(Photo courtesy of DOT-EASTERN VISAYAS)
TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Tourism (DOT) is evaluating potential and existing cruise destinations in Northern and Eastern Samar provinces as the region prepares for possible expedition cruise calls by French luxury cruise operator Compagnie du Ponant in 2027 and 2028.
The DOT Eastern Visayas, in partnership with TravelPeople Ltd. Inc. and local government tourism offices, conducted a three-day cruise destination assessment in the provinces from July 18 to 20.
The assessment covered the island municipalities of Capul and Biri in Northern Samar on July 18 and 19, followed by a preliminary evaluation of Oras in Eastern Samar on July 20.
Tourism officials assessed the destinations’ readiness to accommodate international cruise passengers, including their attractions, accessibility, transportation facilities, community-based tourism experiences and overall capacity to handle cruise visitors.
The activity is part of efforts to expand cruise tourism in Eastern Visayas and identify destinations that can offer international visitors cultural, historical, environmental and community-based experiences.
In Capul, the team assessed the island’s capacity to continue hosting expedition cruise vessels. Located at the entrance of the San Bernardino Strait, Capul is known for its colonial heritage, distinct cultural identity and coastal landscapes.
The island welcomed its first international cruise ship on April 2, 2018, when the French expedition vessel L’Austral, operated by Compagnie du Ponant, made a port call.
The assessment also covered Biri Island, which received its first official cruise port call on July 26, 2023, when the Australian expedition cruise ship Coral Adventurer anchored off the island.
Biri is known for its seven massive geological rock formations—Bel-at, Caranas, Macadlaw, Magasang, Magsapad, Pinanahawan and Puhunan—which were shaped by ocean waves and tectonic activity over millions of years. The formations have been declared a National Geological Monument.
In Oras, the team conducted an initial assessment of the municipality as a potential new cruise destination.
The team visited Sta. Monica, also known as Tubabao Island, and community-managed tourism sites, including Dao Pond, Tawagan Pond and HarafehaFun, a bangus and crab pond.
The sites were evaluated based on their tourism potential, accessibility, visitor experience and suitability as shore excursion destinations for international cruise passengers.
Of Eastern Visayas’ six provinces, Eastern Samar remains the only one yet to receive an international cruise ship port call.
Tourism officials said the continuing assessments are aimed at positioning Eastern Samar as a future cruise destination and expanding cruise tourism opportunities across the region.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
