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Boracay becoming a cruise liner’s favorite

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KALIBO, Aklan (PIA) -- Boracay Island in Malay town was the port of call for four cruise ships from January to March 7 this year and is set to welcome seven more port calls to bring more international passengers until the end of 2024. 

From January to March 7 this year, a total of 5,889 tourists reached the island of Boracay via the MV Resorts Worlds, one of Resorts World Cruises, which made its maiden call on January 25; MV Norwegian Jewel of Norwegian Cruise Line on February 25; MS Westerdam of Holland America on February 27; and MS Crystal Symphony of the Crystal Cruises on March 7.

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Port Ship Operation and Special Project in-charge Niven Maquirang said there are several cruise ships lined up to make a port call in Boracay until December 28 this year.

The MS Seabourn Sojourn, with a carrying capacity of 800 tourists will sail to the island on March 17 and is expected to stay from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The newly renovated all-suite luxury yacht Star Breeze of Windstar Cruises, capable of carrying 312 guests, will arrive on Boracay Island on April 4.

The MS Costa Serena will also be docking on October 13 for its passengers to explore the island from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

On November 6, MS Noordam of Holland America Lines will be staying from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Before the year ends, MV Norwegian Spirit is also expected to arrive on December 9 and will stay from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with its return schedule on December 11 and 28.


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Department of Tourism and LGU-Malay staff welcome the passengers of MS Westerdam of Holland American Lines upon their arrival in Boracay Island. The said international cruise ship visited Boracay Island on Feb. 27, carrying a total of 1,635 passengers. (Photo courtesy of Malay Municiipal Tourism Office)
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Aklan Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores (left) exchanges pleasantries with Captain Jorgen Holmberg (right) as MV Resorts World One had its maiden call to Boracay Island on January 24 this year. This is the first cruise ship to arrive in Boracay Island this 2024 carrying about 1,600 passengers who are mostly Chinese. (Photo courtesy of Provincial Governor’s Office)
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Malay town Mayor Frolibar Bautista said the arrival of cruise ships has a positive impact on the town's economy.

“With the international cruise ship arrivals, this also means the arrival of foreign tourists on the island, their stay on the island for hours, and eventually participation in the economic activities herein. They will dine in restaurants, buy souvenirs, enjoy the crystal clear green waters and powdery white sand of the island,” Bautista said.

According to Bautista, these foreign tourists will eventually tell their families, friends, and colleagues about Boracay Island, and this will be a sort of marketing, as they encourage them to experience the beauty of the place.

Malay Municipal Tourism Officer Felix Gregorio Delos Santos said they are very optimistic that they could reach this new 

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target for tourist arrivals since they are seeing the gradual recovery of the island from the diverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Businesses are gradually returning to normalcy, showing signs of recovery and growth, which could positively impact the ongoing success of our tourism industry. As long as we remain united in keeping our island sustainable in every aspect, we can achieve this target,” Delos Santos said.

The local government of Malay has targeted 2.3 million tourist arrivals this year or a 21 percent increase in the 2023 tourist arrivals of 2,120,419.

“Aside from the water and land activities that visitors can explore on the island, the nightlife, with its endless parties on the beach, is one of the best attractions that entice tourists to visit Boracay again. Especially now that the LGU-Malay is preparing to reintroduce the long-missed beach parties, it's the usual grandest summer festivities Boracay used to offer before the closure,” Delos Santos said the LGU commits to advocating excellent service in the tourism industry.

The LGU-Malay prioritizes upholding excellence and maintaining the standard of service for the tourists by conducting training programs such as the FBSE (Filipino Brand of Service Excellence) for tourism front liners, travel agencies, and service providers, which could help to increase tourist arrivals. (AGP/SQP/PIA-Aklan)

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