THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) warned that they may cease cruise operations at the Port of Manila if the ship agent of cruise vessel MV Norwegian Jewel, and terminal operator fail to address the “cruise chaos” last November 30.
 

Earlier, a Norwegian Jewel Cruise passenger posted a social media account on the “traumatic” and “harrowing” experience as they embarked at the Port of Manila.

"Tayo ay humihingi ng dispensa at paumanhin sa mga pasahero na naabala dito sa katatapos lamang na pagdating ng Norwegian vessel sa Port of Manila. Maging tayo sa PPA ay dismayado rin sa nangyaring paghahandle ng mga cruise operators,” Philippine Ports Authority spokesperson Eunice Samonte said.

The said incident has gone viral on social media.

But Samonte maintained that it was an isolated incident.

Earlier the PPA had ordered the vessel’s ship agent, Ben Line Agencies, and their  terminal operator, Asian Terminals Inc., for an explanation as to why they  failed to assist the almost 5,000 passengers that arrived, as well as on their boarding.

“Ang nangyari nga lang nitong November 30… yung mga pababa na barko ng mga pasahero, na nasa 2,300, ay nagsalubong doon sa mga pasakay na pasahero which is 2,500. So we’re talking about more than 4,000 na mga cruise ship passengers na nagkaroon ng problema dyan sa Port of Manila,” Samonte said.

“At ayon nga kay PPA General Manager Jay Santiago, kapag hindi sila nagsubmit ng explanation, ay maaring itigil na ang pagdaong ng mga cruise ship diyan sa Port of Manila, dahil hanggang ngayon ay wala pa ring paliwanag ang cruise ship agent at terminal operator,” she added.