Busan recorded its first call by a round-the-world cruise vessel of the year on Monday, January 12th with the inaugural visit of AIDAdiva to Busan Port. The 69,000-gross-ton cruise ship, operated by Germany-based AIDA Cruises, arrived at 08:00 a.m. carrying approximately 2,000 passengers.
The vessel is engaged in a 133-day world voyage that commenced in Hamburg on November 20th of the previous year, encompassing ports in Europe, North America, and Asia. After departing Honolulu in the early hours of January 1st, AIDAdiva proceeded to Busan before continuing onward to Tokyo later the same day, sailing at 06:00 p.m. The passenger complement is predominantly European, with a large proportion originating from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
During the port call, guests participated in organized shore excursions to several of Busan’s principal attractions, including Beomeosa Temple, Haedong Yonggungsa, Gamcheon Culture Village, and Jagalchi Market. To commemorate the ship’s first visit, the city hosted an official welcoming event at the North Port Cruise Terminal at 09:00, featuring the presentation of a commemorative plaque to ship representatives and a programme of cultural performances showcasing traditional music, dance, and contemporary Korean popular culture.
The arrival of AIDAdiva is regarded by local authorities as an indicator of progress in broadening Busan’s cruise market beyond its traditional focus on Northeast Asian itineraries. This development follows efforts to enhance the city’s international cruise profile, including the operation of MSC Bellissima as a semi-homeport during the previous year. Busan has outlined plans to continue upgrading cruise infrastructure, refining shore excursion offerings, and improving visitor services through 2026.
Cruise activity at the port is expected to increase significantly over the course of the year, driven in part by renewed demand from the Chinese market. Current projections indicate approximately 420 cruise calls and close to 900,000 passengers by year-end.