Saipan port manager Maryann Q. Lizama said it is the Sun Princess’ maiden voyage to the island.
The Sun Princess is expected to pull into the harbor at 8 a.m. tomorrow and depart at 6 p.m.
Lizama said federal immigration officers will conduct the clearing process for the passengers.
“We will try to speed up the clearing process so the passengers can go out and tour the island as soon as possible,” she added.
Lizama said the Sun Princess is the first cruise ship to dock here this year and another vessel is scheduled to visit for three days in June.
She said the Sun Princess will arriving from Japan, and proceed to Guam from Saipan.
Pacific Development Inc. is the landing agent of vessel.
PDI director Gordon Marciano said they will be deploying buses at the main bus stops at DFS and American Memorial Park for those who would like to tour the northern and southern parts of the island.
The buses will bring the tourists to historical sites on island such as the old Japanese jail, the Red and Green Beach Invasion, the Bomb Magazine, Suicide Cliff, Banzai Cliff, Bird Island, the Last Command Post and other sites.
PDI hired former students of Northern Marianas College, as well as teachers and historians to assist as tour guides.
Marciano is urging businesses particularly in the Garapan district to open early if they can to cater to the tourists.
He also urged restaurants, souvenir shops, stores and hotels to keep different currencies.
“The Sun Princess carries a mix of passengers from Egypt, Australia, Japan, Taiwan and other countries,” Marciano said.
The Sun Princess is one of the cruise ships operated by the Princess Cruises fleet.
