With 183 passengers on board and a crew complement of 233, the MV Seabourn Pursuit pulled into Guam’s shores, marking a significant milestone for Guam’s cruise ship tourism industry, according to the Port Authority of Guam. Saturday marked the second time the MV Seaborn Pursuit made a port call in Guam this year, but the Port said that it is also the ninth cruise ship that sailed into Guam in 2024, setting the record for “the most passenger vessels to visit the island in one year.” “This significant achievement highlights the increasing recognition of Guam as a top-tier premier luxury cruise destination,” Port General Manager Rory J.
Respicio said in a press release issued Saturday. “The record-breaking arrival of the MV Seabourn Pursuit is a testament to our island's draw and the Port Authority's dedication to supporting our tourism industry. The fact that many passengers are choosing to extend their stay in Guam or connect to further destinations showcases the island's appeal.
” The Port called the milestone a historic event which shows Guam is gaining appeal as a “must-see cruise destination for travelers seeking unique experiences in the Pacific, with more than 17,000 passengers and crew members welcomed to our shores this year.” According to Post files, large cruise ships carrying 1,000 to 4,000 passengers can generate $306,000 to $506,000 in spending. Data presented to The Guam Daily Post by the Guam Visitors Bureau in March showed that smaller cruise ships with 700 passengers could bring Guam $100,000 to $120,000 in revenues.
Depending on passenger count, each cruise ship visit can bring in anywhere from $138,000 to $506,000. The projections consider costs of ground transportation, food supply and rubbish removal. Respicio on Saturday emphasized the importance of cruise ship visits to Guam and how that plays into the Leon Guerrero-Tenorio administration’s vision for the Port.
“This achievement strengthens our tourism industry and aligns with Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and Lt. Gov.
Josh Tenorio’s vision for the Port of Guam as a vital contributor to our local and regional economies. The Port’s ability to accommodate a high volume of luxury vessels speaks to the strength of our infrastructure and the dedication of our 'Port Strong' team.” The Port anticipates two more passenger vessels visiting Guam before the end of the year: the Carnival on Oct.
22 and the MS Asuka II on Dec. 30..
