11 cruise ships to arrive at Subic

MANILA, Philippines — After a three-year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic, the tourism industry at the Subic Bay Freeport is on its feet again as a cruise ship from Xiamen, China made its maiden voyage on Thursday.

The Blue Dream Star is the first of 11 luxury vessels scheduled to arrive at the freeport until Nov. 21. It is carrying 1,000 passengers.

The luxury ship is the first to offer an outbound cruise from China.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman and Administrator Jonathan Tan said the arrival of cruise ships is seen to boost the tourism industry at the freeport.

Under Executive Orders 271 and 72 issued by Malacañang on Thursday, foreigners arriving at the Subic Bay Freeport can stay for a maximum period of 14 days.