The MS Artania enters the Port of Saipan on Feb. 26, 2024.
The MS Artania is welcomed with indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian dances at the Port of Saipan 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.
Passengers of the MS Artania cruise ship tour downtown Garapan in Saipan.
(MVA) — Businesses and community members in the Marianas welcomed over 1,500 passengers and crew of the MS Artania cruise ship, which made port in Saipan Monday, Feb. 26.
The 756-foot vessel pulled up dockside at the Port of Saipan as scheduled at about 7 a.m. 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 & 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 MS Artania brought 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 MS Artania are Europeans, 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. 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.
