Cebu welcomes hundreds of foreign tourists aboard MV Odyssey days after earthquake

Cebu welcomed hundreds of foreign tourists aboard the MV Odyssey cruise vessel, demonstrating resilience following a recent earthquake.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco highlighted the significance of hosting international cruise lines like the Villa Vie Odyssey in advancing the Philippines' tourism agenda.

Frasco expressed gratitude for the MV Odyssey's arrival, emphasizing that it signifies hope and demonstrates Cebu's strength in the face of hardship.

The arrival of the cruise ship occurred just days after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Cebu and surrounding Visayas communities.

The MV Odyssey's visit to Cebu is part of its maiden call to the Philippines, with previous stops including Subic Bay, Manila, Boracay Island, and Puerto Princesa.

The ship is scheduled to return in May 2026, further strengthening the Philippines' place on the global cruise map.

In 2025, the country is expecting 140 cruise calls to various destinations, including Manila, Boracay, Puerto Princesa, Cebu, Samar Island, Kalanggaman, and Bucas Grande.