At least 230 German-speaking tourists from Europe explored Legazpi City and nearby towns of Daraga and Camalig in Albay when their international cruise ship docked for a day at the port of Legazpi.
The MS Hanseatic Spirit ship of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises arrived from Palau and docked at the port around 8:00 AM on Thursday, May 16. It was boarded by European tourists with 167 German nationals and some Filipino crew members.
Albay Tourism Officer Dorothy Colle said the visitors braved the 46 degrees heat index and went around exploring Bicol’s top tourist destinations. They also enjoyed eating local dishes with the famous Mayon Volcano in the background.
Colle said the guests indulged in ecotourism activities at Solong Eco Park, Hoyop Hoyopan Cave, Quituinan Hill and Japanese Tunnel. They also had fun trying the all-terrain vehicle ride. The tourists also learned of local culture and heritage of Albay.
Some visitors also engaged in activities like stripping abaca fibers, cracking of pili nuts, shopping at local arts and crafts stores, learning about the history of Cagsawa Ruins and Daraga Church.
Colle said they also offered the tourists a taste of some of their “best foods” such as “sili ice cream” and “buko juice.”
The European travelers are scheduled to explore the islands of Calaguas, Camiguin, and Batanes before going to Taiwan, Japan, and Korea.
MS Hanseatic Spirit is the third cruise ship to visit Legazpi City.
The first international cruise ship to arrive in the city was MS Bremen in 2018 followed by MS Hanseatic Nature in 2023.
Photos courtesy of Albay Provincial Tourism, Culture and Arts Office (PTCAO)
