Cebu welcomes cruise call

CEBU CITY served as the final stop of Villa Vie Odyssey, despite the recent earthquake that struck the city, the Department of Tourism (DoT) said.

As part of the maiden call of the cruise ship to the country, the MV Odyssey under the Villa Vie Residences docked at the Cebu International Port on Sunday, the department said in a statement over the weekend.

“We are very grateful that MV Odyssey has arrived in Cebu. It’s been a very difficult past few days for our fellow Cebuanos who have experienced the devastation of the 6.9-magnitude earthquake,” said DoT Secretary Ma. Esperanza Christina G. Frasco.

“And for this vessel that has sailed to 147 countries around the world to come here to the Philippines and to come to Cebu today is very meaningful, for it shows that there is hope,” she added.

Prior to Cebu, the cruise ship docked at Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Port on Sept. 23, followed by stops in Manila, Boracay Island, and Puerto Princesa.

“The ship is scheduled to return in May 2026, further strengthening the Philippines’ place on the global cruise map,” the department said.

In 2025, the country is expecting 140 cruise calls to Manila, Boracay, Puerto Princesa, Cebu, Samar Island, Kalanggaman, and Bucas Grande.

These are expected to generate 47,295 foreign arrivals.

“With cruise calls like Villa Vie Odyssey and landmark industry events, the DoT is determined to propel the Philippines toward becoming a leading tourism hub in Asia,” the DoT said. — Justine Irish D. Tabile