More than three years after its last visit drew the attention of the world’s media, the cruise liner MS Westerdam returned to Cambodia this morning.

In February 2020, the vessel was refused permission to dock by several countries in the region, due to fear of Covid-19.

Former Prime Minister Hun Sen welcomed the liner on Valentine’s Day 2020, even greeting the passengers personally with bouquets of roses. The gesture prompted global media to refer to the Kingdom as “a small country with a big heart”.

The return of the vessel rekindled memories of the uncertainty that plagued the world at the onset of the pandemic, and of Cambodia’s commitment to providing humanitarian assistance to “whoever it can, wherever it can”.

Arriving in Sihanoukville Autonomous Port on the morning of December 28, the MS Westerdam is carrying more than 2,000 passengers.

Prime Minister Hun Manet took to social media to welcome the return of the large, Dutch-flagged passenger ship. 

“Cambodia, ‘a small country with a big heart’, cared for the lives of more than 2,200 passengers who were adrift on the ocean and let it dock in Cambodian territory. We welcomed them with warm Khmer hospitality, and arranged for them to return home to their families,” he said.

“The return of the ship is a reminder of the unselfishness of Cambodia, as well as a reflection of the Kingdom’s humanitarian heart, which allowed us to overcome fear in order to save lives. The return of the vessel is testament to former Prime Minister Hun Sen’s commitment to take practical action to help people, regardless of the risk,” he added.

The liner’s passengers will spend the day enjoying the many attractions of Preah Sihanouk province, with some set to depart on the vessel, and others planning to extend their stays. They will take in some of the Kingdom’s world-famous cultural and historical marvels, including the wonders of Siem Reap province’s Angkor Archaeological Park.