By Lily O Ramos

PositiveNewsMedia.Ca

The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) recently received the MS Spirit of Adventure, which brought more than 300 British and French nationals to the country, through its ground handler, Blue Horizons Travel and Tours, Inc.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano hailed the ship’s arrival, saying, “Complementing our chartered flights, the cruise ship tours are fast becoming a competitive source of arrivals, bringing with it the high-spending segment from Europe, US and Asia.

” The DOT welcomed the guests with cultural performances on each port of call. “A festive welcome serves to let them know that they have reached Philippine shores, where the people are warm and wonderful, and the destinations equally so,” shared Eduardo Jarque Jr., Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions.

The cruise ship’s Master Captain Frank Allica also noted, “The reception is one of the grandest I have ever seen in all the places we have been. Our guests can’t wait to see more of this warm and welcoming country.” The MS Spirit of Adventure, owned by Acromas Shipping Limited in England included the Philippines in its 16-day tour of Asia-– the Charm of the Exotic East Voyage. The Berlin, the MS Spirit of Adventure was also touted the “Love Boat’’ for its romantic cruise tour that lures passengers to the exotic charms of Asia.

The Philippines had the longest itinerary in the tour, as the ship docked in four different ports of call which included Cebu, Boracay, Manila, and La Union. Upon reaching Manila, guests were treated to the Manila Old Town Tour which featured Intramuros, Manila Hotel and the Rizal Park. Other guests hiked off to Tagaytay to see the Taal Volcano. After Manila, the luxury cruise liner proceeded to La Union for a tour of Baguio.

The tourists were brought to a weaving school where students use hand-operated wooden looms. The Baguio tour also introduced the Tam-awan Village which displayed century-old Igorot huts, Mines View Park for a panoramic sight-seeing of the summer capital, the Mansion House, Wright Park and Session Road to the guests.

In Cebu, the group was brought to a historical exploration of the city’s landmarks, shopping at Carbon Market and an Arts and Crafts tour, which included trips to factories of acoustic guitars, bandurias (Filipino mandolins), banjos, ukeleles, as well as handcrafted jewelry.

Some of the tourists also went to Bohol to see its eco-sites such as the Chocolate Hills and the Loboc River. Dismal weather, however, prohibited the ship from docking at the pristine White Beach of Boracay where it was also scheduled for a stop. Aside from the Philippines, the ship listed Malaysia, Brunei, Borneo, and Hong Kong in its 16-day cruise itinerary.