Cruising, both inbound and outbound, is experiencing strong growth in the Philippines. More international cruise lines are including Philippine ports in their itineraries amid growing interest from foreign tourists, said Travel Specialist Ventures managing director Rowena Coloma.
The Department of Tourism expects 129 cruise ship calls carrying 63,000 passengers this year, compared with 136 port calls and 25,000 passengers last year.
As a source market for outbound cruises, the Philippines “has been continually growing and Filipinos have come to love cruising as a holiday choice”, said Wally Cervantes, senior vice president of Arpan Air, the long-time international representative in the Philippines for Royal Caribbean Group.
The launch of Royal Caribbean Philippines’ website, cruising.com.ph, reflects the growing accessibility of cruising, with offers including deferred payment options, 24-month credit card instalment plans, discounted airfares for fly-cruise packages and promotional fares.
While large cruise ships continue to attract first-time cruisers and families, more experienced travellers are increasingly seeking smaller vessels offering more personalised and premium experiences.
Shan Dioquino David, CEO of Corporate International Travel and Tours, said the agency identified growing demand for luxury cruises after the pandemic.
“I feel the market is ready for more upscale luxury cruises,” she told TTG Asia.
Today, CITTI is the preferred sales agent in the Philippines for Ponant, Silversea and Scenic luxury cruises, while also offering Four Seasons Yachts and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, with Aman expected to join its portfolio in future.
David said Ponant and Silversea will call in the Philippines next year, while Scenic, which last visited in 2025, is scheduled to return in 2028.
“While the Philippines cruise sector has great potential, its port infrastructure still requires significant improvements to become more competitive and comparable with leading cruise destinations in Asia,” noted Philippine Travel Agencies Association president Jaison Yang.
Encouragingly, Yang said the dedicated international cruise terminal under development in Manila’s Entertainment City will enhance the capital’s capacity to accommodate larger ships, improve the passenger experience and strengthen its position as a cruise destination in Asia.
