The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) suspended cruise logistics provider Ben Line Agencies and cruise agent Travel People Ltd. Inc. for 30 days after an alleged mishandling of the arrival of international cruise passengers at the Port of Manila on November 30.

In a statement, PPA General Manager Jay Santiago said the agency is giving them a 30-day suspension time to make improvements in the service they provide to prevent the same incidents from happening.

Moreover, the PPA added that it will opt to hire another agent and service provider for the scheduled arrival of more than 3,000 passengers on January 6, emphasizing the viral “cruise chaos” that caused inconvenience to the passengers.

On December 18, the Ben Line Agencies delivered their statement to the PPA, saying that TravelPeople is the one held responsible for the cruise passengers.

The PPA said that the Philippines was hailed as the Best Cruise Destination in Asia in 2023, making their agency continue to improve the ports to promote tourism, which is why they should improve partnerships and services to passengers.