Bringing Hopes of More Jobs: Northern Samar’s Capul, Biri Eyed as Stops for French Luxury Cruise Voyage

Posted on July 24, 2026 at 6:07 am

TACLOBAN CITY — Capul and Biri in Northern Samar are being eyed as possible stops for the 2027-2028 voyage of French luxury cruise operator Compagnie du Ponant, a development that could bring more business to local communities.

Tourism officials and industry representatives visited the two island towns on July 18 and 19 to assess whether they are ready to receive international cruise passengers.

The inspection was led by Travel People Ltd. Inc., with the assistance of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Eastern Visayas, the Northern Samar Provincial Tourism Office, and the municipal tourism offices of Capul and Biri.

The team checked tourist attractions, transportation, port access, community-based activities, and the destinations’ ability to accommodate cruise guests.

If the towns are included in the cruise itinerary, local residents could benefit from increased demand for transport services, guided tours, food, souvenirs, homestays, and other tourism-related businesses.

For many families in Capul and Biri, the arrival of cruise passengers would also be an opportunity to introduce visitors to the towns’ beaches, rock formations, local traditions, and seafood.

In a statement released Monday, July 20, DOT Eastern Visayas said the assessment is part of the requirements before a destination can be included in a luxury cruise program. The agency said it wants to ensure that the sites are ready to receive visitors while preserving the attractions that make them unique.

After completing the Northern Samar assessment, the team proceeded on Monday to Oras, Eastern Samar, to evaluate its tourist attractions, accessibility, and port facilities. The visit will help determine whether the town can also be included in future cruise itineraries and shore excursions.

The DOT said the initiative is part of its partnership with local government units and tourism stakeholders to attract more international cruise ships to Eastern Visayas and expand tourism opportunities outside the region’s more established destinations.

The Northern Samar Provincial Tourism Office earlier said positive feedback from cruise operators improves the chances of repeat visits. Aside from bringing more visitors, it also helps introduce lesser-known destinations like Capul and Biri to the international tourism market while creating additional sources of income for local communities.

Photo courtesy: Northern Samar Tourism Office