Puerto Princesa City is anticipating the arrival of 19 cruise ships this year, with the first set to dock today, January 7, at the port.
City Tourism Officer Demetrio Alvior Jr. stated that MS Noordam will be returning to the city with 1,916 cruisers on board. The return and the arrival of additional vessels confirm that Puerto Princesa continues to hold the title for the highest number of cruise ship arrivals in the entire country.
“Hindi kasama dyan yong kanilang crew. May mga 2,000 plus na mga turista na naman ang papasok ngayong pangalawang linggo ng January,” he said.
The Vista class cruise ship of the Holland America Line will be followed by the arrival of three others on January 12, 15, and 28.
In addition, several more will arrive in February, March, April, and until December.
“May dagdag-bawas yan. Dati 23, naging 18, ngayon naman—nagdedepende kasi sa panahon din,” Alvior pointed out, reiterating that the city is the destination of choice for more cruise liners.
Michie Meneses-Hitosis of the City Tourism Department (CTD) also explained that according to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), when a cruise ship arrives simultaneously with another scheduled arrival, it is not turned away; instead, the management is given the option to make a decision.
The managements are probably choosing not to continue their journeys to the city, she said, considering the challenges of docking alongside others at the port.
“Yon pala ang challenge kaya tayo nababawasan. Kasi baka hindi magkasya sa port,” she said.
Alvior said this is the reason why the city government is eager to complete the cruise port, which will undergo enhancements this year. Part of its development includes the construction of a convention center to host major national and international events.
