DOT-1 readies plan for arrival of cruise ship in Ilocos

 

SAN FERNANDO CITY, January 26 (PIA) – The Department of Tourism (DOT) in the Ilocos Region is now preparing for the arrival of a giant cruise ship that is anticipated to bring thousands of tourists and visitors to Ilocos provinces.

Modesto Baloloy, chief tourism operations officer for DOT Region 1, said that the Star Cruises, one of the world’s biggest cruise ship companies, has identified the Currimao Port of Ilocos Norte as one of their destinations in the country.

Initially, the Star Cruises will bring to the province its SuperStar Virgo, which is considered as the fleet flagship, this coming summer season.

The Superstar Virgo is a 13-storey vessel with 935 cabins that can accommodate up to 2, 800 passengers and 1, 100 crew members. It has amenities like outdoor swimming pool, 100-meter water slide, bar, gym, salon and spa, duty-free shops, and karaoke rooms.

The cruise ship’s itinerary is from Hong Kong to Manila, then Currimao, Ilocos Norte to Kaohsiung, Taiwan from March 19 to May 23.

Baloloy said their office is now busy coordinating with the management of Currimao Port for the warm welcome of the tourists. (Freddie G. Lazaro/PIA- 1)