Japanese cruise expected to bring in over 4K visitors to CNMI

The Marianas Visitors Authority says the CNMI will welcome a 4,000-passenger cruise ship from Yokohama, Japan in January 2024.

Although the next few months is expected to be slow in terms of tourist arrivals from Japan, MVA remains optimistic that the numbers will pick back up especially in January with a 4,000-passenger cruise ship set to make a visit to Saipan and Guam.

According to MVA managing director Chris Concepcion, on Jan. 4, 2024, a nine-day Japanese cruise that starts off at Yokohama will be traveling to Guam and then Saipan and then back up to Yokohama.

The cruise is expected to leave Yokohama on Dec. 30, and will celebrate the New Year near the Northern Islands before coming down to Saipan and Guam.

“On Jan 4, the plan is for them to dock on Saipan harbor, exit the cruise ship from 7am to 5pm, for a full day of activities on Saipan. We have our MVA team and Tasi Tours handling the excursions to coordinate all the arrangements from transportation, shopping, and more,” said Concepcion.

In addition, Concepcion said MVA will be promoting this cruise ship to other partners in hopes of getting the entire CNMI onboard in welcoming the influx of guests coming in on Jan 4.

“It’s a 4,000-passenger cruise ship with 1,000 crew and they have already sold over 3,200 seats so it’s a big number for a one-day visit so we are excited. This is going to really boost arrivals from Japan for the month of January. In addition, there will be other groups from Japan visiting the CNMI in October,” said Concepcion.