THE Micronesian Cruise Association (MCA) is reaching out to major cruise line operators including Royal Caribbean Cruises and Carnival Corporation, as well as niche players such as Orion Expeditions and SeaDream Yacht Club, to bolster cruising options within the region.
Cruise vessels already visit Micronesia on an ad hoc basis with Cunard, Princess, Hapag-Lloyd and several Japanese lines making around 10 calls to the region a year.
“Our realistic goal is to increase the number of cruise ship passengers from around 10,000 a year today to around 50,000 in three years,” said Ernie Galito, director, business development, Baldyga Group and secretariat for the MCA.
According to Galito, local governments and private enterprises on individual islands within Micronesia were investing in cruise tourism infrastructure to put the region “on the (global) cruising map”.
He highlighted that Guam, Saipan and Palau were ideal ports of call for large ships sailing from Australia, North Asia and South-east Asia.
“Marshall Islands, Chuuk and Pohnpei, which have more limited port infrastructure, are perfect for smaller vessels. These islands offer a lot of potential as they are relatively unknown – making them ideal stops for cruise lines that cater to niche markets,” he added.
The MCA is also looking to engage cruise lines to develop “fly in and cruise out” itineraries. “This will bolster tourism while minimising congestion at ports,” said Galito.
When asked about the viability of Micronesia as a cruise destination, Holland America Line’s vice president of international planning, marketing & sales, Joseph Slattery, said that current demand was insufficient to warrant sailing there on a more regular or permanent basis.
“Some of our world and Pacific cruises already make stops in Micronesia and this works for us for now. Naturally, we evaluate our itineraries from time to time, and if the demand is there, we will up capacity (to Micronesia),” he said.
