Carnival cruise line makes historic first visit to PH

Carnival Cruise Line (CCL) marked a significant milestone as the Carnival Panorama made its first-ever visit to the Philippines, docking at Manila's South Harbor’s Eva Macapagal Super Terminal. This historic event was part of the ship's 25-day Transpacific Carnival Journeys cruise, symbolizing an important moment for the cruise line and its Filipino crew members.

Carnival Panorama’s arrival was led by shipboard leaders Capt. Luca Lazzarino, Chief Engineer Stefano Gazzolo, and Hotel Director Hector Groves. The commemoration event was attended by local dignitaries, alongside representatives from Cruise Administration Services, Inc., and Open Sea Crewing Agency, Inc., who play key roles in supporting CCL’s operations in the Philippines.

The Manila stopover was a heartfelt occasion, as Filipino crew members had the opportunity to go ashore and reunite with their families. CCL also extended a warm welcome to the families of these crew members, allowing them to tour the ship and experience life on board.

"We know this visit is a special moment for our Filipino team members, so we wanted their families to see their workplace. This is our first time docking in the Philippines, and we prepared lunch on board as a thank you for the warm welcome," said Capt. Lazzarino.

Igmedio Cariaga, Director of Carnival Cruise Line’s Crew & Travel Operations Team, noted, "Filipino seafarers are among the top three nationalities sailing with the Carnival Cruise Line fleet. Carnival Panorama’s visit is a momentous occasion for CCL’s Filipino shipboard talent and a unique opportunity for them to be with their loved ones."

Carnival Panorama, which debuted in 2019, is on a journey that began in Singapore and included stops in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, and Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, before reaching Manila. After departing Manila, the ship will visit Guam and Hawaii before returning to its homeport in Long Beach, California.