Thailand and Royal Caribbean explore broader cruise tourism links
Talks covered destination marketing, proposed itineraries, terminal upgrades and transport connections intended to spread visitor spending beyond major ports.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand and Royal Caribbean Group are considering ways to expand the country’s cruise sector and attract higher-spending international travelers, according to Thailand’s official government media service.
TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool met with Royal Caribbean executives to discuss joint marketing, additional travel routes and infrastructure improvements. Proposed itineraries would connect Phuket calls with Phang Nga and Krabi, while ships visiting Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri could provide access to Rayong and Chanthaburi.
The discussions also examined potential cruise-terminal improvements, particularly at Laem Chabang, as well as rail infrastructure and other transport links to nearby destinations.
Royal Caribbean Group currently serves Laem Chabang, Samui Island and Phuket through its Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises brands. The government media report said the group’s ships made 181 port calls in Thailand during 2025, carrying about 424,000 passengers. It estimated that those visits generated THB2.12 billion in spending.
