Three luxury cruise ships are set to visit island destinations in Eastern Visayas in 2027, reflecting growing interest in culturally immersive shore excursions, the Department of Tourism (DOT) reported Thursday.

Rina Apostol, officer-in-charge of the DOT Eastern Visayas regional office, said in a phone interview that the three cruise ships are expected to bring more than 600 passengers to the region.

The first ship of Swan Hellenic Cruises of the United Kingdom will visit Cuatro Islas in Leyte in May 2027, carrying 160 passengers.

In June, Heritage Adventurer, a Portuguese cruise ship, will bring passengers to key destinations in Calbayog City and Paranas, Samar.

French cruise line Compagnie du Ponant will visit Limasawa Island in Southern Leyte and Cuatro Islas in Leyte in September, carrying 280 passengers.

“Eastern Visayas has emerged as a prime destination for international expedition cruises. Passengers want to experience culturally immersive shore excursions focusing on ecotourism, local heritage, and authentic coastal experiences,” Apostol said.

Cruise calls have brought economic opportunities to island destinations that are less attractive to traditional tourists because of the limited availability of hotels and restaurants, she said.

In July, key tourism stakeholders conducted assessments in various destinations across the region to determine their readiness to receive cruise passengers.

Among the sites assessed were Calbayog City, Catbalogan City, Sto. Niño, Almagro, Paranas, and Basey in Samar; the island towns of Capul and Biri in Northern Samar; Oras in Eastern Samar; Inopacan and Hindang in Leyte; Limasawa in Southern Leyte; and Caibiran in Biliran.

“These sites may not be included in the 2027 cruise calls, but they will be included in our international cruise tourism promotion,” Apostol added.

Eastern Visayas has emerged as a preferred destination for expedition-style cruise itineraries, with recurring calls from luxury and boutique cruise liners.

Regular cruise calls have been recorded at destinations such as Kalanggaman Island and Cuatro Islas in Leyte.

Emerging cruise stops include Capul Island, Biri Island, and Lavezares in Northern Samar; Maripipi Island, Sambawan Island, and Higatangan Island in Biliran; and Limasawa Island in Southern Leyte. (PNA)