THE PHILIPPINES is looking to receive 127 cruise ship calls in 2026, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Tuesday, December 16, describing this as a reflection of cruise operators’ “sustained engagement” with the country.
The initial figure comes as the Philippines strengthens collaboration with cruise stakeholders to boost the sector’s recovery and growth.
“Cruise tourism, for us in the Philippines, is not only about arrivals. It is about the entire Philippine experience, the jobs created, the businesses sustained, and the communities empowered,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco.
Until the end of 2025, the DOT expects 136 cruise calls to bring a total of 43,369 passengers to Philippine shores, with Manila continuing to serve as the country’s leading cruise gateway, followed by Puerto Princesa and Boracay.
At the Philippine-hosted Asia Cruise Cooperation (ACC) Annual Regional Meeting on Monday, Frasco said Manila will also promote stronger regional cooperation that would guide the next phase of Asia’s cruise tourism growth.
Collaboration among destinations, ports, and cruise lines, she said, is essential to ensuring that the growth remains sustainable, inclusive, and beneficial to host communities.
“If there is one lesson the ACC teaches, it is this: no destination succeeds alone. Collaboration across ports, cruise lines, and governments ensures every traveler’s experience is seamless, enjoyable, and meaningful,” she said.
The Philippines, she added, would continue engaging cruise lines as partners in itinerary development, strengthening the exchange of market insights and operational best practices, and aligning the full visitor journey across destinations.
“Asia’s cruise market is growing rapidly, with millions of travelers seeking unique experiences across our diverse shores. This meeting allows us to chart a course for cruise tourism that supports communities, generates jobs, and strengthens connections across the region,” she said.
In the same meeting, she touted Manila’s efforts to strengthen its cruise tourism policy and infrastructure.
As of this posting, the DOT said nearly 7,000 cruise visa waivers have been issued, easing travel for cruise passengers and reinforcing the country’s accessibility.
Port readiness is also being advanced through the completed cruise terminal in Jubang, Dapa, Surigao del Norte, ongoing construction in Coron, Aklan, Camiguin, and Puerto Galera, and continued upgrades at Manila South Harbor.
In 2026, Frasco said the government will reconstitute the Cruise Tourism Development Committee to strengthen inter-agency coordination and implement the National Cruise Tourism Development Strategy. (PNA)
