Cruise ship with European tourists docks at Subic

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines — The arrival here last week of a cruise ship with European tourists on board was expected to revive the local cruise ship program that was interrupted by the COVID pandemic three years ago.

The Serenade of the Seas, operated by the Royal Caribbean International, made its maiden call here on March 25, with 1,371 guests and 819 crewmembers.

Before the pandemic, Royal Caribbean ships regularly docked in Subic.

These ships included the Spectrum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, two of the largest and most expensive cruise ships to sail in Asia.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño said the Serenade revitalized the local cruise ship program, with seven more vessels arriving in Subic until November.

“Subic Bay is fast becoming a favorite cruise ship destination due to its deep harbor and the shore experience we offer to passengers,” Aliño said.

“This is one target industry that we continue to develop and sustain in order to create jobs and economic opportunities here and around the free port zone,” he added.

Last year, Subic recorded six cruise ship arrivals including the M/V Blue Dream Star operated by the Blue Dream Cruises China with 3,927 tourists on board.

This year, the SBMA intends to breach the pre-pandemic figures with an average of 18 cruise ship arrivals per year, according to Ronnie Yambao, SBMA senior deputy administrator for operations.

Yambao said the SBMA improved its maritime facilities to ensure safety of vessels and passengers.