Manila, Feb. 19 -- The arrival of cruise ships in this northern Luzon gateway continues to benefit more locals by generating more jobs and sustaining the livelihood of micro, small, and medium enterprises.

On Wednesday, international cruise ship MV Norwegian Sky arrived at Currimao Port in Ilocos Norte with around 1,914 passengers and 863 crew members, 70 percent of them Filipinos, according to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

Tour operator Angel Lao of Travel Ilocandia Tours and Travel reported that over 6,000 international cruise passengers had arrived in the Ilocos Region during the first two months of the year, solidifying the region's emergence as a prime destination for luxury ships.

"Cruise tourism in Ilocos Norte has signi...