The Philippine Ports Authority has prepared a development plan valued at approximately 5 billion pesos, equivalent to about USD 84 million, for the construction of a permanent international cruise terminal along the shoreline of Manila Bay.
The proposed facility is intended to expand the country’s ability to accommodate cruise vessels and attract higher-spending visitors.
The authority has outlined a concept that combines core port functions with commercial and leisure elements, positioning the terminal not only as an operational hub but also as a visitor destination in its own right. In developing the proposal, the PPA has looked to established regional examples of integrated cruise infrastructure, including Hong Kong’s Ocean Terminal, as a reference point.
Work on the project is dependent on the identification and acquisition of a suitable site, a process that is currently underway. Once land is secured, the authority has indicated that construction could proceed without delay. Upon completion, the new terminal would replace the temporary arrangements currently in use at the Port of Manila, where Pier 15 accommodates cruise ships alongside cargo operations and Philippine Coast Guard assets.
The project is provisionally scheduled for development in 2026, although no specific completion date has been confirmed. The Philippine Ports Authority is expected to oversee construction, with the finished terminal to be operated by private-sector partners.