Boracay as luxury destination? More cruise ships to arrive in 2013

MANILA, Philippines - Following arrivals of high-profile cruise ships earlier this year, the Aklan provincial government is gearing up for another set of luxury liners in Boracay.

"We are lobbying to have another cruise ship arrival at the end of the year hoping for the tourists to witness the annual fireworks display in Boracay,"  Aklan Caticlan jetty port administrator Nieven Maquirang said.

Maquirang said that a recent increase in cruise activities and the successful visit of two cruise ships that brought 2,500 people encouraged Boracay to prepare for the surge in visitors.

"We want this endeavor to continue as this is now the trend in tourism worldwide. Cruise ship tourism," he said.

Maquirang added that Boracay authorities are expecting eight more cruise liners until 2015 and 2,000 more foreign and local tourists to visit the popular island resort this year.

German company Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' world famous Ms Europa, dubbed the "best cruise ship in the world," with 500 tourists docked last March at Boracay's Cagban jetty port. Its visitors were welcomed with Ati-atihan Festival performances and music.

The MS Columbus 2, meanwhile, with 700 passengers dropped anchor last January. The island also hosted two Royal Caribbean cruise ships in 2012.

Earlier this month, New York based Travel and Leisure magazine hailed Boracay as the second best island destinations in the world, with Palawan claiming the top spot.

Related story: Boracay slips to 2nd spot as another Phl declared world's best

Department of Tourism Boracay officer Tim Ticar said that the island-resort will see three more cruise ships arriving in 2014, while one has so far announced its arrival by 2015.