State-run Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is expecting a resurgence in cruise tourism this year, buoyed by recent port calls from international cruise ships.
The PPA said January saw two notable visits, signaling growing interest in Philippine destinations.
The Maltese-flagged cruise ship MS Europa 2 arrived in Bohol on Jan. 31, 2025, as part of its Asian itinerary.
The vessel, which sailed from Indonesia, spans 225 meters in length and has a Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of 42,830.
It carried 372 crew members and 453 passengers, mostly German and European nationals.
Guests aboard MS Europa 2 explored some of Bohol’s most famous attractions, including Baclayon Church, the Chocolate Hills and the Tarsier Sanctuary. The ship later set sail for Kalanggaman Island, Leyte.
Meanwhile, the international cruise ship MV Norwegian Sky returned to Manila South Harbor on Jan. 30, 2025, following its previous call on Jan. 17, 2025, for a turn-around operation.
Arriving from Kaohsiung, Taiwan, the vessel carried nearly 2,000 passengers, most of whom were Filipinos. Before docking in Manila, it made a stop in Currimao, Ilocos Norte.
To ensure a seamless experience for its guests, 10 buses were provided for guided tours around Manila. The ship remained at Manila South Harbor until sunset, before departing for its next destination, Boracay Island.
Since the beginning of the year, a total of seven cruise vessels have made port calls at various destinations across the country, further signaling the Philippines’ growing appeal in the global cruise industry.
The PPA recorded a 61.9-percent increase in cruise passenger arrivals in 2024, reaching 142,574 passengers—a significant rise from 88,080 in 2023.
This marks the highest post-pandemic figure for the country, and the agency projects continued growth in 2025, expecting 185,000 cruise passengers, a 29.8 percent increase from the previous year.
To support the growing cruise tourism industry, the PPA is investing in new and improved port infrastructure.
Notable projects include the construction of dedicated cruise terminals in Coron, Aklan, and Camiguin, as well as a cruise ship port in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, with the bid submission deadline set for Feb. 5, 2025.
The PPA also completed the Jubang Port Cruise Ship Terminal in Dapa, Surigao del Norte.
“The PPA cruise dedicated terminals serve as the gateway between the international culture and the Filipino brand of service and warm hospitality, making the Philippines recognized as the Best Port Call and World’s Best Cruise Destination in Asia. With the cruise passenger arrivals and vessel calls increasing over the years, the local communities, businesses, and the economy will definitely thrive with the booming cruise tourism,” said PPA general manager Jay Santiago.
With these ongoing developments, the PPA aims to further elevate the Philippines’ status as a premier cruise destination, boost local economies, and showcase the country’s top-rated tourist attractions to the world.