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Cruise ship MV Silver Dawn arrives in Subic Bay Freeport in this photo taken on last Dec. 31, bringing 596 passengers and 411 crew members on New Year’s Eve. | PHOTO: SBMA

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is aiming to accommodate more tourists arriving via cruise ships in this economic zone by reaching 20 vessels this year.

Ronnie Yambao, SBMA Port Operations senior deputy administrator and chair of the agency’s Cruise Ship Industry Committee, confirmed that two, among many other cruise ships, have confirmed their arrival and are expected to bring thousands of tourists.

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MV Blue Dream Star will arrive on April 11, May 3, and July 8 with 1,053 passengers on board, while Viva Vie Odyssey will arrive on Sept. 23 with 924 passengers at double occupancy, along with 370 crew members.

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Last Dec. 31, luxury cruise ship MV Silver Dawn made its maiden call at the Subic Bay Freeport, bringing 596 passengers and 411 crew members.

News that South Korean behemoth SK hynix had started mass production of a more advanced artificial intelligence (AI) chip also fanned optimism among investors already upbeat after China unveiled a raft of economy-boosting measures this week.

MV Silver Dawn of Silversea Cruises is part of the prestigious Royal Caribbean Group and is an ultra-luxury and expedition travel brand based in Monaco.

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Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco expressed confidence in Subic Bay’s cruise tourism during the Philippine Experience Program (PEP) Central Luzon leg meeting with SBMA and Zambales officials.

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Frasco said cruise tourism can be expanded through homeporting and creating dedicated cruise port initiatives.

She added that nearby Zambales province could enhance their billeting facilities via the Mabuhay accommodations and homestays, integrating Tourist-Oriented Police enforcers for the Community Order and Protection program with barangay tanods (village watchmen) in Olongapo City to ensure tourist safety and promote dive tourism.

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