Get ready, Puerto Princesa! The city is about to make waves in the tourism industry, quite literally, as 19 cruise shipsfrom various corners of the globe are scheduled to dock at Puerto Princesa Port throughout 2025. With an estimated 28,000 cruise passengers expected to disembark, this promises to be a game-changing year for the city’s tourism scene. Let’s dive into the details (minus the life jackets)!
All Aboard: The Cruise Ships Coming to Town
From seasoned luxury liners to first-time voyagers, this year’s lineup of ships is nothing short of impressive. Among the highlights are maiden visits from MV Aidastella, MV Norwegian Sky, MV Azara Onward, MV Norwegian Sun, and MV Costa Serena—a fleet so dazzling it might as well double as a floating international fashion show.
Frequent flyers (or floaters?) like MS Noordam and MV Norwegian Sky will be making multiple appearances, with Noordam gracing us on January 7 and February 19, and Norwegian Sky swooping in three times (January 15, February 1, and February 16). And in a festive twist, MV Coral Geographer will extend its stay for two whole days on December 23 and 24, presumably to soak up the Christmas spirit!
Tourism Glow-Up: What This Means for Puerto Princesa
Here’s where the real magic happens: these incoming tourists aren’t just about taking pictures of their ship’s buffet. With nearly 28,000 passengers expected, local businesses—from island-hopping tours to restaurants and souvenir shops—are bound to see their cash registers ringing like Christmas carols all year long.
Tourism officials are thrilled, noting the significant boost this will provide to the city’s economy. In fact, after recording 13 cruise arrivals in 2024 that brought nearly 20,000 visitors, 2025’s numbers are already set to blow those out of the water. (Take that, 2024!)
Opportunities Ahoy!
The arrival of these luxury ships creates countless opportunities for Puerto Princesa locals. Tour guides, transport operators, and even street vendors are gearing up to welcome this influx of international visitors. And let’s not forget the new and exciting collaborations this could spark between local businesses and global travel companies. Everyone wins—especially those who’ve perfected their “magandang umaga” delivery!
What Makes Puerto Princesa Irresistible?
You might be wondering, why Puerto Princesa? The city has it all—stunning beaches, world-class diving spots, and that laid-back vibe that makes every visitor wish they could stay forever. With options like island-hopping tours, visits to the famous Underground River, and the ever-charming Honda Bay, cruise passengers are spoilt for choice. And who can resist the warm hospitality of the Palawenyos?
A Festive Finale
To cap off 2025, the last ship to dock, MV Norwegian Sun, will arrive not once but twice in December—December 11 and 29—making sure the city’s tourism momentum stays strong as we sail into 2026. It’s like Puerto Princesa’s version of fireworks—only grander and, well, wetter.
Anchors Up, Puerto Princesa!
So, whether you’re a local ready to show off the best of your city or a visitor looking for your next adventure, 2025 is shaping up to be a banner year. Puerto Princesa is ready to roll out the red carpet—or should we say the red gangplank—for thousands of cruise passengers eager to explore our beautiful shores.
In short, Puerto Princesa’s got its sea legs—and it’s steering straight into a tourism boom. So, fasten your life vests and brace for the tide of opportunity coming your way. Welcome aboard!
