Philippine Ports Authority Sees Promising Growth in Cruise Tourism for 2025

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is optimistic that the country’s cruise tourism sector is poised for significant development this year. This statement comes after two international cruise vessels arrived at prominent tourist spots toward the end of January 2025.

Since the start of the year, seven cruise vessels have visited various destinations across the Philippines, indicating a growing international interest in the nation’s cruise offerings.

Who’s Been Sailing In?

The Maltese-flagged cruise ship MS Europa 2 docked in the Visayan province of Bohol on January 31 as part of its Asian route. The ship sailed from Indonesia, measures 225 meters in length, and has a Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of 42,830. It accommodates 372 crew members and 453 passengers, primarily from Germany and Europe.

Guests aboard MS Europa 2 visited notable attractions in Bohol, such as Baclayon Church and the Chocolate Hills, before continuing to Kalanggaman Island in Leyte.

Meanwhile, the international cruise ship MV Norwegian Sky returned to Manila South Harbour on January 30, after a previous visit on January 17 for operational turnover. Arriving from Kaohsiung, Taiwan, it carried nearly 2,000 passengers, predominantly Filipinos.

To enhance the experience of its guests, ten buses were arranged for guided tours around Manila. The ship remained in the harbor until sunset before heading to Boracay Island.

Steady Growth

The PPA recorded a remarkable 61.9% increase in cruise passenger arrivals in 2024, totaling 142,574 passengers. This is the highest count post-pandemic, and the agency expects to see continued growth in 2025, anticipating 185,000 cruise passengers—a 29.8% rise from the previous year.

To accommodate this growth, the PPA is investing in enhanced port infrastructure, including dedicated cruise terminals in Coron, Aklan, and Camiguin, as well as a new cruise ship port in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. Last year, they completed the Jubang Port Cruise Ship Terminal in Dapa, Surigao del Norte.

General Manager Jay Santiago stated, “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 increase in cruise passenger arrivals and vessel calls, local communities, businesses, and the economy will undoubtedly thrive due to the booming cruise tourism.”