On July 24, 2024, at approximately 3:00 p.m., the luxury cruise ship Genting Dream, with a length of 335 meters and a gross tonnage of 150,695 tons, made its inaugural docking at Phuket Deep Sea Port for the year. This voyage, part of the Singapore-Phuket route, brought 3,700 tourists, signaling a boost to Phuket’s tourism sector.
Genting Dream, registered in the Bahamas, represents a significant addition to Phuket’s cruise ship arrivals. Adul Chuthong, Deputy Governor of Phuket, and Nachapong Pranit, Director of the Phuket Regional Harbor Office, alongside other officials, welcomed the ship and its passengers.
Deputy Governor Adul Chuthong highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance Phuket’s maritime infrastructure, including dredging and expanding waterways. These improvements aim to accommodate larger cruise vessels more frequently, complementing the island’s air and land arrivals. Currently, Phuket receives 50,000-60,000 daily tourists via air, with potential to double or triple these numbers, benefiting both public and private sectors.
Nachapong Pranit noted a positive trend in large cruise ship visits post-COVID-19, with 7-8 ships monthly since June, tripling to 14-17 monthly by January. This surge underscores Phuket’s growing appeal as a cruise destination. Genting Dream’s direct port access further enhances visitor convenience, eliminating the need for offshore anchorage and tendering.
Scheduled bi-monthly visits of Genting Dream to Phuket until 2026 reflect sustained interest in the destination. The Marine Department plans to develop Phuket Deep Sea Port into a leading hub for large cruise ships in the Andaman Sea, positioning it as a preferred “Marina Hub” for cruise tourists visiting Phuket.
