Cruise firms place bets on PH

Three of the world’s leading cruise companies have expressed interest to help develop the Philippines as a cruise ship destination, according to the Philippine envoy to Washington.

These companies were identified as Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Lines, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia Jr. said in his report to Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario.

“The cruise giants were open to working with the Philippines in destination development while they discussed infrastructure requirements,” Cuisia said in a statement.

Apart from helping the Philippines become a cruise ship destination,  Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Lines also disclosed plans to tap more seafarers from the Philippines as they acquire more cruise ships to support their expansion plans.

These three firms already employ a combined 61,700 Filipino crew members.