Philippines is preparing for what it anticipates will be a record-breaking comeback for the 2023 cruise season. A record 30 cruise ships are scheduled to call at the country’s ports, expected to bring about 128,000 passengers. Expected cruise passengers in 2023 represented a 56% increase compared to the cruise numbers recorded in 2019.

Verna Buensuceso, assistant secretary for product and market development and OIC undersecretary for tourism development, said: “It certainly appears that revenge travel is real."

Seabourn Cruise Line will send its first cruise ship - Seabourn Encore - to the Philippines since the pandemic shutdown, arriving on February 9 with a 600-person ship. She will stop in Puerto Princesa and Coron, Palawan before arriving in Manila for shore excursions and then on to Boracay.

Silversea Cruises is also returning, with Silver Shadow coming to Kalanggaman Island, Romblon and Bohol before Manila.

Although fewer ships will be sailing to the Philippines this year compared to 2019, a number will be expedition ships that will make multiple calls to different ports and island destinations throughout the year.

New destinations this year include Ilocos Sur, Kalanggaman Island in Leyte and Romblon. Bohol is also becoming popular among cruise ships.

Another positive note is the development of the Port of Salomague in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, which can accommodate large ships of 3,000 people or more.