MANILA, Philippines – Diamond Princess, hailed in Cruise Magazine Reader’s Poll as the Best International Ship in Japan, made port call in Manila on September 13. Regarded as a luxury destination in itself, the stately jewel of the sea boasts next-level technology, unparalleled specialty dining experience, and world-class guest service. Key government officials, diplomats, and maritime industry leaders welcomed back the cruise ship in its port call to Manila.
Assistant Secretary Levinson Alcantra and Assistant Secretary Jerome Pampolina, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW); Administrator Arnaldo Ignacio, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA); Executive Director El Cid Castillo, Qualifications and Standards Office (QSO) of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), together with members of the American diplomatic corps, and MAGSAYSAY Group leadership led the delegation which welcomed the ship on its return to Manila. Invited guests were treated to luncheon and ship tour — where they experienced Diamond Princess’ state-of-the-art facilities and exquisite gourmet preparations. The Diamond Princess called port prior in May 2020.
The port call was an excellent opportunity for the country to showcase its Filipino hospitality, highlight the country as a tourism destination, and pay tribute and salute the competency and quality service of Filipino crew members in their workplace. The event also underscores the contributions of Filipino seafarers and helps promote career opportunities for aspiring Filipinos who would like to pursue a profession onboard cruise ship. Diamond Princess carries 2,706 passengers on board, with 1,100 crew – 517 of whom are Filipinos. The ship is one of the 16 cruise ships of Princess Cruises employing over 10,000 Filipino seafarers. MAGSAYSAY has been the official recruitment partner of Princess Cruises since 1987 for its cruise ships’ hospitality and technical departments.
Princess Cruises’ presence has already been established in the Philippines by partnering with MAGSAYSAY, through Magsaysay Center for Hospitality and Culinary Arts (MIHCA)–training and education of seafarers to achieve the highest level of excellence and innovation. In June 21, MIHCA Mandaluyong and Princess Cruises premiered the latest kitchen and housekeeping equipment which showcases cutting-edge technology found only in world-class cruise ships – among the first in the country.
About Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world’s most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world – the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).
About MAGSAYSAY
Magsaysay Maritime Corporation (MMC) is a leading provider of quality crew and exemplary crewing services for the world’s maritime and cruise industries. Headquartered in Manila, Philippines, and with affiliates and subsidiaries in Indonesia, China,and Croatia, MMC provides partner Principals around the world direct access to topnotch, well-trained, and excellent crew of various cultures and nationalities for both merchant marine vessels and cruise ships. MMC’s service is anchored on building a human resources pipeline and investing heavily in the sourcing, selection, training, and certification of seafarers and crew members for specific jobs they will perform onboard cruise ships and merchant marine vessels.
About MIHCA
A member of the Magsaysay Group, Magsaysay Center for Hospitality and Culinary Arts (MIHCA) has been at the forefront of training and producing job-ready professionals in the fields of hospitality, tourism, and culinary arts. MIHCA has four satellite schools in Manila, Mandaluyong, and Cebu (Philippines), as well as in Jakarta, Indonesia, with state-of-the-art facilities where students can hone their skills in real-world job settings.
