SUBIC BAY FREEPORT -- A Swiss cruise line has become the fourth international cruise line to make this premier Freeport its next destination.
MSC Cruises, which is part of the Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. (MSC), the world's second biggest container shipping operator, is scouting the area because of the tourist spots in the Subic Freeport, as well as those found in the nearby communities.
MSC Cruises officials led by Port Operations assistant Ian Meachem met with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chairman and administrator Wilma T. Eisma recently to discuss the possibility of making Subic a part of its itinerary.
He was accompanied here by Antonio Calingo Jr., assistant general manager of Wallem Philippines Shipping, Inc., the leading ship agent in the Philippines.
In the meeting, Eisma briefed the visitors about local destinations and pointed out the places where most tourists from visiting cruise ships go during their stops here.
She added that the SBMA has plans to turn the coastal area of the town of San Antonio in Zambales into a cruise-ship docking area and resort destination.
Meachem noted that the tourist spots in and around the Subic Freeport appear interesting, especially to tour operators who want a little bit of everything. He added that certain requirements had to be met before the company commits to make Subic a part of their itinerary.
MSC Cruises welcomed 1.8 million guests on board in 2016, and with 12 new ships to be put into service by 2026, it expects its capacity to nearly triple to 5 million passengers a year over the next 10 years.
Three others have made Subic a regular stop: Costa Crociere, an Italian cruise line that is owned by Carnival Corporation & plc; Dream Cruises, which is Asia’s first luxury cruise line; and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., the world’s second largest cruise line operator. (Ric Sapnu)