will strengthen the nation’s regional cruise market presence.
On November 4, 2026, the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei reported that its Tourism Development Department had announced a target of ten additional international cruise ship calls before the end of 2026. The statement was issued to the media in a brief press release and was subsequently covered by Xinhua.
Earlier this month, Brunei’s coast welcomed the cruise vessel MV Dream, a move that the department described as a catalyst for further growth. It says that the arrival of the MV Dream signals a rising interest from the global cruise industry and offers a practical demonstration of the country’s readiness to accommodate such operations.
“Brunei is anticipating 10 international cruise ship calls before the end of 2026,” the department said.
The department also noted that it seeks to maximize the potential of cruise tourism to support tourism development and increase local economic participation. “Brunei looks forward to welcoming more international visitors while maximizing the potential of cruise tourism to support tourism development and increase local economic participation,” it added.
“As Brunei prepares for Visit Brunei Year 2027, cruise ship visits present further opportunities to strengthen the country’s position in the regional cruise tourism sector and support efforts to attract more international visitors in the coming year.”
These statements echo the department’s broader ambition to position Brunei as a key destination in the regional cruise market, positioning it alongside well‑known ports such as Singapore, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. The department said the initiative aligns with national tourism strategy and is expected to bring tangible benefits to local communities.
Tourism Development Department officials emphasized that the new cruise calls would spur local businesses, create jobs, and encourage cultural exchanges. They further elaborated that the increase would allow Brunei to showcase its heritage sites, natural coastal attractions, and the modern hospitality infrastructure that has been built in recent years.
International cruise operators, according to the department, will be encouraged to schedule visits that highlight Brunei’s unique cultural experiences, while also offering opportunities for cross‑border collaboration with neighboring maritime nations.
The plan was adopted in the context of Brunei’s preparation for the Visit Brunei Year 2027 campaign, a multi‑year initiative designed to boost visitor numbers and promote the country’s image as a secure, friendly, and culturally rich destination. Xinhua reported that the campaign would incorporate cruise tourism as a core component, reflecting the country’s long‑term willingness to expand maritime tourism offerings.
In summary, the key aspects of Brunei’s cruise‑tourism strategy are: ten new international cruise ship calls by 2026, the recent arrival of MV Dream as a showcase, an emphasis on both tourism development and local economic participation, and a launchpad for the 2027 Visit Brunei Year campaign. These messages were all conveyed by the Tourism Development Department in its official communications. The department’s ambition is to solidify Brunei’s presence in the regional cruise market, foster economic benefits for its citizens, and promote the nation’s cultural and natural attractions to visitors from around the world.
