Heritage Adventurer Makes Historic Stop in Daram, Samar

The Heritage Adventurer expedition cruise ship made a landmark visit to Daram, Samar on June 16, becoming the first cruise ship ever to dock at the scenic island. The occasion was met with enthusiastic celebrations from local leaders, residents, and tourism supporters, all recognizing it as a milestone for Daram’s emergence as a cultural and eco-tourism hotspot.

From the early morning hours, passengers were brought ashore by tender boats, welcomed with cheerful smiles, live traditional music, and colorful cultural performances at the pier. The event was filled with excitement and community pride, offering visitors a lively glimpse into Daram’s heritage and hospitality.

“This is a defining moment for our island,” the Daram Tourism Office said. “Today’s arrival opens the door to global tourism, inviting the world to experience our breathtaking natural beauty and cultural authenticity.”

Travelers aboard the Heritage Adventurer, known for voyaging to remote and less-traveled locations, enjoyed a deeply immersive day of exploration. Among the highlights was a stop at the breathtaking Kandiwata Rock Formation—an impressive limestone feature set in vibrant turquoise waters that left many guests in awe.

Venturing further into Samar, passengers explored the island’s eco-tourism gems in Paranas. Activities included forest hikes along the EcoTrail, birdwatching excursions, an exhilarating ride on the Torpedo Extreme Boat, and a peaceful walk through the rich greenery of the Arboretum—each offering a unique connection to the region’s natural and cultural wonders.

The celebration extended to Catbalogan City, where Samar Provincial Tourism Office representatives hailed the ship’s arrival as a “symbol of global exploration and cultural connection.”

The success of this inaugural visit has officially put Daram—and Samar more broadly—on the map as a destination for expedition cruising, opening the door to future voyages and global discovery.