Ponant, Silversea Expand Philippine Cruise Itineraries to New Islands

Luxury Cruise Lines Target Philippine Archipelago

Luxury cruise operators Ponant and Silversea are significantly increasing their presence in the Philippines, with plans for expanded itineraries in the coming years. These new voyages, scheduled for 2027 and 2028, will feature extended stays and calls at islands less frequented by international cruise traffic.

Shan Dioquino David, CEO and president of CITTI Elite, the preferred sales agent in the Philippines for Silversea, Ponant, and Scenic Cruises, noted that the majority of passengers booking these trips originate from various international locations, with minimal domestic traveller participation.

This expansion aligns with a post-pandemic trend of heightened interest in upscale, experiential expedition cruising throughout Southeast Asia, particularly within the Philippines, according to David.

Ponant Unveils Two New Philippine Voyages

Ponant has detailed two upcoming cruises that include substantial Philippine components. Its nine-day Philippine cruise aboard Le Soléal is scheduled from February 3 to 11, 2028.

This itinerary will depart from Manila, sailing to Iloilo in the Visayas and then visiting the islands of Kalanggaman, Limasawa, and Higatangan in Leyte, and Sibuyan in Romblon, before a stop in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, and returning to Manila.

Limasawa Island in Leyte is specifically highlighted as one of the lesser-known Philippine destinations included in Ponant’s upcoming routes.

Additionally, Ponant’s 14-day Horizons of East Asia and the Philippines cruise, set for October 23 to November 5, 2027, will cover Busan in South Korea, Shanghai in China, Japan, and Taiwan, dedicating four days to the Philippines with stops at Batanes, Claveria in Cagayan, Hundred Islands in Pangasinan, and Manila.

Silversea Introduces Expedition Routes

Silversea is also enhancing its Philippine offerings with several expedition cruises. The Silver Cloud will undertake an expedition from June 9 to 23, 2027, encompassing Darwin in Australia, Malaysia, and Indonesia, alongside nine days allocated for shore excursions across Luzon and the Visayas in the Philippines.

Following this, the same vessel will sail a separate itinerary from Manila to Darwin between June 23 and July 14, 2027, which includes calls in Malaysia and Indonesia, and six days within the Philippines.

Furthermore, Silversea’s Silver Muse is slated for a voyage from December 5 to 19, 2027, as part of a Taiwan, Philippines, and Malaysia itinerary, featuring visits to Manila, Coron, and Puerto Princesa in Palawan. Scenic Cruises, which previously called in the Philippines in 2025, is also expected to return in 2028.

Opportunities for Philippine Island Tourism

The expansion by luxury expedition cruise operators into lesser-known provincial destinations underscores a growing appeal for the Philippines' extensive archipelago. Shan Dioquino David noted that the country's more than 7,000 islands, diverse beaches, and rich cultural heritage are proving attractive to this niche market.

This trend suggests that local tourism stakeholders in these emerging cruise destinations, such as Limasawa and Kalanggaman, could see increased economic activity from international visitors.

The focus on longer stays and exploration of diverse islands may prompt further infrastructure development and service enhancements in these areas, catering to the specific demands of luxury travellers and potentially influencing future tourism strategies for the Philippine Department of Tourism.