TACLOBAN CITY (PIA) — Leyte’s Kalanggaman Island in Palompon town remains to be a most sought-after cruise destination in Eastern Visayas according to the Department of Tourism Region 8.
This as Hapag Lloyd Cruises’ luxury cruise ship MS Europa 2 made a jubilant return to the island this February, its fifth visit to the island after its last in 2019 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The MS Europa 2 carried 490 German guests and manned by 300 crew members half of whom are Filipinos. A total of 455 guests disembarked to enjoy Kalanggaman’s pristine island and warm sun, and were welcomed by a dance performance from students and teachers of the Taberna National High School.
Kalanggaman Island has become a favorite stop among cruise travelers seeking pristine beaches and serene island experiences. Guests can enjoy hours of leisure, indulging in snorkeling, sunbathing, swimming, and various water activities in the island’s idyllic setting.
“We have been gaining grounds in attracting new cruise companies who offer expedition cruises or luxury cruises of boutique cruise ships. We are becoming known as a destination that offers customized authentic shore excursion experiences and has a fast response time to queries and coordination needs of cruise tour operators,” DOT-8 Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said.
With the region gaining traction as a premier cruise destination, Director Tiopes announced two more cruise ships are bound to make stops in the region this year.
These are MS Heritage Adventurer of Heritage Expeditions, which will be bringing around 146 guests, will explore key sites in Samar Province and the MS Coral Adventurer of Coral Expeditions, with 120 guests, will return to revisit select destinations from their previous itinerary.
The DOT-8 attributes this success to the strong collaboration between local government units (LGUs), tourism stakeholders, and communities, all of whom play a crucial role in ensuring seamless and enjoyable visits for cruise travelers. The warm hospitality, friendly smiles, and exceptional service extended by local tour providers and support staff also contributed to the overall positive experience.
DOT remains committed to strengthening partnerships with cruise operators, enhancing tourism infrastructure, and ensuring sustainable tourism practices to accommodate the growing demand for unique and enriching travel experiences. (ACR/PIA Leyte)
