Five-Star Cruise Ship visits Subic

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – 　The world’s only five-star cruise ship docked here in the Subic Bay Freeport as part of its tour of the country, strengthening Subic’s position as a preeminent tourism destination.

MS Hanseatic arrived in the country on October 13 from Hong Kong and toured the Hundred Islands in Pangasinan before proceeding to Subic .

According to the　Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships, it is the only five-star expedition-cruise ship worldwide.　Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia said this would be the first time that the luxury cruise ship would dock in Subic.

He said passengers of the ship are scheduled to visit tourist attractions in the Freeport during the ship’s one-day stay.

The ship has a capacity of 184 passengers, aside from its crew of 125.

MS Hanseatic was built in 1991 as the　Society Adventurer, but was renamed when she was purchased by　Hanseatic Tours, now owned by marine transportation giant Hapag-Lloyd. The ship specializes in trips to the　Antarctic.

SBMA deputy administrator for business Reuel Kabigting said the arrival of the Hanseatic would be a very welcome development, as it would boost the Freeport’s thrust of becoming a premier tourist destination in Asia.

The SBMA has been preparing the Freeport to be a top cruise-ship destination after it became a founding member of the Asia CruiseTerminal Association, Kabigting added.