Salomague Port welcomes back Oceana Cruise with 500 guests in Philippines

Monday, March 18, 2024

In a significant boost to the tourism sector of Ilocos Sur, the international cruise ship Oceana Cruises MS Insignia made its second appearance at the Salomague Port in Cabugao on Monday, carrying around 500 passengers. This visit, following closely on the heels of its inaugural stop on June 9, 2023, underscores the growing appeal of Ilocos Sur as a prime destination for cruise travelers. According to Araceli Salem, the operations officer at the Department of Tourism’s Laoag sub-office, the day’s itinerary for these international visitors included tours to the province’s renowned tourist attractions.

Highlights of the tour encompassed a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site Saint Augustine Church, the historical Malacañang of the North in Paoay, the iconic sinking bell tower and Saint William the Hermit Cathedral in Laoag, the Juan Luna Shrine in Badoc, Ilocos Norte, and the picturesque Vigan Heritage City in Ilocos Sur. The MS Insignia, which had set sail from Manila earlier that morning, was slated to continue its journey to Taiwan later in the day. The diverse passenger list featured travelers from the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Philippines.

The cruise, which embarked from Manila on March 17, is part of an extended 196-day Easter excursion, commencing its journey from Miami to New York on December 29, 2023, and concluding on July 12, 2024. This visit follows the February return of the MV Norwegian Jewel to the Currimao port, which brought 2,376 passengers and 1,100 crew members, indicating a resurgence of international cruise activity in the region.

With the increasing frequency of such international cruise stops, officials from the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office are optimistic about reaching their ambitious target of 4 million tourist arrivals for the year. The peak tourist season during Holy Week, coupled with the influx of cruise ship visitors, has prompted local tourism stakeholders to bolster their workforce in hotels and restaurants. Additionally, over 200 tourist aides have been deployed to major tourist destinations to accommodate the anticipated surge in visitors, further evidencing the region’s preparedness to welcome and captivate a global audience.

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