World’s largest residential yacht docks in Ilocos Norte

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte – The world’s largest privately-owned residential yacht carrying at least 200 tourists docked at Port of Currimao on Monday to explore the various cultural heritage sites in Ilocos Norte.

According to Xavier Ruiz of the provincial tourism office here, the passengers of the MS The World Yacht had the opportunity to visit the St. Augustine Church - a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Malacañang of the North, both in Paoay town; and other tourist attractions in the cities of Laoag and Batac, and the municipality of Badoc.

Angel Lao, president of Ilocos Norte Travel and Tours, said they plan to further expand The MS The World’s itinerary to the different tourist sites including the northern part of the province.

“The passengers have a maximum of eight hours to go around the province. Hopefully in the future, if The World has a longer time of staying in the province, we can bring its passengers to as far as Pagudpud,” said Lao.

After its maiden arrival in the province, the yacht’s next stop will be Cebu before it returns to Hongkong. The MS The World Yacht is operated by ROW Management Ltd.

On the same day, the Spectrum of the Seas of the Royal Caribbean International completed its second call at the Salomague Port in Ilocos Sur with thousands of international passengers visiting the Ilocos provinces. Its next arrival is on February 26 this year.

“We are expecting more dockings in the future as the Department of Tourism and the national government have pledged their support in developing our ports and making Ilocos Norte one of the main cruise ports in the country,” said Ruiz.

With the pilot arrival of Superstar Virgo at Currimao Port in 2017, Ilocos Norte welcomed a steady stream of international cruise ships in the province that prompted the sustainable development of tourist attractions, local livelihoods, and employment opportunities.