Sri Lanka’s cruise tourism sector received a significant boost this week as more than 2,100 Thai cruise passengers arrived at Hambantota International Port (HIP), signalling the emergence of Thailand as a promising new source market for the country.
The Malta-flagged MV Celebrity Millennium, operated by Celebrity Cruises, arrived at HIP from Phuket on 2 February 2026, carrying 2,171 passengers and 969 crew members. Measuring 294 metres in length, the vessel is among the largest cruise ships to call at Hambantota International Port to date. Following its stopover at Hambantota, the ship will proceed to Colombo.
During their visit, passengers travelled inland to some of Sri Lanka’s most iconic attractions, including Yala National Park, Udawalawa National Park, and Kataragama. The excursions highlighted Hambantota’s strategic location as a gateway to the island’s southern wildlife and cultural circuits. Shore operations were coordinated by Abercrombie & Kent Pvt Ltd, with Prudential Shipping serving as the local agent.
“This call is significant not just in scale, but in what it represents,” said Bindu Ranasinghe, Deputy General Manager – Commercial & Marketing at Hambantota International Port. “The strong presence of Thai passengers points to a new and growing cruise market for Sri Lanka—one that values authentic, land-based experiences and regional connectivity. This has the potential to diversify Sri Lanka’s visitor base beyond traditional markets.”
Hambantota International Port has been actively positioning itself as a cruise-ready destination through targeted infrastructure investments, streamlined port operations, and close collaboration with cruise lines, shipping agents, and tour operators. Recent cruise seasons have seen an increase in port calls, improved turnaround efficiency, and a broader range of shore excursion offerings.
As regional cruise itineraries continue to evolve, Hambantota International Port aims to play a proactive role in attracting new cruise markets while delivering tangible economic benefits to communities beyond Sri Lanka’s traditional tourism corridors.
