THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) recorded six turnaround calls at the Eva Macapagal Cruise Terminal in early 2026, tripling the two calls logged during the same period last year.
PPA recorded 26 cruise calls and 76,188 passengers nationwide from January to February 2026. This activity marks a shift toward turnaround operations, where voyages begin and end in the Philippines rather than making brief stopovers. Despite rising global fuel prices, the PPA reports consistent vessel volume and growing interest from international operators in using local ports as regional hubs.
Manila has emerged as a focal point for this growth, with the Eva Macapagal Cruise Terminal hosting six turnaround calls as of April 2026. This is a significant increase from the two calls recorded in 2025, reflecting cruise lines' confidence in the country’s homeport capabilities. The terminal currently services medium to large vessels carrying up to 3,000 passengers from the United States, Europe, and China.
PPA General Manager Jay Santiago confirmed that the agency is prioritizing infrastructure upgrades to support this volume. Key projects include the installation of covered walkways, improved gangways, and modernized restrooms to enhance the passenger experience. Santiago emphasized that these improvements are essential to meeting global cruise tourism standards and ensuring seamless port operations for international travelers.
Beyond Manila, the PPA is expanding its cruise-ready network to include ports in Currimao, Salomague, and Puerto Princesa. New developments are also underway in Coron, Aklan, Bohol, and Camiguin to meet rising demand. By diversifying port locations, the PPA aims to distribute tourism opportunities across the archipelago and increase the accessibility of regional destinations for large-scale cruise itineraries.
Passenger arrivals have shown a steady upward trajectory, growing from 88,080 in 2023 to 226,247 in 2025. This latest figure surpasses the 2019 pre-pandemic record of 213,765 arrivals. To manage this growth sustainably, the PPA is implementing green initiatives, such as adopting solar-powered lighting and electric equipment to reduce the environmental impact of increased port activity.
The agency’s "PPAsyal Tayo" campaign further supports this growth by promoting tourism sites near ports to boost local economies. Through modernized facilities and close coordination with other government agencies, PPA remains optimistic about the Philippines' market position. These strategic investments are designed to secure the country’s role as a competitive and efficient gateway for the global cruise industry.