Three international cruise ships are set to visit the world-famous Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan next month.

MS Westerdam of Holland America will arrive on March 3, MS Nautica by Oceania Cruises on March 6 and MS Seven Seas Mariner by Regent on March 8.

The cruise ships are expected to bring in about 5,000 foreign tourists and crew to the island, according to Executive Assistant V Niven Maquirang of the provincial government.

On Monday, Feb. 13, MS Seabourn Encore of Seabourn Cruise Line, which carried 600 passengers, arrived on the island.

It was the first luxury cruise ship to visit Boracay since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

“Wayback during our pre-pandemic, they used to be our regular clients and they added to our tourist arrival. We are happy that at least, they have returned,” said Malay tourism officer Felix Gregorio Delos Santos.

Meanwhile, MV Norwegian Jewel is scheduled to visit the island on November 3 and 29, and December 1. MS Westerdam will return on November 7 .

Star Breeze and MS Seven Seas Explorer will arrive on November 16 and November 17, respectively.IMT