Global cruise companies to increase Port of Busan calls

[Financial News] A global cruise company has decided to increase the number of times its cruise ships will call at the Port of Busan next year by about 46% from this year.
Busan Port Authority (BPA) said on the 27th that it recently met in the United States with MSC Cruises' Americas unit, Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings to discuss expanding Port of Busan calls.
The three global cruise groups have decided to make a total of 127 Port of Busan calls next year, up about 46% from 87 this year. MSC Cruises will increase its calls from 23 this year to 37 next year. In particular, it has newly attracted the group's luxury brand, Explora Journeys, to the Port of Busan. It will also continue operating the MSC Bellissima as a semi-homeport in Busan, expanding the port's cruise lineup from large ships to luxury vessels.
Royal Caribbean Group will also expand from 54 calls to 74. Within the group, the luxury brand Silversea will more than double its calls from 11 to 26. It also plans to launch three new Busan overnight itineraries in 2027.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings will likewise increase its calls from 10 to 16. Drawing on the experience of Oceania Cruises, which carried out Busan overnight stays through the country's first 24-hour terminal operation, BPA will discuss new air- and rail-linked products for the group's premium and luxury brands.
The three groups each operate multiple brands tailored to different market segments, ranging from large cruise ships to premium and luxury cruises, along with large fleets. They are also global cruise companies with significant influence over cruise routes and fleet deployment worldwide.
Large cruises typically offer itineraries of seven days or less and target passengers of all ages and income levels with competitive pricing on large vessels. Premium cruises sit between the contemporary and luxury tiers and are mainly sought by experienced cruise travelers. Luxury cruises are often used by passengers taking trips of at least seven days. They are characterized by smaller or mid-sized ships, more space per person, and top-tier service and dining.
BPA President Song Sang-geun said, "Through strategic discussions with global shipping lines, we confirmed the Port of Busan's competitiveness as a port of call," adding, "We also examined in detail the conditions needed to make the leap to a homeport. We will expand semi-homeport and overnight operations to build operating experience, while gradually upgrading air and rail access, as well as terminal, baggage and CIQ systems."
[email protected] Baek Chang-hoon Reporter