The Philippines is pulling in arrivals from more cruise lines this year, driven by infrastructure upgrade in dedicated terminals like Ilocos, Manila, Palawan and Siargao.
Based on data from the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), cruise passenger traffic grew to 76,188 in the two months to February, covering 26 calls from international shipping lines.
At this rate, the cruise passenger volume up to February has already reached more than a third of last year’s 226,247, putting the industry in a position to record a new high.
PPA general manager Jay Santiago said the country is no longer considered as just a stopover for cruise lines, noting that cruise trips are now marketing the Philippines either as the beginning or end destination to build up the country’s profile to high-spending travelers.
As of April, the Eva Macapagal Super Terminal on Pier 15 at the Port of Manila has recorded six calls from cruise voyages, already beating a year ago’s two. The terminal served both embarking and disembarking passengers.
The terminal can dock medium to large-sized vessels, some of which can carry as many as 3,000 passengers of various nationalities from Europe and North America.
Santiago said the PPA has invested in enhancement projects on the terminal, particularly covered walkways, expanded gangways and sanitation services.
‘We are actively upgrading ports and expanding our capabilities to support the growing demand of cruise tourism,’ he said.
Elsewhere, the PPA also handles cruise terminals in the provinces, such as the Ports of Currimao (Ilocos Norte), Salomague (Ilocos Sur) and Coron and Puerto Princesa (both in Palawan). Right now, the agency is also building dedicated ports for cruise ships in other provinces.
Ongoing infrastructure works include the Ports of Coron (Palawan), Alegria (Aklan), Catagbacan (Bohol) and Balbagon (Camiguin). The PPA also developed a dedicated port for cruise vessels in the Port of Jubang in surfing haven Siargao.
Cruise passenger traffic has been growing since the pandemic, hitting 88,080 in 2023, increasing to 150,903 in 2024 and ballooning to 226,247 in 2025.
It has yet to be seen, however, if oil price shocks – which only began in March – would affect the growing frequency of cruise arrivals into the country.