Silversea’s Silver Dawn Luxury Ship Makes a Grand Stop at Subic Bay Freeport

The luxury cruise ship Silver Dawn from Silversea Cruises made its inaugural visit to Subic Bay Freeport on December 31, 2024, arriving with approximately 1,000 tourists on board. This maiden call highlights Subic Bay’s emerging role in the cruise tourism sector.

Eduardo Jose L. Alino, the Chairman and Administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), noted that Silversea, based in Monaco and operating ultra-luxury and expedition cruises, is part of the Royal Caribbean Group.

The vessel is carrying 596 guests and 411 crew members, and is set to celebrate New Year’s Eve while docked in the Freeport area. Ronnie R. Yambao, Senior Deputy Administrator of Port Operations and chairperson of the SBMA Cruise Ship Industry Committee, mentioned ongoing efforts to exceed pre-COVID ship call levels.

Looking ahead, Subic Bay aims to host 20 cruise ship visits by 2025. Confirmed arrivals include the Blue Dream Star, which is scheduled for three visits in 2025 (April 11, May 3, and July 8) with 1,053 passengers. Moreover, the Viva Vie Odyssey is expected on September 23, bringing 924 passengers and 370 crew.

Philippine Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco expressed optimism about the region’s cruise tourism potential during a recent meeting at the Subic Bay Yacht Club. She proposed enhancing the Freeport’s cruise offerings through homeporting initiatives and aimed at integrating local tourist security measures by coordinating with the Tourist-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP) program.

As part of the Philippine Experience Program (PEP) Central Luzon initiative, she also encouraged the development of accommodations in Zambales, promoting homestays under the Mabuhay Accommodations program, and highlighting the area’s potential as a diving destination.

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