Cruise ship brings 300 foreign tourists to RP

CEBU, Philippines - The recent arrival of 300 British and French nationals to the country, via cruise ship MS Spirit of Adventure, is seen to boost the Philippines alternative source of arrival, other than air transportation.

Through its ground handler Blue Horizons Travel and Tours Inc., the MS Spirit of Adventure, owned by Acromas Shipping Limited in England has included the Philippines in its 16-day tour in Asia,--the Charm of the Exotic East Voyage.

“Complementing our chartered flights, the cruise ship tours are fast becoming a competitive source of arrivals, bringing with it the high-spending segment from Europe, US and Asia,” said DOT secretary Joseph Ace Durano.

The country had the longest itinerary in the tour, as the ship docked in four different ports of call which included Cebu, Boracay, Manila, and La Union.

 “A festive welcome serves to let them know that they have reached Philippine shores, where the people are warm and wonderful, and the destinations equally so,” shared Eduardo Jarque, Jr., Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions.

The cruise ship’s Master Captain Frank Allica also noted, “The reception is one of the grandest I have ever seen in all the places we have been. Our guests can’t wait to see more of this warm and welcoming country.”

The ship docked in Cebu last January 15 but left for Boracay on the same day, however due to an uncooperative weather, the ship was not able to dock at Boracay. The MS Spirit of Adventure then came to Cebu in time for the Sinulog festivities last January 17.

In Cebu, the group explored the city’s landmarks, shopping at Carbon Market and an Arts and Crafts tour, which included trips to factories of acoustic guitars, bandurias (Filipino mandolins), banjos, ukeleles, as well as handcrafted jewelry. Some of the tourists also went to Bohol to see its eco-sites such as the Chocolate Hills and the Loboc River.

While in Manila, guests were treated to the Manila Old Town Tour, which featured Intramuros, Manila Hotel and the Rizal Park. Other guests hiked off to Tagaytay to see the Taal Volcano.

After Manila, the luxury cruise liner proceeded to La Union for a tour of Baguio. The tourists were brought to a weaving school where students use hand-operated wooden looms. The Baguio tour also introduced the Tam-awan Village, which displayed century-old Igorot huts, Mines View Park for a panoramic sight-seeing of the summer capital, the Mansion House, Wright Park and Session Road to the guests.

Formerly called the MS Berlin, the MS Spirit of Adventure was also touted the “Love Boat’’ for its romantic cruise tour that lures passengers to the exotic charms of Asia. Aside from the Philippines, the ship lists Malaysia, Brunei, Borneo, and Hong Kong in its 16-day cruise itinerary.