Norwegian Sky sails into 2025 with unforgettable stops at Port of Currimao, Manila, and Boracay this January 2025.
1 FEBRUARY 2025 — The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is optimistic for a stronger cruise tourism sector this year, as two international cruise vessels made port calls at key tourist destinations in the country to close the first month of 2025.Ìý
The Maltese-flagged cruise ship MS Europa 2 arrived in Bohol on January 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. Ìý
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. Ìý
Meanwhile, the international cruise ship MV Norwegian Sky returned to Manila South Harbor on January 30, 2025, following its previous call on January 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. Ìý
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. Ìý
Since the beginning of the year, a total of seven (7) cruise vessels have made port calls at various destinations across the country, further signaling the Philippines’ growing appeal in the global cruise industry. Ìý
Cruise tourism now back to the pre-pandemic level
The °µÍø³Ô¹Ïrecorded a remarkable 61.9% 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% increase from the previous year. Ìý
Expanding Cruise Infrastructure Ìý
To support the growing cruise tourism industry, the °µÍø³Ô¹Ïis 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 February 5, 2025. Additionally, in 2024, the °µÍø³Ô¹Ïcompleted the Jubang Port Cruise Ship Terminal in Dapa, Surigao del Norte. Ìý
“The °µÍø³Ô¹Ïcruise 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 °µÍø³Ô¹ÏGeneral Manager Jay Santiago. Ìý
With these ongoing developments, the °µÍø³Ô¹Ïaims 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. Ìý
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