Cruising is rapidly capturing the interest of Philippine events organisers, a trend highlighted during last month’s MICE Cruise Seminar, hosted by the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) in partnership with Royal Caribbean Group.
While cruising remains a “new experience” for many Filipinos, “MICE is the fastest-growing segment of our cruise market”, Wally Cervantes, senior vice president of Arpan Air, told TTGmice. Arpan Air has served as Royal Caribbean Group’s exclusive Philippine representative since 1994.
Cervantes noted that a cruise is an ideal option for business events, as organisers realise it is both cost-effective and convenient. “They only have to deal with one company for all their needs, as accommodation, meals, entertainment, and meeting facilities are all available onboard,” he said.
Rowena Coloma, managing director of Travel Specialist Ventures (TSV), agreed that cruising is gaining ground as a fresh venue option.
Coloma cited several key benefits for organisers, including fixed-budget packages that impress clients, simplified logistics through a single contract, and unique onboard experiences that foster loyalty.
TSV offers mid-range and luxury options spanning European ocean itineraries and river cruises. Travellers love visiting multiple destinations without the hassle of repeated packing, along with the all-inclusive value covering dining, wellness, shore excursions, and entertainment, she added.
Meanwhile, Liezel Lacaden, sales and reservations officer at Covenant Travel, highlighted a welcome development: cruise lines like Adora Cruises are now homeporting or docking in Manila. These ships offer convenient itineraries to destinations such as Taiwan and Okinawa, Japan – ports that feature visa-free or special visa-waiver entry for Filipinos.
PTAA’s MICE Cruise Seminar drew 54 travel professionals eager to explore opportunities in this emerging crossover sector. Building on this momentum, PTAA’s president Jaison Yang announced that the association will host its second B2B Fly and Cruise gathering on September 17.
