Luxury Cruise Ship Docks in Sihanoukville, Welcoming Over 200 International Tourists

More than 200 international tourists arrived in Cambodia on Friday aboard a luxury cruise ship that docked at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, local immigration officials said. The Bahamas-flagged cruise vessel Odyssey carrying 236 passengers of 17 nationalities – including 135 women – and 166 crew members from 20 countries safely docked at 8:30 a.m. Local officials from the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Administration warmly welcomed the passengers upon arrival. According to immigration officials at the port, the ship will make a five-day stopover in Cambodia from Sept. 25 to 29. The visit aims to allow tourists to explore Cambodian culture, traditions, and economic development, particularly in Preah Sihanouk province, which has benefited from special Royal Government investment incentives running from 2024 through 2027. Port immigration authorities facilitated immigration clearance to ensure smooth processing for the visitors. During their stay, tourists are scheduled to visit coastal resorts, cultural sites, pagodas, and fishing villages across Sihanoukville. Highlights include visits to iconic landmarks such as the Preah Thong and Neang Neak statues, as well as other interesting locations. Measuring 195.82 metres in length, 22.5 metres in width, and with a draft of 5.3 metres, the Odyssey arrived from Vietnam. It is scheduled to depart for Thailand at 7:00 p.m. on Sept. 29. American, Australian, and Canadian nationals make up the majority of the passengers aboard the vessel. Among the arrivals, 32 passengers (19 women) representing three nationalities travelled onward to visit Siem Reap province, while 38 passengers (22 women) from six nationalities travelling from Siem Reap are expected to board the ship for its outward journey. By K. Rithy Reak