Luxury cruise ship MV Silver Dawn, operated by Silversea Cruises, made its maiden call at Subic Bay Freeport last December 31, bringing nearly 1,000 tourists on board to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the Philippines.
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño highlighted the prestige of Silversea Cruises, a Monaco-based luxury travel brand under the Royal Caribbean Group.
“This marks the first visit of the MV Silver Dawn to the Port of Subic,” Aliño said. “We are delighted to welcome its 596 passengers and 411 crew members, who will spend New Year’s Eve here. We hope the Subic Bay community gives them a warm welcome during their stay.”
SBMA Port Operations Senior Deputy Administrator Ronnie Yambao, who also serves as Chairperson of the SBMA Cruise Ship Industry Committee, shared optimistic projections for Subic’s cruise ship arrivals.
“We aim to surpass pre-pandemic levels, targeting 20 cruise ship arrivals in 2025,” Yambao said. He revealed confirmed visits from ships like the MV Blue Dream Star, scheduled for April 11, May 3, and July 8, carrying 1,053 passengers. Additionally, the Viva Vie Odyssey will arrive on September 23, bringing 924 passengers and 370 crew members.
Meanwhile, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco voiced strong support for the growth of Subic Bay’s cruise tourism. During a recent meeting at the Subic Bay Yacht Club as part of the Philippine Experience Program (PEP) for Central Luzon, Frasco emphasized expanding the Freeport’s cruise initiatives, including potential homeporting and dedicated cruise port development.
Frasco also outlined plans to enhance Zambales’ tourism infrastructure. This includes improving accommodations through the Mabuhay program, promoting homestays, integrating Tourist-Oriented Police (TOPCOP) with barangay tanods in Olongapo City to ensure safety, and developing dive tourism.
With its picturesque coastline and vibrant tourism initiatives, Subic Bay Freeport continues to position itself as a premier destination for international cruise lines, offering unique experiences to travelers from across the globe.
