Philippine Ports Authority optimistic of growth in cruise tourism for 2025

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) expressed optimism that the country’s cruise tourism sector is bound to get stronger this year.

Port authorities made the statement following the arrival of two international cruise vessels at key tourist destinations towards the end of January 2025.

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.  

Who’s been sailing in?

The Maltese-flagged cruise ship MS Europa 2 arrived in the Visayan province of Bohol last 31st January as part of its Asian itinerary. 

The vessel, which sailed from Indonesia, spans 225 metres in length with a Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of 42,830, and 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 Harbour on 30th January, following its previous call on the 17th of the month 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, ten buses were provided for guided tours around Manila. 

The ship remained at Manila South Harbour until sunset, before departing for its next destination, Boracay Island.  

Steadily rising numbers

The PPA recorded a remarkable 61.9 percent increase in cruise passenger arrivals in 2024, a total of 142,574 passengers.

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.  

In order to support this surge in growth, 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.

Last year, the PPA completed the Jubang Port Cruise Ship Terminal in Dapa, Surigao del Norte.  

PPA general manager Jay Santiago said: “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.”