Cruise ships are now back in the tourism scene as they resume operations in different parts of the country starting today (Feb 9, 2023), after a three year break due to pandemic travel restrictions. Among the places that will be visited are Ilocos Sur, Palawan, and Bohol from February 9-14, 2023.
Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Santiago said this international event ignites domestic travel and will definitely generate jobs for our countrymen in the said regions. “It is about time that we live with the new normal and the PPA is proud to welcome again these international luxury ships to our shores as we bounce back from the effects of the pandemic”, Santiago said.
𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐮𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐚, 𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐧
First for this year is “MV Seabourn Encore” warmly welcomed today (February 9, 2023) at the Port of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. MV Seabourne Encore is about 26% larger than the Seabourne’s three Odyssey-class vessels which holds 34% more passengers, based on double occupancy. This ship made its last port call in Singapore and has more than 500 guests mainly from USA, UK, Germany, Australia, and Canada. This cruise ship is also carrying 452 crews, in which 201 are Filipinos.
𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐚𝐠𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧, 𝐁𝐨𝐡𝐨𝐥
The port management office of Bohol and the Local Government Units are all set to receive guests on February 11, 2023 upon the arrival of the international cruise ship named “Silver Shadow” at the Port of Tagbilaran. PMO Bohol preparations with the Local Government Units started as early as January 13 this year together with different stakeholders and private institutions. “Silver Shadow” has one of the highest space-to-guest ratios at sea with 392 guest capacity, 302 crew capacity, and a tonnage of 28, 258 tons. According to PMO Bohol other than international tourists, they are also expecting a significant increase in their passenger traffic especially during the summer months of May- July.
𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐞, 𝐂𝐚𝐛𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐨 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐫
Valentines Day is extra special with the arrival of “MV Silver Spirit” at the Port of Salomague, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur on February 14, 2023 under PMO Northern Luzon. This luxury ship is also the first international cruise ship to dock at the Salomague port after 3 years since the pandemic hit with about 500 American and European passengers on board. According to the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur, passengers will also be given a 6-hour walking tour in the province specifically at Vigan City and San Vicente. Other than the tour, the provincial government said they will also be providing cultural performers and activities to entertain the cruise guests and make their visit more memorable as announced on their social media pages.
According to PPA port statistics, the Ports of Salomague, Palawan, and Tagbilaran were able to cater 48,100 tourists in the year 2019 before the pandemic but in 2020 and 2021, cruise ships cancelled their trips due to the covid-19 threat. Now, cruise ships are back for more unforgettable moments at sea!
