The Port Management Office (PMO) NCR-South welcomed the luxury expedition cruise ship SH Minerva for its maiden docking at Pier 15, Manila South Harbor, on Saturday.
Arriving from Marinduque at 6:56 a.m., the vessel brought 95 international tourist passengers and 125 crew members to the nation’s capital, marking another milestone for the Philippine cruise tourism industry.
Of the arriving travelers, 76 passengers officially disembarked in Manila to conclude their journey, while remaining transit passengers were joined by 20 newly embarked travelers. To ensure a seamless experience for those exploring the capital, three dedicated tour buses were deployed, transporting guests to selected iconic tourist attractions across Metro Manila.
The smooth arrival and turnaround operations were the result of meticulous planning. On April 29, 2026, PMO NCR-South hosted a comprehensive pre-arrival meeting with key stakeholders to guarantee safe, orderly, and efficient port procedures.
In a heartwarming highlight of the Manila stopover, the ship’s crew manning agency arranged a special onboard visitation. A total of 105 relatives of the Filipino crew members were granted exclusive access to visit their loved ones onboard, celebrating the vital role Filipino seafarers play in the global luxury cruise sector.
Following its successful day-long stopover, SH Minerva departed Manila South Harbor at 6:00 p.m. the same day, charting a course for the world-famous Hundred Islands as the next leg of its Philippine voyage.
The management of the port authority continues to affirm its steadfast commitment to supporting the growth of cruise tourism in the Philippines. Through continuous infrastructure readiness and top-tier port operations, Manila South Harbor remains dedicated to positioning the country as a premier, world-class destination for luxury expedition cruises.
