Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Panorama made its inaugural visit to the Philippines on Friday, Oct. 18, as part of the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) push to position the country as a premier cruise hub in Asia.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said the 1,055-foot Carnival Panorama, part of a 25-day Transpacific journey, docked at the Eva Macapagal Super Terminal in Manila, marking a significant milestone for the Philippines' cruise tourism industry.
A special reception hosted by DOT–Metro Manila and the Philippine Retirement Authority welcomed the ship’s 3,600 passengers and 1,600 crew members with traditional Filipino performances and leis.
This visit highlights the government’s commitment to enhancing cruise tourism and fostering partnerships with international cruise lines.
The arrival of Carnival Panorama also precedes the highly anticipated Seatrade Cruise Asia 2024, further affirming the Philippines’ emerging role in global cruise tourism.
To date, the country has welcomed 61 cruise ships, with 114 scheduled port calls showcasing top destinations like Manila, Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu.
In July, the DOT launched the Cruise Visa Waiver Program in collaboration with the Bureau of Immigration and the Department of Justice to streamline the visa process for cruise tourists.
Continuing its journey with stops in Guam and Hawaii before heading to Long Beach, California, Carnival Panorama underscores the DOT's commitment to further developing the cruise sector, including plans for additional cruise ports across the country.