Palawan, often hailed as the “last frontier” of the Philippines, is experiencing a new wave of tourism—quite literally—as cruise ships increasingly make stops in Puerto Princesa and Coron. In 2025, Puerto Princesa alone is set to welcome 19 cruise ships carrying nearly 28,000 international tourists. These floating cities include luxury liners like MS Noordam, MV Norwegian Sky, MV Costa Serena, and MV Crystal Symphony, among others. With some ships docking twice or even three times, the city is abuzz with both anticipation and a touch of concern.
Economic Boost Ahoy!
The economic promise of cruise tourism is undeniable. Local businesses in Puerto Princesa and Coron, from tour operators to souvenir shops, are preparing to capitalize on the influx. Imagine throngs of tourists disembarking and immediately booking island-hopping tours, snapping up handcrafted souvenirs, or trying local delicacies. These fleeting visitors bring a surge to the local economy, creating opportunities for guides, transport services, and even street vendors.
The numbers tell the story: in 2024, Puerto Princesa hosted 13 cruise ship arrivals with around 20,000 passengers. With 2025 set to surpass these figures, there’s optimism for even greater economic gains.
The Challenges of Touch-and-Go Tourism
Yet, this optimism comes with caveats. Cruise tourists often spend only a few hours on land, arriving in the morning and leaving by afternoon. They don’t typically book hotel stays or enjoy leisurely dinners in local restaurants. Their tours are pre-arranged, and many meals are consumed onboard, leaving local dining establishments largely unaffected.
Additionally, while the influx of tourists generates an immediate buzz, the short nature of their stay means limited direct economic impact compared to overnight visitors. There’s also the logistical strain: roads, transport systems, and facilities—such as public restrooms—must be equipped to handle waves of tourists. Palawan’s famed hospitality is its trump card, but will it consistently meet international expectations?
Balancing Tourism and Sustainability
As Palawan basks in its moment in the spotlight, it also faces the darker side of cruise tourism. Environmental concerns loom large. Cruise ships, notorious for their emissions and waste disposal practices, contribute to air and water pollution. Many vessels run on cheap, heavy oil and may dump untreated sewage into the sea, threatening the delicate marine ecosystems that make Palawan a world-class destination.
Economic leakage is another hurdle. Cruise passengers often spend most of their money onboard or on cruise company-owned excursions and shops, leaving local economies with only a fraction of the potential revenue.
A Glimpse of Hope
Despite these challenges, there is room for optimism. The maiden voyages of cruise liners like MV Norwegian Sun and MV Costa Serena in 2025 underscore Palawan’s growing appeal. The goal now is to transform these fleeting visits into enduring relationships. By impressing visitors with exceptional service, awe-inspiring attractions, and seamless infrastructure, Puerto Princesa and Coron might inspire these travelers to return as independent tourists.
To achieve this, Palawan must continue to invest in sustainable tourism practices. Strengthening environmental regulations, improving infrastructure, and creating policies that ensure local businesses benefit from cruise tourism are essential steps.
Anchors of Possibility
As Palawan navigates this tide of cruise tourism, the journey promises to be both exciting and challenging. The economic potential is vast, but so are the stakes for the environment and local livelihoods. If managed wisely, this surge in cruise arrivals could serve as a springboard for more sustainable and inclusive growth in Palawan’s tourism industry.
For now, let’s hope these cruise passengers leave with more than just Instagram-worthy photos—they leave with memories that compel them to return, linger longer, and spread the word about this island paradise.
