April 30, 2025
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Astrid Fassler from Germany described her visit to Brunei as memorable and expressed interest in returning, praising the country’s beauty, culture and warm hospitality.
She was a passenger aboard the MS Artania – carrying 573 passengers and 511 crew members – which made it’s first-ever call to the Sultanate recently, marking another moment in Brunei Darussalam’s expanding cruise calendar.
Another German visitor, Nico, shared his positive impressions of Brunei, noting the beauty of the mangrove tour and the cleanliness of the city’s key attractions. Hanenora from Bavaria enjoyed visiting Brunei’s cultural highlights, including the Royal Regalia Museum and Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque.
Sailing in from Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, the ship’s maiden visit reflects the growing appeal of Brunei Darussalam as a stopover for international travellers. Following its brief stop in Brunei Darussalam, MS Artania is scheduled to depart for Pulau Tioman, Malaysia.
During the brief stay in Brunei Darussalam, passengers enjoyed a guided cruise through Kampong Ayer, gaining insight into the unique way of life of its residents, followed by a journey through Brunei’s mangroves. The tour also featured visits to Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque and Istana Nurul Iman.
Meanwhile, visitors at the Cruise Ship Centre found a wide selection of souvenirs, including batik shirts, magnets, keychains and handmade crafts reflecting Brunei’s rich culture.
The maiden call of MS Artania marked Brunei Darussalam’s ninth cruise ship visit this year, reinforcing its rise as a key cruise hub in Southeast Asia. With MV Mediterranea’s arrival today, Brunei Darussalam continues to attract more international travellers, showcasing its commitment to offering exceptional experiences.