Giant ‘Ovation of Seas’ cruise makes port call in Subic

MS Ovation of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean International cruise ship, docks at the Alava Wharf during its maiden port call in the Subic Bay Freeport on Friday, June 8.

One of the largest cruise ships in the world made its maiden port call at the Alava Wharf, Subic Bay Freeport Zone on Friday.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) administrator Wilma Eisma said MS Ovation of the Seas, a Quantum-class vessel of cruise giant Royal Caribbean International, was the biggest ship to dock in Subic in all its history as a naval base.

The luxurious 18-deck cruise measuring 348 meters long and weighing 168,666 tons can carry almost 5,000 passengers and crew members.

According to the SBMA, up to 50 tour buses were fielded to accommodate the mostly-Chinese passengers who wanted to see the sights.

“We are glad that in its own little way, Subic is able to help in the national government effort to raise tourist arrivals in the country and generate more income for local people,” Eisma said, noting the SBMA has reached the next level in its cruise ship program.

Dancers in colorful costume provide welcome gaiety at Alava Wharf during the arrival of MS Ovation of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean International cruise ship, which made its maiden port call in the Subic Bay Freeport on Friday, June 8.

Senator Richard Gordon, who got to board the ship, congratulated SBMA on social media.

Boarding MS Ovation of the Seas, the largest cruise ship of the Royal Caribbean International at Alava Pier, SBFZ. Such an arrival will attract more tourists and investors to our country. Congratulations, SBMA! pic.twitter.com/YqT9Bp3KUm

— Richard J. Gordon (@DickGordonDG) June 8, 2018

Eisma said the Ovation was among the "bigger and more luxurious" sea vessels that made port calls this week, including the 19th biggest ship in the world, Genting Hong Kong Ltd.'s MS World Dream.

The Italian-flagged Costa Atlantica that has over 2,000-person capacity also made a port call in February.

SBMA Tourism Department manager Jem Camba said in a statement that 20 more cruise ships are scheduled to arrive this year, including another Royal Caribbean sea giant, Voyager of the Seas.

Cruise ship arrivals, Camba said, significantly boost local income as cruise ship passengers visit local attractions in Subic, as well as nearby communities in Olongapo City, Zambales and Bataan. — MDM, GMA News