The town of Naval, Biliran is eyeing the inclusion of its picturesque Higatangan Island in the 2027–2028 cruise season of Compagnie du Ponant, a renowned French luxury cruise line, following a site assessment conducted this week.

The assessment, undertaken in preparation for next year’s cruise season, was led by Sylvianne De Tracy, director of cruise research and development of Compagnie du Ponant, together with Errol James Chicano, commercial development manager of Intercruises, and Vhino Alegarbes of Travel People Ltd. Representatives from the Department of Tourism’s regional and provincial offices also joined the visit.

During the visit, the team toured various parts of the island to evaluate its readiness as a cruise destination.

The assessment highlighted Higatangan Island’s pristine natural environment, scenic coastal landscapes, and rich cultural offerings, allowing the delegation to experience firsthand the island’s unique and authentic character.

“The visit represents a major step toward positioning Higatangan Island on the international cruise tourism map. If included in Compagnie du Ponant’s itinerary, the island is expected to gain increased global exposure and benefit from new tourism opportunities,” the Naval local government said in a press statement on Friday.

On Dec. 12, 2025, Australian cruise ship MV Coral Geographer returned to Higatangan Island with 80 guests for a memorable cultural immersion experience.

Local stakeholders expressed optimism that the potential inclusion of Higatangan in the next cruise season would help boost sustainable tourism while preserving the island’s natural and cultural heritage.

Higatangan Island, located in the capital town of Naval, has two villages – Mabini and Libertad – with a population of about 2,000.

It is known for its shifting sandbar, the “Capilla del Mar” underwater chapel, cliff-diving sites, and areas suitable for scuba diving. (PNA)