MANILA — The Philippines continues to attract more international cruise lines, with government data showing steady growth in cruise ship calls and passenger arrivals in early 2026, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said.

In a report, PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago said 26 cruise calls were recorded from January to February, bringing in 76,188 cruise passengers across key ports nationwide.

Data for March and early April are still being validated, but Santiago said early figures reflect sustained interest from global cruise operators and highlight the country’s growing position as a cruise destination in Asia.

He noted that cruise ships are increasingly using the Philippines not only as a stopover but also as a starting and ending point for voyages.

“This signals a shift in how global travelers experience local destinations and this reflects growing confidence among cruise lines in the country’s capability to serve as a homeport,” Santiago said.

One of the key developments this year is the increase in turnaround cruise operations, particularly at the Eva Macapagal Cruise Terminal in Manila, which has recorded six such calls so far. This is higher than the two turnaround calls logged last year, where passengers both embark and disembark in Manila.

The Manila terminal continues to accommodate medium to large vessels carrying around 1,000 to 3,000 passengers of various nationalities, including travelers from China, Europe, and the United States.

Cruise arrivals have also shown strong growth in recent years, rising from 88,080 passengers in 2023 to 150,903 in 2024, and further increasing to 226,247 in 2025—surpassing the pre-pandemic 2019 level of 213,765.

Outside Manila, ports such as Currimao, Salomague, Coron, and Puerto Princesa have also regularly hosted cruise vessels, helping distribute tourism gains to other regions.

Santiago said readiness of provincial ports has been key in expanding cruise tourism opportunities nationwide.

To support growing demand, the PPA has upgraded port facilities, including covered walkways, improved gangways, and upgraded passenger amenities.

“Beyond increasing cruise calls, our focus is on delivering a seamless and memorable experience for every passenger who arrives in the Philippines,” Santiago said.

“We are actively upgrading our ports and expanding our capabilities to support the growing demands of cruise tourism. From improving passenger facilities to developing more cruise-ready ports, the PPA remains committed to continuously improve port infrastructure and passenger services to meet the evolving standards of global cruise tourism,” he added.

The agency is also developing additional cruise-ready ports in Coron (Palawan), Alegria in Buruanga (Aklan), Catagbacan in Loon (Bohol), and Balbagon in Mambajao (Camiguin).

Santiago said the PPA and its partners are also investing in modernization and coordination with government agencies to ensure safe and efficient operations, alongside sustainability measures such as electric-powered equipment and solar lighting.

The agency’s tourism campaign, “PPAsyal Tayo,” also encourages cruise passengers to visit nearby communities to boost local tourism and economic activity.

“With sustained investments and strategic initiatives, the PPA remains optimistic about further strengthening the Philippines’ foothold in the global cruise tourism market,” Santiago said.