Boracay ready to welcome 1st cruise ship arrival in 2017

MS Seabourn Sojourn, which has around 400 tourist passengers, is set to visit Boracay on January 28.

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan - Multi-sectoral agencies in this resort island have finalized security preparations for the first cruise ship visit on January 28.

Jean Pontero, special operation officer of the Caticlan Jetty Port, said Thursday inter-agencies tasked to secure the island are all set for the visit of MS Seabourn Soujourn.

This is the third visit of the luxury cruise ship which is expected to bring in 400 tourists, mostly European, and 300 crew members.

The cruise ship is expected to dock in Boracay for eight hours, from 10a.m. to 6p.m.

Pontero said the visitors will be welcomed with an Ati-Atihan presentation.

“We are not new to hosting cruise ship arrivals but we still continue to coordinate with our partner security agencies to ensure the safety of our visitors,” Pontero said.




For security, the jetty port administration is working closely with the Philippine Army-Boracay, Boracay Tourist Assistance Center, Malay Auxiliary Police, Philippine Coast Guard-Caticlan, and Philippine Navy.

For medical emergencies, they are also coordinating with the Philippine Red Cross-Boracay Malay Chapter and Boracay Fire Rescue & Ambulance Volunteers (BFRAV).

Pontero said they are also working with the Department of Tourism-Boracay and Local Government of Malay for ensuring a worthwhile experience for cruise tourists.

This year, at least 15 luxury cruise ships are scheduled to visit this resort island. [via PNA]