The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority expects more cruise ships to arrive in Subic Bay Freeport, following last month’s arrival of MV Serenade.
MV Serenade of the Seas became the biggest cruise ship to dock in the freeport on March 25.
The vessel docked at the Leyte Wharf of the Subic Bay Freeport, with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño leading the SBMA board and agency employees in welcoming the passengers of the cruise ship.
Seven more cruise ships are expected to arrive in the Freeport to boost the tourism sector in the country.
“It is certainly a welcome sight to see a cruise ship docking here in Subic Bay. It means that this Freeport is still one of the ideal tourist sites for international cruise ships to visit,” Aliño said.
He said the seaport revenue from the arrival of the MV Serenade of the Seas is about P438,000.
Around 2,490 passengers and 891 crew members boarded buses for a tour around the Freeport either to buy souvenirs or immerse themselves in the tourist attractions in the former US naval base.
“We are expecting seven more cruise ships to arrive, including the MV Costa Serena, arriving on Nov. 13. The ship will berth at the Riviera Wharf and will carry around 3,700 passengers and 1,100 crew members on board,” Aliño said.
SBMA expects seaport revenues from cruise ship arrivals this year to reach P3.3 million, on top of the business opportunities for micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) catering to the souvenir and delicacy requirements of the tourists.
Aliño said the SBMA set up safety measures for the passengers of the cruise ships, including an ambulance and fire truck on stand-by; law enforcers deployed for traffic and security; seaport personnel monitoring the berthing of the ship; a bus for guests who availed of the tour package; taxis for guests who wish to go around Subic Freeport; directional and safety signages; a waiting area to pick up passengers; and tower lights to illuminate the entire area.
Six cruise ship arrivals were recorded in October and November of last year, which generated P789,400 in seaport revenues.
The MV Blue Dream Star arrived in Subic Freeport four times in October, and twice in November, with close to 4,000 passengers in total.