Boracay Welcomes Its First Cruise Guests of 2025
The picturesque island of Boracay has made a grand entry into the cruise season by hosting its initial batch of visitors for 2025, arriving via AIDA Cruises.
The Philippine resort island of Boracay greeted its first cruise visitors for 2025 on Monday, January 13. Guests traveled aboard the Italian-flagged AIDAstella from AIDA Cruises.
At least 2,019 of the 3,120 passengers and crew members disembarked to relish the beauty of Boracay’s renowned white-sand beaches. A representative from the Department of Tourism highlighted:
“For nine unforgettable hours, they embraced the island’s charm, exploring its pristine beaches and engaging with the vibrant culture, even as gentle rain added a magical touch to their visit.”
A notable moment included the formal plaque exchange between Department of Tourism officials and the ship’s captain, showcasing the Philippines’ warm hospitality. Subsequently, the AIDAstella continued its journey to Coron, Palawan.
The reintroduction of cruise ships, laden with international tourists, resumed in the first half of 2023. To further attract this burgeoning market, the Philippine government initiated a cruise visa waiver program last year, streamlining entry for international cruise visitors.
