SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Cruise visits in Subic Bay are returning next year, the Chairman and Administrator of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (S.B.M.A.), Jonathan D. Tan, said on Wednesday, June 28th, 2023, during his interview with CNN.
It was in 2020 when the last cruise ship was supposed to visit Subic Bay. However, residents of Olongapo City, including the mayor protested on the arrival of Genting's World Dream cruise ship in fear of the emerging virus, that eventually sparked the first modern, global pandemic.
Before the pandemic begun, Subic Bay was supposed to have weekly cruise visits with over 38 cruise ships are scheduled for docking at the Alava Pier. The surprising turn of events in 2020 canceled all of 38 vessels' cruise to the Freeport.
Subic Bay was a top destination for cruise destinations during the time of former S.B.M.A. Chairman and Administrator, Wilma T. Eisma, where in the tourism sector skyrocketed during her term.
Next year, on March 11, 2024, Royal Caribbean International will make its return to Subic Bay with its 16-night cruise to Australia and South-East Asia, having the Freeport as one of its destinations.