On the morning of the 23rd, at around 7 AM, the Norwegian Group cruise ship 'Regatta', measuring 181 meters in length and weighing 30,000 tons, arrived at Busan's North Port cruise terminal with over 500 passengers from the US, UK, Canada, and Germany. During the day, these tourists enjoyed various cultural sites, such as the Haedong Yonggungsa temple and Jagalchi Market, while at night, they explored local restaurants that had gained popularity through social media. About 30 of the passengers also took advantage of a bus service organized by the Busan city government to enjoy the splendid night views of Busan from Mount Hwangnyeong, including the Gwangan Bridge, showcasing the city’s vibrant night life.

The 'Regatta' is the first cruise ship to allow overnight stays for passengers at Korean ports, as previous regulations typically required passengers to return to the ship before nightfall due to customs, immigration, and quarantine procedures. This development comes as Busan city officials have strategized to enhance cruise ship tourism by extending operational hours of cruise terminals. Asian cruise terminals in countries like China, Japan, and Singapore operate around the clock to accommodate cruise line requests, presenting a competitive advantage that Busan aims to adopt in order to attract more overnight cruise visitors.

As part of this initiative, the relevant administrative bodies, including the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, customs, and immigration, coordinated to facilitate efficient night operations. Passengers of the 'Regatta' are allowed to leave the ship from 7 AM until 10 PM on the 23rd, with customs working night shifts to manage the arrivals. This change is expected not only to provide a rich experience for tourists but also to invigorate the local economy through increased nighttime activity, aligning with Busan's aspirations to grow as a major cruise destination in Asia.