THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is optimistic about the continued growth of the cruise tourism sector this year, with several cruise vessels making port calls at key destinations across the country.
At the end of January, the Maltese-flagged MS Europa 2 made a stop in Bohol as part of its Asian itinerary.
The 225-meter cruise ship, carrying 372 crew members and 453 passengers, mostly from Germany and Europe, explored Bohol's popular attractions, including the Chocolate Hills and Tarsier Sanctuary. The vessel later continued its journey to Kalanggaman Island in Leyte.
The MV Norwegian Sky returned to Manila South Harbor on Jan. 30, 2025, following an earlier call that month. Arriving from Kaohsiung, Taiwan, the ship carried nearly 2,000 passengers, mostly Filipinos, and made a brief stop in Currimao, Ilocos Norte, before heading to Boracay Island. Ten buses were provided for guided tours of Manila to enhance the experience.
The luxury cruise ship MV Silver Whisper made its maiden call at the Port of Currimao, Ilocos Norte, on Jan. 30, 2025. The port received a warm welcome from PPA PMO NLZ employees, local officials, and representatives from the Department of Tourism. A ceremonial plaque exchange was held with the ship's captain. Before the vessel departed for Hong Kong, the 309 passengers and 59 crew aboard Silver Whisper explored historical sites such as Vigan City, Laoag City and Paoay.
Silver Whisper, operated by Silversea Cruises, entered service in 2001 and has a passenger capacity of 382, with 295 crew members. The 190-meter-long ship has a gross tonnage of 28,258 and is one of the luxury cruise vessels contributing to the Philippines' growing cruise tourism sector.
These arrivals are part of a broader trend, with seven cruise vessels making port calls across the Philippines. This growing interest reflects the country's increasing appeal as a top destination for international cruise tourism, especially after the pandemic slowed the sector's growth.
In 2024, the PPA recorded a 61.9 percent increase in cruise passenger arrivals, totaling 142,574 passengers, up from 88,080 in 2023. The PPA forecasts continued growth in 2025, with expectations of 185,000 cruise passengers, a 29.8 percent increase from the previous year.
PPA General Manager Jay Santiago said, "The PPA's cruise-dedicated terminals serve as gateways between international cultures and the Filipino brand of service and warm hospitality. As vessel calls and passenger arrivals continue to increase, local communities, businesses and the economy will undoubtedly thrive with the booming cruise tourism sector."
The PPA is investing in expanding port infrastructure. Projects include dedicated cruise terminals in Coron, Aklan, and Camiguin and a new cruise ship port in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. Additionally, the PPA completed the Jubang Port Cruise Ship Terminal in Dapa, Surigao del Norte, in 2024, which is already welcoming international vessels. With a strong start in 2025, the Philippine cruise tourism sector is set for a successful year.
2025-02-04T16:24:22Z