MEDIA RELEASE

May 2016
The Legend of the Seas Visits the Philippines Again
The Philippines continues to establish its position as one of the emerging cruise
destinations in this part of the world, as the Legend of the Seas, the huge luxurious
cruise ship of the Royal Caribbean International (RCI), made its way to Manila last May
6, 2016.
Over 2,000 passengers were greeted with the warmth and enthusiasm unique
only to Filipinos. The local music of Banda Kawayan and performances by the Atiatihan dancers provided a festive atmosphere, as passengers disembarked from the
cruise ship during its call at the port of Manila. Officials of the Department of Tourism
(DOT), the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), and the Asian Terminals, Inc. (ATI), were
likewise at the reception line, to personally welcome the passengers.
The cruise call in Manila was part of the vessels 18-day Southeast Asia itinerary
from Australia to Hong Kong, with another stopover in Puerto Princesa. Buses of eager
passengers departed for tours to farther cities, namely, Pagsanjan, Tagaytay, and
Quezon.
Other passengers opted to stay within Manila, taking the tranvia tours of
Intramuros and Rizal Park, provided through the assistance of Intramuros
Administration (IA). Moreover, to increase accessibility to major tourist destinations for
all passengers, the DOT National Capital Region (NCR) Office launched a special
wheelchair tour service for persons with disabilities for cruise visitors, through the use
of Wheelmobiles.
It could be recalled that the Legend of the Seas first visited the Philippines in
2012. Since then, the Philippines had been a part of the regular itineraries to Asia.
With the recent launch of the ASEAN Cruise Brand and the recently completed National
Cruise Tourism Strategy, efforts are strengthened towards attracting not only more
cruise lines to include our country in their programs, but also more frequent schedules
from regular cruise company clients. In this way, we are bringing a steadily growing

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stream of revenues for millions of Filipinos in the tourism industry, DOT Secretary
Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. said.
The Legend of the Seas has a twice-a-year schedule to the Philippines, with this
years second call to be made in October. The cruise ship prides itself of multiple
entertainment venues where guests can enjoy themselves, complete with the following:
a shopping center, kids play area, conference room, spa and fitness centers, a ninehole golf course, rock-climbing wall, themed bars, casino, and theatre. The RCI is a
Norwegian and American cruise line based in Florida and touted as one of the worlds
largest cruise firms.
This shows that more big ships are taking to our shores. Slowly, the countrys
sea connectivity has been improving through the repair of terminals, harbours and
ports. The DOT has stepped up its promotional activities to increase awareness of the
countrys offerings as a cruise destination. Cruise tourism is part of the strategy for the
Philippines to get a slice of the tourism luxury market. Having an archipelagic
configuration is our edge and brings to the table many cruise possibilities. Publicprivate partnership is key here in developing this burgeoning industry, according to
DOT Undersecretary for Tourism Development, Benito C. Bengzon, Jr.

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CONTACT

JAZMIN C. ESGUERRA
Director, Media and Communications Service
jcesguerra@tourism.gov.ph

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The colorful and lively Ati-Atihan dancers fete the docking Legend of the Seas

The disembarking passengers

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A DOT lei reception form part of the welcome

Getting ready for the out-of-Manila tours

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DOT information officers assist the other guests for walking tours of Rizal Park,
Intramuros and environs.

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