European cruise ship visits Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - A Swan Hellenic cruise ship with 350 passengers from Europe visited Cebu yesterday for a seven-hour genuine Cebuano adventure trip.

The 133-meter long MV Minerva docked at the Cebu International Port for the second time in two years at 10:00 a.m. yesterday. Most of its passengers were British, some are American and Australian retirees.

The ship, which is home to 140 Filipino seafarers, 17 of whom are Cebuanos, left Cebu for Manila at 11:00 p.m.

The passengers choose among three trips to discover the beauty and culture of the island of Cebu.

Cebu-Blue Horizon Travel and Tours branch manager Cecilia Sa-a told The FREEMAN that they prepared three itineraries for the MV Minerva guests to choose from.

Despite the strong winds and dark skies, the passengers disembarked and enthusiastically drove off to their respected destinations.

Blue Horizon prepared the Cebu City sites and walks which show the historical richness of the island including a visit to Fort San Pedro and Museo Sugbo, a snorkeling tour, and a beach transfer or beach hopping activity.

Ship chaplain Fr. Brain McMahon describes Filipino seafarers whom he has worked with for years to be the best in the world.

“They are the best in the world and that they give more than what I could give” he added.

He said Filipino seafarers have with them a very distinct attitude in caring and giving light to ones day through their beautiful smiles. “Filipinos smile with the eye” mcMahon said.

Before heading for Cebu, the ship visited Singapore, Borneo and several other countries in the Southeast Asia. Hong Kong will be their final port of call.

Peter Jorban, a retired British Journalist and one of the 350 passengers, said that “the heart of every cruise ship is the Filipino crew” after experiencing Filipino hospitality in his years as a Journalist traveling around the globe.

MV Minerva Italian Captain Giovanni Biasutti shares with Fr. mcMohan’s praises for the Cebuano seafarers in his 15 years at sea.

According to him, Filipinos who work for his ship are all hard working and happy people.

Families of his Filipino crew were given the chance to be aboard the MV Minerva, adding that “it is an honor for the (his) crews families to visit where they work.”

Together with some members of the media they were given the chance to tour inside the cruise.

The ship’s interior is a mixture of old-English artistry and 20th century basic amenities. The ship also has a game room, a library, several ding areas both for formal and causal ding experiences and a bar.

Swan Hellenic cruise ships, according to Biasutti, normally complete its trip within 15 days and that they “never go to the same place twice.”

But, since they are closely “working with the passengers” they would gladly oblige to their request if they want to visit a place outside of their original itinerary.

A 15-day cruising is worth 5,000 pounds or P355, 916.5 (44.470). —(FREEMAN)