Boracay and the Cruise Tourism Moment We Must Not Miss

By: Guillermo Sumbiling

Boracay has always been more than just a beach. It is a promise—of beauty, rest, discovery, and world-class hospitality. Today, that promise is being rediscovered by the global cruise industry. Cruise ship arrivals to Boracay grew from 9 calls in 2024 to 17 in 2025, a clear signal that international cruise operators see Boracay as a must-visit destination in Asia. If this momentum continues, 2026 and the years beyond could bring even more cruise arrivals—and thousands more visitors with time, curiosity, and spending power.

But there is a catch.

Growth Is Real, Infrastructure Is Not

Cruise tourism is unlike regular air or ferry travel. A single cruise ship carries 2,000 to 3,000 passengers, many of them senior travelers—experienced, affluent, and eager to spend on dining, shopping, tours, wellness, and culture. Yet under the current setup, most cruise ships servicing Boracay rely on tender boats to ferry passengers from ship to shore.

For many cruisers, this is not just inconvenient—it is discouraging. Tendering is physically demanding, weather-dependent, time-consuming, and risky for elderly passengers. What should be a relaxed tropical arrival often becomes the most stressful part of the journey.

If Boracay is to remain attractive to cruise lines, this experience must change.

The Case for a Modern Cruise Port in Mainland Aklan

Large cruise ships require deep berths, adequate quay length, and safe mooring systems—features that are not realistically achievable along Boracay’s fragile shoreline. The logical, sustainable solution lies in mainland Aklan, particularly within the jurisdiction of Malay, where space, depth, and support infrastructure can be properly developed.

A modern cruise facility must include:
• A deep-water cruise berth capable of accommodating large vessels
• A purpose-built passenger terminal with seamless security, immigration, and customs
• Efficient ground transportation links to land and air travel
• Waste management, water supply, and logistics systems that meet international cruise standards
• Amenities that reflect Boracay’s brand—comfort, safety, and hospitality

Such facilities are not luxuries; they are basic requirements for cruise operators deciding where to deploy their ships year after year.

Why a Bridge Matters

Even with a world-class cruise terminal on the mainland, the journey to Boracay must be seamless. The current ferry-and-transfer system is simply not designed for day-turnaround cruise operations, where thousands of passengers need to move quickly, safely, and predictably.

An all-weather bridge linking the cruise port to Boracay Island transforms the equation:
• Eliminates weather-related disruptions
• Improves safety for senior and mobility-limited passengers
• Reduces transfer time dramatically
• Supports tourism, logistics, and emergency access year-round

This is not just about convenience—it is about competitiveness.

A Call for Strategic Public Investment

Cruise tourism is a high-value, low-stay opportunity. Passengers may only stay a day, but they spend intensely—on food, souvenirs, tours, and experiences that directly benefit local businesses across Aklan.

Without timely public investment in cruise infrastructure, Boracay risks losing this market to destinations that are moving faster and planning smarter. Cruise lines have options. They will go where ports are ready.

The growth from 9 to 17 cruise arrivals is not just a statistic—it is a warning and an invitation. Boracay has the brand. Aklan has the space. What is needed now is vision, coordination, and commitment.

If we build the right facilities today, Boracay will not just welcome cruise ships—it will anchor itself firmly on the global cruise map for decades to come.