Puerto Princesa – A luxury cruise ship, the MS Silver Whisper, made port in Puerto Princesa on Thursday morning, heralding a significant opportunity for the local tourism sector.
According to Philippines News Agency, the arrival of the MS Silver Whisper at around 7 a.m. marked the first of six cruise ships set to dock in the city this November. The Nassau-registered vessel, measuring 610 feet with a ten-storey structure, is managed by the Monaco-based Silversea Cruises and brought with it 382 vacationers and approximately 300 crew members.
Demetrio Alvior, Jr., the head of the CTD, highlighted that the passengers on board are scheduled to visit the city's prominent sites, including the famed underground river located in Barangay Cabayugan, before continuing to their next destination in Coron, Palawan. Alvior also mentioned the anticipated boost in economic and tourism activities with the expected arrival of additional cruise ships on November 4, 8, 16, 18, and 28.
"The sequence of visits from the MS Silver Whisper and other five ships this month, followed by the MV Norwegian Jewel and the MV Aida Bella in December, signals a bustling period for us," stated Alvior. The MV Norwegian Jewel alone is anticipated to bring approximately 2,500 guests, while the MS Westerdam and the MS Star Breeze will carry 1,964 and 327 passengers, respectively.
Alvior elaborated that the increase in sea arrivals, as opposed to the traditional air travel of international tourists, is a result of the city's efforts to expand its tourism program. He also noted that the tourism industry's stakeholders are being urged to provide exceptional service to ensure that Puerto Princesa's reputation as a leading tourism destination is reinforced and to bolster the local economy.