PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan — What could have been a stressful travel nightmare turned into an unexpected travel highlight for two Dutch nationals who were left behind by the cruise ship MV Norwegian Sun during its stop in Puerto Princesa City on December 29. Instead of panic or frustration, the incident revealed a refreshing perspective on travel, spontaneity, and the growing appeal of Puerto Princesa as a destination worth lingering in.

According to the City Tourism Department, the two passengers opted for a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) trip to the world-famous Puerto Princesa Underground River using a rented motorcycle. Unfortunately, due to incorrect information allegedly given by a fellow passenger—stating that boarding time was 5:30 p.m. instead of the actual 5:00 p.m.—they arrived at the port too late. By the time they reached the pier, the cruise ship was already about five meters away, and port authorities explained that recalling the vessel would pose safety risks.

Rather than expressing regret, the two tourists reportedly laughed off the situation, even taking photos of the departing ship. One of them was quoted as saying, “I need to capture this wonderful experience,” a statement that speaks volumes about their mindset. With the assistance of the City Tourism Department, Port Police, and the port agent, arrangements were swiftly made for the pair to fly to Manila and then to Caticlan, where they are expected to rejoin the cruise in Boracay.

This incident opens an interesting discourse on modern tourism behavior. As noted by tourism officials, a significant number of cruise passengers now prefer DIY tours over ship-organized excursions—over 500 out of more than 2,000 passengers in this case. While this trend reflects travelers’ desire for freedom and authentic experiences, it also highlights the importance of accurate information, time management, and coordination when exploring independently.

At the same time, the positive response of the two tourists is a subtle but powerful endorsement of Puerto Princesa. Instead of being remembered as the place where they missed a ship, the city became a destination they enjoyed longer than planned. In an era where travel stories shape destinations, this incident—ironically—casts Puerto Princesa in an even more favorable light: a city so enjoyable that being “left behind” didn’t feel like a loss at all. (Larawan: Mich Moments / Facebook)