The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is prepared for a surge in cruise tourism in the country, expecting increased international cruise ship arrivals and foreign tourists during the summer season.
Based on preliminary PPA data, the number of cruise passengers who disembarked and boarded international cruise vessels that docked at ports in the country in the first month of 2025 alone has reached 52,043.
In addition, cruise calls recorded at ports under the management of PPA have reached 20.
This summer, PPA expected 22 additional cruise ship visits to ports nationwide, including popular destinations like Manila, Boracay, and Palawan.
Notable arrivals include the MS Riviera, Azamara Onward, and Silver Whisper, among other well-known international cruise vessels.
Among the international cruise vessels that will call are the MS Riviera registered in the Marshall Islands and owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.; Azamara Onward registered in Malta and owned by Sycamore Partners; Silver Whisper registered in the Bahamas and owned by Royal Caribbean Group, and other well-known international cruise vessels.
To mitigate the impact of rising heat indices, PPA has implemented measures for cruise passenger comfort, including water stations, functional air conditioning, tented ship berths, shuttle services, and on-site medical assistance.
To further support the growing cruise tourism, the PPA is allocating funds to construct new cruise ship ports, reinforcing its commitment to cruise tourism growth.
Notably, the Jubang Port in Dapa was completed in 2024, while projects in Coron, Aklan, Camiguin, and Puerto Galera are currently underway.
The PPA also continues to strengthen its relationship with various agencies, such as the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Tourism (DOT), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to develop and promote cruise tourism in the country.
On March 5, 2025, PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago met with Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon and PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan at the PCG National Head Quarters to strengthen ties and cooperation in the improvement of ports and other gateways in the country.
Prior to this, Dizon also had a meeting with the DOT where the growth of tourism in the country was also discussed.
For Santiago, the upgrading and construction of new ports will be a way for the country to be better known in cruise tourism.
“What we are doing is modernizing and building new ports in fulfillment of our goal of making the Philippines a top global destination in Asia for cruise ships,” Santiago said.
“With the increase in the number of international cruise vessels visiting, not only this summer but in the coming seasons, this will certainly provide an opportunity for businesses from tour operators to souvenir shops to thrive, and will further increase the recognition of the Philippines as the best cruise destination,” he added.
By the end of 2024, PPA recorded a 61.9 percent increase in cruise passenger arrivals, reaching 142,574 passengers from 88,080 in 2023.
This year, it is expected to increase further to 185,000 cruise passengers, proof that cruise operators and international tourists continue to trust the country as a premier cruise destination.
Popular destinations visited by cruise tourists include the Baclayon Church and Chocolate Hills in Bohol, as well as the world-class beaches of Boracay.
PPA also continues to collaborate with local governments and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth and convenient experience for passengers and communities that benefit from cruise tourism.