Saipan businesses, community welcome cruise ship visitors

Businesses and community members in the Marianas welcomed over 1,500 passengers and crew of the M/S Artania cruise ship, which made port on Saipan last Monday, Feb. 26.

The 756-foot vessel pulled up dockside at the Port of Saipan as scheduled at about 7am where it was welcomed by the Marianas Visitors Authority and indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian dancers of local dance troupes Petlas Marianas and Simiyan Marianas. Tour company Pacific Development Inc. was also on hand to help coordinate shuttle service to Garapan, island tours, Managaha tours, and others. The Commonwealth Council for Arts & Culture organized vendors of arts and crafts and local delicacies for the occasion. The Saipan Chamber of Commerce also attended to distribute flyers on behalf of their members.

Some passengers arranged for rental cars, with some companies delivering the vehicles directly to the port for convenience. Taxis lined up for those seeking personalized excursions. For those who preferred to travel on foot, the MVA posted signage from the port to American Memorial Park, leading directly into the main tourist district of Garapan.

On the heels of two cruise ship arrivals bringing 6,000 visitors already this year, the M/S Artania brings 1,039 passengers and 531 crewmembers aboard. The Asuka II will make port for the day on March 4, 2024, with 710 passengers and 500 crewmembers aboard. A majority of passengers of M/S Artania are European, while a majority of passengers of Asuka II are Japanese.

“The cruise ship niche market is one the Marianas has been able to capitalize on for many years, and it’s clear that there is still a demand for Saipan as a port stop,” said MVA acting managing director Judy C. Torres. “It takes a village—so to speak—to keep and grow this market. The MVA markets and promotes the destination to generate demand to visit, the Commonwealth Ports Authority ensures the facilities and services are available, husbanding agents coordinate to meet the needs of each ship, transportation and tour companies stand ready, local business and artists prepare and present their products, and most importantly, our community keeps the island clean and makes our visitors feel welcomed. The Marianas has something special to offer cruise ship tours, and collectively, we will continue to do.”

Businesses interested in becoming a member of the Marianas Visitors Authority for further promotion may register online at www.mymarianas.com or contact MVA Community Projects specialist Jack Aranda at jaranda@mymarianas.com or (670) 664-3200. (PR)

Passengers of M/S Artania cruise ship tour downtown Garapan in Saipan, the Marianas on Feb. 26, 2024. The cruise ship has 1,039 passengers and 531 crewmembers aboard, taking advantage of the opportunity to tour Saipan for the day.