2 Japanese passenger ships coming

Saipan’s multi-million international harbor is reaping good fruits.

Seaport Manager Tony Cabrera over the weekend disclosed that at least 600 students aboard two passenger ships from Japan are expected to arrive on Saipan between now and May this year.

The arrival of Japanese students aboard the sea vessels would provide a boost to the coffers of the CNMI Ports Authority and the island’s billion-dollar travel sector which has turned dormant due to trickling visitor arrivals.

According to Mr. Cabrera, the regular visit of passenger ships from Japan once every two months since the completion of the $43 million Saipan harbor is a strong indication that the CNMI will be able to eventually lure cruise liners to come here.

He said a passenger ship carrying students from Japan will arrive by the end of the month, and that another will dock at the Saipan International Airport in May.

Mr. Cabrera explained that concerns relating to computer glitches on the New Year rollover have severely affected efforts to entice more passenger ships to call port at Saipan harbor despite the completion of the facility middle of last year.

He added that CPA is expecting more vessels to call the port of Saipan this year, while efforts are being exerted by tourism industry players and the government to encourage more visitor arrivals through the sea transport system.

CPA wants the Northern Marianas to be included in the diverse list of cruise itineraries. Executives of three cruise liners in Japan — the Japan Liner, the Mitsue Liner and the NYK Liner — last year visited Saipan for the U.S. Public Health workshop.

CPA Executive Director Carlos H. Salas earlier said the ports authority would be working closely with the Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA) to include the CNMI in the list of destinations cruise ships can visit.

Government officials and industry players believe that a number of cruise ships in Asia pass by the Marianas and that the CNMI has the potentials to be included in the destination list if the Commonwealth could get some exposure.

The ports authority has been participating in sea trade conventions in fresh efforts to leave a mark for its facilities in the cruise liner market and stir the Commonwealth’s dwindling tourism industry.

CPA has the capability to compete in this area since CNMI was previously a home to Club Med, while Saipan has also witnessed a number of visiting Japanese students who travel by sea.

Studies made for Hawaii mentioned that the CNMI has very attractive rates in comparison with other destinations, although many exhibitors have apparently shown lack of awareness regarding the islands’ location and what the Commonwealth can offer cruise travelers.

Officials anticipate a 10 percent increase in the cruise liner industry this year, and a continued growth in the next 20 years. In North America alone, there are 2.5 million travelers. Of this, 80 percent are repeaters and 40 percent go elsewhere to Vancouver, Alaska, Europe, Japan and other regions.

Mr. Salas said documents received by the ports authority have indicated that most of the passenger liners in North America, or approximately 85 new vessels, are starting to move in the Pacific particularly in Hawaii.