Cruise ship brings in nearly 4,000 visitors

The CNMI’s tourism industry got a much-needed shot in the arm yesterday after nearly 4,000 Japanese tourists visited Saipan for a day when the cruise ship MSC Bellissima made a port call on Saipan.

Thanks to MSC Bellissima’s daylong port call, the CNMI’s tourism industry was energized with about 3,800 visitors getting off the ship to see what Saipan has to offer.

At the Saipan Port, vendors lined up with their goods, ready to give visitors a taste of the CNMI’s food and culture. Dive companies, tour guides, and Mañagaha charters were also lined up at the port, ready to accommodate the visitors.

According to Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Chris Concepcion, Bellissima’s visit provided a much-needed boost to the CNMI’s business community.

“The MVA is very excited by the visit of MSC Bellissima to the Marianas today. This sudden influx of nearly 4,000 Japanese visitors plus more than 1,300 crew is awesome and provides a much-needed boost for the business community and the tourism industry as a whole,” he said.

According to Concepcion, MVA, the Commonwealth Ports Authority, and other stakeholders have been working together for months in preparation for Bellissima’s visit and it was worth it.

“The MVA has been meeting the last few months with CPA and other stakeholders, namely Tasi Tours and JTB, who are the lead coordinators and ground handlers for this cruise ship. We’ve arranged for MVA members to offer discounts or complimentary gifts exclusively for MCS Bellissima passengers. Many businesses in Garapan opened early to welcome our guests to their shops. We provided a welcome and farewell greeting with Chamorro and Carolinian performers and invited food and arts and crafts vendors to sell unique Marianas products,” he said.

As for excursions, Concepcion said about 1,066 passengers were confirmed for a Managaha trip, 550 confirmed for sightseeing trips, 144 made various hotel waterpark visits, 34 opted for a cultural exhibit at a Garapan resort, 250 went out for lunch at a Garapan hotel, and many more signed up for other activities.

“We understand that many [others roamed] Garapan and the rest of the island on their own. Saipan is very familiar for most Japanese. The MVA provided portalets (portable toilets) at Last Command Post and an additional one at the Saipan Seaport. We thank JTB, Tasi Tours and MSC Bellissima for their visit and invite them to make Saipan and the Marianas a regular port of call,” he said.

In a statement from Bellissima captain Francesco Veniero, he said he is grateful for the opportunity to visit the Marianas.

“This is the first time in my life that I’ve [visited] Saipan and I’m very happy to see this island and meet the people. It was quite a challenge this morning to approach this port because the channel was very narrow. I believe this is the largest vessel to enter this port and it is my honor to bring this ship to Saipan. The vessel is a very beautiful vessel. It’s owned by the MSC. The company has 23 cruise ships just like this one. This vessel’s capacity is about 6,000 passengers and about 1,500 crew members. It’s a big honor to captain a ship with this many people. For me, it has been my dream to be on a vessel like this, but I never imagined I’d be on a vessel like this on Saipan,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the people of the CNMI, Gov. Arnold I. Palacios thanks the MSC Bellissima for visiting the CNMI.

“We welcome you, and our visitors to Saipan. We thank you for visiting us. We want to make sure that your experience, albeit one day, is memorable and we hope your guests also enjoy their day on Saipan. Again, on behalf of our people, welcome to Saipan,” he said.

Lt. Gov. David Apatang echoed Palacios’ sentiment and said he hopes that the Bellissima returns to Saipan for another visit in the future.

“Congratulations for navigating the channel here. Even the military sometimes must turn around so many times just to come in here and you did it. We want to say thank you to your crew and for all the visitors you brought to the CNMI. We appreciate that and we hope you can remember to visit us again. We have many islands here in the CNMI that you would surely enjoy. We have the beautiful islands of Rota, Tinian, and the Northern Islands. Hopefully you’d think about coming again soon and bringing in a couple of more ships to visit us. We love and welcome you,” he said.

The MSC Bellissima has a total capacity for over 7,000 persons.