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Busan Port rose to act as the cruise semi-homeport, making the first step for homeport city
On November 20th, Busan-si and Busan Port Authority (BPA) announced that they have taken the first step towards becoming an international cruise homeport city through the operation of the MSC Bellissima, a 170,000-ton, 5,600-passenger mega-cruise ship, from the Yeongdo International Cruise Terminal in October and November.
A "semi-homeport" is a model where some passengers embark and disembark at a port of call, combining the functions of a homeport where both departure and arrival occur, and a port of call that only serves as a stop for sightseeing.
The MSC Bellissima completed the rapid embarkation and disembarkation of 100 passengers on October 22 and 200 passengers on November 15.
Busan-si expects that the cruise semi-homeport operations will have a positive impact on the local economy by increasing the stay duration of tourists.
Previously, the MSC Bellissima had been operating with Tokyo, Japan, as its homeport, gathering passengers in Japan before making a stop in Busan.
Busan-si and BPA believe that their proactive efforts in early demand analysis, support for advance passenger recruitment in Busan, and coordination with cruise lines to secure passengers were key in making the semi-homeport model a reality.
Industry experts are highlighting the significance of Busan's shift from a passive port of call to an active semi-homeport role that actively meets the demand of cruise lines.
MSC Cruises stated, "The results of operating the semi-homeport in Busan this year and the high level of passenger satisfaction indicate strong sales for next year's semi-homeport tickets," adding, "We plan to expand the semi-homeport operations in Busan next year."
Busan Port expects approximately 210 cruise ship arrivals and more than 300,000 visitors by the end of this year, with over 250 cruise ships expected to dock next year.
wink@yna.co.kr
Source Text
** This article was translated from Korean.
Date
2025.11.24
Views
194
According to Yonhap News,
On November 20th, Busan-si and Busan Port Authority (BPA) announced that they have taken the first step towards becoming an international cruise homeport city through the operation of the MSC Bellissima, a 170,000-ton, 5,600-passenger mega-cruise ship, from the Yeongdo International Cruise Terminal in October and November.
A "semi-homeport" is a model where some passengers embark and disembark at a port of call, combining the functions of a homeport where both departure and arrival occur, and a port of call that only serves as a stop for sightseeing.
The MSC Bellissima completed the rapid embarkation and disembarkation of 100 passengers on October 22 and 200 passengers on November 15.
Busan-si expects that the cruise semi-homeport operations will have a positive impact on the local economy by increasing the stay duration of tourists.
Previously, the MSC Bellissima had been operating with Tokyo, Japan, as its homeport, gathering passengers in Japan before making a stop in Busan.
Busan-si and BPA believe that their proactive efforts in early demand analysis, support for advance passenger recruitment in Busan, and coordination with cruise lines to secure passengers were key in making the semi-homeport model a reality.
Industry experts are highlighting the significance of Busan's shift from a passive port of call to an active semi-homeport role that actively meets the demand of cruise lines.
MSC Cruises stated, "The results of operating the semi-homeport in Busan this year and the high level of passenger satisfaction indicate strong sales for next year's semi-homeport tickets," adding, "We plan to expand the semi-homeport operations in Busan next year."
Busan Port expects approximately 210 cruise ship arrivals and more than 300,000 visitors by the end of this year, with over 250 cruise ships expected to dock next year.
wink@yna.co.kr
Source Text
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Source: Yonhap News (November 20, 2025)
** This article was translated from Korean.