SkySea Golden Era brings Chinese tourists to Boracay

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

From Xiamen, China, a chartered international cruise ship will drop anchor in Boracay Island this week.

The SkySea Golden Era will bring in around 3,000 tourists and crew members on board on her port call on July 10 at around 6 a.m.

The cruise ship (the formerly Celebrity Century) took off in China on July 7 for a stop in Manila on July 8.  It will set sail at 2 p.m. from Boracay Island, also on July 10, for her next expedition.

Tourism Boracay officer-in-charge Kristoffer Leo Velete said a fiesta-like welcome of Ati-Atihan tribe members in vibrant costumes and a send-off rondalla will treat the Chinese tourists during their quick tour in the island.

The ship SkySea Golden Era is a joint venture of Royal Carribean Cruises Ltd. (RCL), Shanghai-based asset manager Stone Capital and Chinese travel giant Ctrip. Aboard the luxurious ship are modernized and renovated decks, restaurants and spas to appeal to Chinese cruise market.

Velete said more than five ship calls are expected to arrive in the remaining months in Boracay Island. According to the latest data of Department of Tourism, six cruise ships stopped for port calls in Boracay Island this year.

The article was originally published by independent online blog Aklan Forum Journal. The unrestricted use in print or radio, publication and distribution of articles are allowed provided the original author and Aklan Forum Journal are credited.