Business
๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ข๐ ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฌ๐ฌ๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐ค๐๐ฌ ๐๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ข๐๐๐ง ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฌ๐ฅ๐๐ง๐
Boracay Island proudly welcomed the MV Villa Vie Odyssey on its maiden call on September 28,2025. The cruise ship, carrying approximately 870 passengers and crew members, composed of European and American excursionists, made its much-anticipated arrival and is scheduled for an overnight stay, giving guests the opportunity to experience the world-renowned beauty and hospitality of Boracay.
According to Captain Valentin Ginglea , the cruise ship visited Manila and will continue its Philippine itinerary with a stop in Palawan on September 29, 2025, before setting sail for Indonesia to continue its voyage. The shipโs inclusion of Boracay in its route is a testament to the islandโs continued prominence as a premier cruise tourism destination.
A Plaque Exchange Ceremony was held on board to officially mark the visit and express mutual appreciation between the shipโs management and local officials.
Representing the Province of Aklan, under the leadership of Governor, Hon. Jose Enrique Miraflores, was Mr. Niven Maquirang, Executive Assistant to the Governor and Cruise In-Charge. The Local Government Unit of Malay, headed by Hon. Frolibar S. Bautista, was represented by Ms. Catherine O. Fulgencio, Municipal Government Department Head of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
Also in attendance were representatives from the Philippine Ports Authority, Mr. Simbas Hisole, and the Department of Tourism Region VI, headed by Regional Director Crisanta Marlene P. Rodriguez , represented by Ms. Khariza Joy Sofia.
The ceremony was further graced by media partners, Boracay stakeholders and representatives from various tourism enterprises in Boracay Island.
This successful maiden call not only strengthens Boracayโs reputation as a world-class destination but also underscores the islandโs growing readiness to welcome more international cruise liners. With its continued efforts in promoting Boracay Island to the global market, the island confidently opens its shores to future arrivals, promising exceptional experiences to every guest who steps aboard its sands.
As a testament to this momentum, Boracay is expecting five more cruise ships to dock before the year ends, a clear indication that cruise tourism in the island is steadily rising once again.
