Thailand and Royal Caribbean explore broader cruise tourism links
Talks covered new itineraries, destination marketing and transport improvements aimed at extending visitor spending beyond major ports.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand and Royal Caribbean Group are examining ways to expand cruise tourism, draw more high-spending international travelers and distribute tourism revenue to additional destinations.
TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool met with company executives to discuss joint marketing, possible new routes and infrastructure improvements. Proposed itineraries would connect Phuket with Phang Nga and Krabi, while calls at Laem Chabang Port in Chonburi could be linked with Rayong and Chanthaburi. TAT is also considering familiarization trips to introduce travel industry partners to more attractions and visitor experiences.
The discussions included potential cruise-terminal upgrades, particularly at Laem Chabang, alongside rail infrastructure and transport connections to nearby destinations. Royal Caribbean Group serves Laem Chabang, Ko Samui and Phuket through its Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises brands. Its ships reportedly made 181 calls at Thai ports in 2025, carrying about 424,000 passengers and generating an estimated 2.12 billion baht in domestic spending.
