Indonesia Joins India, Thailand, and Vietnam for New Cruise Routes – What You Need to Know

Southeast Asia has long been a sought-after destination for cruise tourism, with its beautiful landscapes, vibrant cultures, and growing infrastructure attracting millions of travelers each year. In 2025 and beyond, several countries in the region are launching new cruise routes, enhancing connectivity, boosting tourism, and offering travelers even more opportunities to explore the stunning coastlines and rich cultures of this diverse region. This article takes a closer look at the new cruise routesstarting in key Southeast Asian countries, shedding light on their potential to transform the region’s tourism industry.

Indonesia: Bali as a Hub for Cruise Tourism

One of the most exciting developments in Southeast Asia’s cruise tourism landscape is the expansion of routes in Indonesia. Indonesia, with its vast archipelago and tropical allure, has always been a popular destination for cruises. However, in 2025, the country is significantly expanding its cruise offerings, particularly through Bali, one of its most renowned travel destinations.

The new routes departing from Denpasar, Bali, will connect travelers to over 130 destinations across Asia. This initiative is part of an effort to increase the availability of cruise ship departures from the island, with over 74,000 seats planned to be made available annually. Bali’s Denpasar Port is set to become a hub for international cruise ships, providing a seamless gateway to Southeast Asia and beyond. As the demand for cruise travel grows, Bali’s central location makes it an ideal starting point for a range of itineraries, from Indonesia’s neighboring countries to far-flung destinations in Australia and the Pacific Islands.

Bali’s inclusion in these new cruise routes reflects Indonesia’s growing appeal as a cruise destination and a part of the regional effort to bolster tourism across the ASEAN region. With its world-famous beaches, vibrant culture, and lush landscapes, Bali continues to be a major attraction for travelers looking to explore Southeast Asia by sea. This is just the beginning, as Bali is poised to increase its capacity to welcome even more cruise ships in the coming years.

India: Vizhinjam Seaport and New Cruise Opportunities

While India isn’t traditionally considered a major cruise destination, its cruise tourism sector is rapidly expanding. In 2025, the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram will be inaugurated, marking a significant milestone for India’s cruise industry. Located in Kerala, a region known for its scenic beauty and cultural heritage, the Vizhinjam Seaport is set to be one of the most advanced cruise ports in the region.

The Vizhinjam International Seaport is being built with modern amenities and deep-water capabilities to accommodate large cruise ships. This new port will not only boost India’scruise tourism but also create new routes connecting India to key destinations in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and East Africa. It will make Thiruvananthapuram an essential hub for cruises, offering travelers from India and abroad easier access to some of the world’s most exciting cruise itineraries.

The project’s completion will undoubtedly open up a wealth of new cruise routes for travelers, making India a more prominent player in the growing cruise tourism market. Travelers will be able to embark on cruises directly from India, enjoying luxurious amenities and exploring the Indian Ocean’s stunning coastlines, while also connecting to nearby countries in Southeast Asia and beyond.

Thailand: Phuket and New Direct Flight Connections

Thailand has long been a staple of Southeast Asia’s cruise tourism, thanks to its beautiful islands and stunning coastline. In 2025, Thailand is taking things a step further by launching new cruise routes with increased connectivity. Phuket, one of Thailand’s most famous islands, will see a significant increase in international arrivals, with new direct flights from Mumbai to Phuket launched by Akasa Air in September 2025. This flight connection will make it easier for travelers from India and surrounding regions to access Thailand’s incredible beaches and islands, and potentially embark on new cruise routes that explore Thailand’s diverse coastline and nearby islands.

Thailand’s primary cruise ports, including Phuket and Bangkok, have always been well-connected to regional and international cruise lines. These new air connections to Phuketwill significantly enhance the accessibility of cruises to the island, making it easier for international travelers to combine both land and sea experiences. From Phuket, passengers will be able to explore nearby destinations in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

As Thailand continues to develop its cruise tourism infrastructure, the new air routes and cruise itineraries will likely provide a seamless travel experience, offering visitors the chance to enjoy world-class cruises in Southeast Asia while experiencing the cultural and natural beauty of Thailand.

Vietnam: Expanding River Cruise Routes

Vietnam is another Southeast Asian country that is gaining attention in the cruise tourism sector. While much of the focus in Vietnam has traditionally been on halong bay cruises, the country is now expanding its offerings to include Mekong River cruises, providing travelers with immersive experiences that explore the scenic beauty and cultural heritage of southern Vietnam.

The new Mekong River cruises will offer passengers the chance to explore Vietnam’s lush landscapes, charming villages, and rich cultural sites from a unique perspective. These cruises will connect Vietnam with neighboring countries like Cambodia and Thailand, making it easier for travelers to explore the heart of the Mekong Delta and surrounding regions. The expansion of these river routes is expected to draw more tourists to Vietnam, enhancing the country’s appeal as a river cruise destination.

As Vietnam continues to enhance its cruise tourism infrastructure, the growing number of Mekong River cruise routes will offer both international and local travelers an unforgettable way to explore the Southeast Asia region.

Conclusion

As Southeast Asia continues to emerge as a key destination for cruise tourism, these new cruise routes starting in Indonesia, India, Thailand, and Vietnam mark the beginning of a new era for regional travel. With improved infrastructure, new air and sea connections, and an ever-expanding variety of itineraries, Southeast Asia is becoming a must-visit destination for cruise enthusiasts. Whether it’s Indonesia’s Bali, India’s Vizhinjam, Thailand’s Phuket, or Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, travelers now have more options than ever to explore the beauty and culture of this diverse region by sea. These developments not only bolster the regional economy but also provide tourists with exciting new ways to experience the heart of Southeast Asia.

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