BY LYNDIE C. DEFACTO
AKLAN – The luxury cruise ship MS Westerdam made a port call at Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan on February 5, as part of its 28-day one-way cruise from Singapore to Yokohama, Japan.
The vessel began its voyage on January 18 and is scheduled to conclude on February 15, 2026. Boracay was included in the ship’s itinerary as a stopover, allowing passengers to experience the island’s renowned white sand beaches and clear waters.
Officials said the visit of MS Westerdam highlights Boracay’s continued appeal as an international cruise destination and contributes to local tourism activities.
The MS Westerdam is one of the well-known HAL Vista-class cruise ships, along with its sister vessels MS Noordam, MS Oosterdam, MS Zuiderdam, and P&O Arcadia. The ship was ceremonially named by actress Renée Soutendijk.
Owned by Carnival Corporation & PLC and operated by Holland America Line, MS Westerdam can accommodate between 1,968 and 2,362 passengers and is manned by a crew of 817./PN
