{
  "$type": "site.standard.document",
  "bskyPostRef": {
    "cid": "bafyreifzs6fi646w5x7i2sfobbgfq3wxvjcj3u3nzwbnpzjgw52agdbrem",
    "uri": "at://did:plc:u3en3lbqxqulbttrgzmw3k6a/app.bsky.feed.post/3mncgzgioprk2"
  },
  "coverImage": {
    "$type": "blob",
    "ref": {
      "$link": "bafkreignu64n7c7mmzkyx2mfc3livh3hlm5l47xwj6lsk7bbkxkdxz4qqu"
    },
    "mimeType": "image/webp",
    "size": 274224
  },
  "description": "Projected ship calls would edge down to about one hundred twenty-eight from one hundred thirty-six last year, while Subic Bay roundtrips factor into homeporting plans. ",
  "path": "/philippines-expects-cruise-passengers-to-nearly-triple-in-2026/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-02T11:02:15.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.cruisenews.io",
  "textContent": "The Philippines expects cruise passenger volume to rise to about 75,000 in 2026, even as projected ship calls edge down to about 128 from 136 last year. The forecast compares with 24,855 cruise passengers in 2025, according to Dr. Paulo Benito S. Tugbang, director for product development at the Philippines Department of Tourism.\n\nThe projection would take passenger traffic to roughly three times last year’s level without a higher call count.\n\n## Luxury and expedition lines drive the forecast\n\nTugbang said new cruise brands and renewed attention to smaller-ship products are behind the expected increase. Swan Hellenic and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection have already made debuts in the country and are planning return calls, he said.\n\n“So, we’re excited to welcome these smaller luxury cruise lines,” Tugbang said, adding that the Philippines is well suited to vessels that can operate across multiple island destinations.\n\nThe country’s cruise network includes recurring hubs such as Manila, Boracay, Puerto Princesa, Subic Bay and Cebu, with other gateways including Coron, Bohol, Davao, Zamboanga and Salomague identified for cruise expansion or redevelopment.\n\n“As an archipelagic nation, we don’t usually fare well in hosting big ships because the carrying capacity of our islands remains limited,” Tugbang said. “Expedition cruises, which are smaller and more intimate, really enjoy the offerings of the Philippines because they can just hop from island to island.”\n\nThe operators named by Tugbang largely fit that profile. Swan Hellenic’s current fleet comprises three expedition ships, SH Minerva, SH Vega and SH Diana, all built by Helsinki Shipyard between 2021 and 2023. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection now has three yachts, Evrima, Ilma and Luminara, with Ilma and Luminara each carrying roughly 450 guests at full stated capacity.\n\nPonant, which Tugbang said is increasing its Philippine deployment, operates a 13-ship fleet with many of its expedition vessels carrying about 184 to 264 guests. Noble Caledonia, also expected to enter the market, owns MS Island Sky and MS Hebridean Sky, each with capacity for up to 118 guests, and also charters vessels for worldwide programs.\n\n## Subic Bay and local demand shape homeporting plans\n\nBeyond destination calls, the Philippines is looking at homeporting as a way to develop a domestic cruise market. Gerard “Gerry” Panga, tourism attaché and director for the Southwestern States and Latin America, said cruise lines have already operated roundtrip sailings from Subic Bay.\n\n“We now have new people gaining wealth, having the experience of first-time cruising,” Panga said. “They are actually counting on the local tourists as the primary source market.”\n\nPanga said the tourism department is pursuing both domestic and international demand, with cruising among its core products. He also pointed to North America as a target market, saying U.S. and Canadian visitors already represent the country’s largest inbound demographic within Southeast Asia.\n\nHe said flight disruptions tied to geopolitical conditions in the Middle East are encouraging some North American travelers to consider Asia instead of traditional European vacations. “Canadians are keeping the Philippines as a priority,” Panga said. “More and more are looking at Asia.”\n\nPanga also tied the country’s cruise appeal to passenger experience ashore, particularly English-language access and hospitality. “It’s not only the nature, but the experience with the people,” he said.\n\nPonant’s expanded presence is expected to include itineraries sailing to multiple Philippine destinations in 2027, while Noble Caledonia is also preparing its first calls.",
  "title": "Philippines Expects Cruise Passengers to Nearly Triple in 2026",
  "updatedAt": "2026-06-02T13:02:16.748Z"
}