Boracay Poised for Big Cruise Year

The MV Luminara

by Jun N. Aguirre

The Department of Tourism-Western Visayas (DOT-WV) is optimistic that 2026 will be a strong year for tourism in the region, with Boracay Island positioned as a key driver of growth.

In an exclusive interview with Boracay Sun News (BSN) on January 17, DOT-WV Regional Director Crisanta Rodriguez said Boracay will be at the forefront of cruise tourism, with increased arrivals expected from the Chinese, Taiwanese, and Indian markets.

Niven Maquirang, Cruise Tourism Officer in Charge, said the region anticipates the arrival of 17 cruise ships this year, bringing thousands of foreign visitors to the island.

Among several significant milestones expected this year was the maiden call of the MV Luminara from the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection on January 17, carrying 376 tourists from Europe, Africa and various Asian countries. Earlier, on January 25, the Japanese cruise ship Asuka 2 also made its maiden port call in Boracay.

“These milestones reinforce Boracay Island’s growing reputation as a premier luxury cruise destination and highlight the province’s continued efforts to position itself on the global cruise tourism map,” Maquirang said.

Cruise ships typically remain in Boracay for an average of eight hours per call, during which passengers are taken to their preferred shore excursion packages (Shorex) around the island.

Asked about regulations governing cruise tourism, particularly passenger limits and environmental safeguards, Maquirang said, “Currently, there is no port authority regulating the cruise ships when it comes to their carrying capacity and passenger limit. As of this time, the allowable number of tourists entering the island is still at 5,000-6,000 daily, based on the 2018 carrying capacity study by the BIATF under EO 53.”

He added, “All the cruise ships visiting the island are strictly required to adhere to the general marine environmental policies.”

“During the 2018 Boracay Closure and Redevelopment that lasted six months, LGU-Aklan, in coordination with the DENR, conducted an underwater marine survey between Boracay and mainland Aklan to identify the safest anchorage area coordinates that will not harm corals and other marine life. All cruise ships are required to be compliant with the Maritime Police,” he said.

Meanwhile, Aklan Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores disclosed during a Provincial Development Council meeting that the province is preparing documents for a proposed all-weather cruise port intended to better serve cruise operators and improve the passenger experience. Specific details have yet to be released.