Manila cruise turnarounds triple as Philippine passenger volumes rise
Port authority figures show cruise traffic surpassed its 2019 level in 2025, while upgrades and infrastructure projects advance across several destinations.
Manila recorded six turnaround cruise calls as of April 2026, three times the two calls reported during the previous year, according to the report. The Eva Macapagal Cruise Terminal can accommodate ships carrying between 1,000 and 3,000 passengers.
Philippine Ports Authority figures cited in the report show cruise passenger numbers climbing from 88,080 in 2023 to 150,903 in 2024 and 226,247 in 2025. The report said the 2025 total exceeded the 213,765 passengers recorded in 2019.
PPA-managed ports receiving regular cruise traffic include Coron, Puerto Princesa, Currimao and Salomague. Cruise-port infrastructure projects are also progressing in Coron in Palawan; Alegria in Buruanga, Aklan; Catagbacan in Loon, Bohol; and Balbagon in Mambajao, Camiguin, the report said.
To support cruise activity, the PPA is implementing facility improvements that include covered walkways, upgraded gangways and modernized restrooms. Sustainability measures reported for the ports include solar lighting and electric-powered equipment.