In a bustling scene at Currimao Port in Ilocos Norte, tour coordinators, guides, and drivers eagerly awaited the arrival of cruise passengers on February 19, 2025. The international cruise ship MV Norwegian Sky docked with 1,914 passengers and 863 crew members, 70 percent of whom were Filipino, marking a significant event for the region. The arrival of these cruise ships has been a boon for the local economy, creating jobs and supporting small businesses in Laoag City and beyond.
Angel Lao, a tour operator with Travel Ilocandia Tours and Travel, highlighted the positive impact of cruise tourism on the Ilocos Region. Over 6,000 international cruise passengers have visited in the first two months of the year, establishing the area as a favored destination for luxury cruises. Lao emphasized the collaborative efforts with local tour guides, transportation providers, and restaurants, which have significantly contributed to the region’s economic growth.
The local community of Currimao also reaps benefits as cruise guests enjoy the beach, further stimulating the local economy. To cater to the 700 passengers who signed up for shore excursions, Lao’s team coordinated with 21 buses, 21 guides, and 10 coordinators to explore historical sites like Vigan in Ilocos Sur and the Saint Augustine Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte. Meanwhile, other passengers enjoyed free time on the ship and at the port.
The MV Norwegian Sky’s 13-day journey from Singapore to Keelung, Taiwan, included stops at Manila South Harbor, Currimao, and Kaohsiung. Other Philippine destinations visited were Puerto Princesa in Palawan and Boracay Island in Caticlan.
Araceli Salem, a senior tourism operations officer with the Department of Tourism in Ilocos Region, expressed optimism about the sector’s growth in 2025, with more cruise vessels expected to visit key destinations across the country. The upcoming arrival of the Crystal Symphony on February 23 at Currimao Port further underscores this trend.
The Philippine Ports Authority reported a 61.9 percent increase in cruise passenger arrivals in 2024, with 142,574 passengers compared to 88,080 in 2023. The PPA anticipates a 29.8 percent increase in 2025, projecting 185,000 cruise passengers, reflecting the continued rise of cruise tourism in the Philippines.