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Ever questioned what it’s prefer to go on a cruise to Japan straight from Manila? We lastly received to attempt it aboard the Costa Serena, due to #ChoosePremium tour bundle.
We’ve been on many cruises, and we’d often must fly to Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Shanghai simply to begin our Asian cruises. However this time, the ship sailed proper from Manila — and all the best way again!
Costa Serena is one in every of Italy-based Costa Cruises’ largest ships. And whereas it often sails round Europe and South America, it generally affords particular chartered journeys in Asia. Our Manila-Japan cruise was a kind of.
On this article, we’ll take you thru the entire expertise — from pre-boarding to disembarkation — and provide you with a really feel of what it’s like to affix a cruise from the Philippines.
Learn how to guide a cruise?
Since sailings from Manila are chartered cruises, the attainable choice is to ask your trusted native journey businesses if they’re providing them. Simply keep in mind to search for the #ChoosePremium brand, and you’re good!
Out there Cruise Schedule
These are the accessible particular sailings for February to March 2026. Ensure to ask your chosen journey company for the up to date schedules and charges.
Route 1: 7D/6N Manila – Japan – Taiwan – Manila
Route 2: 7D/6N Manila – Japan – Taiwan – Manila
Route 3: 11D/10N Manila – Taiwan – Japan – South Korea – Manila
Inclusions
- Roundtrip Cruise Fare
- All-Day Eating/Full Board Meals
- Stay Night Exhibits and Leisure
- Daytime Actions
- Free Journey Insurance coverage (As much as 75 y/o solely)
Exclusions
- PH Journey Tax: PHP 1,620
To be paid on-line through TIEZA - Port Expenses: USD 150
To be collected in Manila - Japan Vacationer Arrival Price: USD 10
To be paid on board - Gratuities: This may occasionally differ per crusing. On our current cruise (Manila-Japan-Japan-Manila), it was USD 16 per evening for inside, sea view, and balcony company. In the meantime for suite company, it was USD 19 per evening. That is to be paid on board.
What’s the finest room to guide?
The brief reply is: it relies upon. To additional clarify this, it actually comes right down to your finances and the kind of cruise expertise you need. Whether or not you’re touring on a finances or indulging in luxurious, Costa Serena has a cabin that matches your fashion.
Completely different Sorts of Lodging
Costa Serena has greater than 1500 staterooms that may accommodate over 3000 company, unfold throughout a number of decks. These embody wheelchair-accessible staterooms and connecting cabins. Listed here are the completely different lodging sorts:
Inside Cabin
The Inside Cabin is right for budget-conscious vacationers or those that plan to spend most of their time outdoors to take advantage of the ship’s facilities. It’s the most compact cabin and has no home windows, nevertheless it nonetheless supplies all of the necessities: a seating/vainness space, a flatscreen TV, and a non-public toilet.
Most Capability: 2 – 4 pax
Sea View Cabin
A step up from the Inside, the Seaview or Oceanview Cabin options a big non-opening window. It affords pure mild and outdoors views with out the price of a balcony. It serves as the center floor choice between Inside and Balcony cabins.
Most Capability: 2 – 4 pax
Sea Balcony Cabin
The Sea Balcony Cabin comes with a much bigger seating space and a non-public veranda accessed via a sliding glass door. Moreover, the balcony is furnished with a desk and two patio chairs. It strikes the proper stability between consolation and worth for cash.
Most Capability: 2 – 4 pax
Suites
For many who have more money to splurge and need to go all out, contemplate one of many suite cabins. There are three choices: Mini Suite Cabin, Suite Cabin, and Grand Suite Cabin. All suite company get pleasure from additional privileges and upgraded facilities.
- Grand Suite Cabin. The most important amongst all of the Costa Serena lodging. It comes with a spacious non-public veranda, a separate dressing space, and a toilet with a whirlpool bathtub. Most Capability: 4 pax.
- Suite Cabin. Barely smaller, with a non-public balcony and a toilet fitted with an everyday tub. Most Capability: 3 pax
- Mini Suite Cabin. Extra spacious than an everyday Balcony Cabin. In contrast to the 2 suite choices, this one has no bathtub within the toilet. Most Capability: 2 pax
Notes
- All cabin sorts are supplied with beds, a lounge/sitting space, a flatscreen TV, a phone, towels, a hairdryer, a mini-refrigerator, a protected, and a 1L bottled water.
- As beforehand talked about, suites include extra comforts and facilities, together with precedence entry/companies.
- Every day housekeeping is obtainable for all cabin sorts.
What to arrange earlier than the cruise?
To make sure a smooth-sailing journey, safe and put together the next earlier than the cruise:
Journey Paperwork
- Legitimate Passport. Should be legitimate for not less than six months. Since that is a global cruise and also you’ll journey outdoors the Philippines by sea, you must convey your passport and a photocopy of the bio web page.
- eTravel. Ensure to decide on “New Cruise Journey Declaration” for this journey.
- Journey Tax. Pay the journey tax on-line and make a copy of the TIEZA receipt.
- Costa Cruise Ticket and Voucher. Carry each digital and onerous copies. The ticket incorporates the cruise particulars, embarkation/disembarkation directions, guidelines and reminders, boarding kind, and baggage tag.
- Baggage Tag. Print the bags tag upfront and fix it to the check-in baggage.
- Costa App. Obtain the app earlier than embarkation. This will provide you with entry to real-time climate circumstances and the ship’s location, day by day exercise schedules, ship listing and map, onboard chat function, web packages, and onboard expense abstract.
- Others. Particular journey permits, resembling DSWD Certificates for minors touring with out their mother and father and Journey Authority for presidency officers and staff.
Baggage and Carry-on Bag
Allowance per passenger is one 30 kg check-in baggage and one 7-10 kg hand-carry bag. Listed here are the issues to pack:
- Garments/Outfits. We often pack two units of outfits per day: (1) informal put on for daytime actions and (2) good informal or dressy apparel for night reveals or wonderful eating. Different staples are swimwear and comfy footwear. And since the climate could be unpredictable, it’s additionally good to throw in sunscreen, hats, sun shades, and a foldable umbrella.
- Toiletries. Staterooms solely present towels and a two-in-one shampoo/cleaning soap combo. So, pack toiletries and skincare merchandise, too.
- Drugs. Carry your trusted model of drugs for headache, stomachache, movement illness, fever, and pharmaceuticals, when you have any.
- Common Socket Adapter. We at all times convey a common adapter, so we don’t have to fret about electrical plug/socket compatibility. Cabins additionally include USB ports for comfort.
- Credit score Card. There are not any ATMs on board, and debit playing cards usually are not accepted. The bank card must be linked to the Costa Card, which serves as each passenger’s onboard ID and fee card. Accepted forex onboard is USD.
Prohibited Gadgets
Reminder! The carry-on bag shall be checked upon embarkation. For safety causes, the next are strictly prohibited on board:
- Weapons
- Explosives
- Handcuffs
- Heating Gadgets (hair dryers, hair straighteners, and so forth.)
- Animals
For the whole checklist of prohibited gadgets, you may examine Costa Cruises’ official web site right here.
What to anticipate throughout boarding?
Right here’s a step-by-step information to boarding Costa Serena from Manila:
- Baggage Drop-off at Quirino Grandstand. Head to Quirino Grandstand to examine in your baggage on the designated Baggage Drop-off space, following the assigned embarkation time on your deck quantity.
- Holding Space. After checking in your luggage, make your option to the Visitor Holding/Ready Space and look ahead to the shuttle service.
- Shuttle Switch. Board the shuttle bus going to Eva Macapagal Cruise Terminal.
- Safety Examine. On the terminal, undergo the safety screening space for carry-on luggage. Identical to on the airport, liquids should not exceed 100ml.
- Examine-in Counter. Go to the designated check-in counter for passenger verification. You’ll obtain your Costa Card right here. Don’t overlook to hold the cardboard with you always.
- Immigration Clearance. After that, board the ship and endure immigration clearance, presenting your passports and eTravel. On our current journey, this was performed at Vesta Restaurant on Deck 3 (Aries).
- Passport Assortment. After the immigration clearance, your passport shall be collected for safekeeping. You’ll get it again the evening earlier than disembarkation, so don’t fear.
- All Set! With every thing completed, you are actually lastly able to discover Costa Serena!
What to do after boarding?
- Obligatory Security Drill. All passengers are required to attend the protection drill. Your Costa Card signifies your assigned Muster Station.
- Welcome Buffet. Whereas ready for our baggage to reach (and since we have been already hungry), we headed straight to the welcome buffet to get pleasure from our first meal on board.
- Head to Your Cabin. As soon as our cabin was accessible, we checked to see if our two items of checked-in baggage have been prepared for decide up. Ours was positioned within the space between the staircase and elevators.
- Hyperlink Credit score Card to Costa Card. To hyperlink your bank card to your Costa card, discover a Costa Card kiosk. You’ll be able to ask one of many workers or examine the map in your Costa app. We noticed one on the midship on Deck 5, close to the Galleria Retailers. You are able to do this inside 24 hours after boarding. You can too add your different companions’ Costa playing cards to your bank card.
Is there WiFi on board?
Visitors can simply keep linked throughout the cruise by buying an web bundle via the Costa App. Merely select the plan or bundle that most closely fits your wants.
What are the issues to do whereas cruising?
Costa Serena has 13 passenger decks, named after zodiac constellations. Exploring the ship’s facilities and trying out accessible actions are made simpler by the Costa App.
Notice: The ship will endure main renovations in November 2025, so count on extra thrilling areas and services to pop up on its subsequent crusing from Manila early subsequent yr. However for now, we’ll present you what we skilled on our current journey.
Complimentary Actions and Facilities
All company have free entry to those onboard points of interest and facilities:
Toboga (Serena Waterslide)
The waterslide’s start line is on Deck 13/14, whereas the touchdown pool is Iris on Deck 11.
Location: Deck 13/14 (Vela) – Deck 11 (Virgo), Ahead
Lido Iris Pool Space
Lido Iris Pool sits beside the touchdown for Serena’s Waterslide. It has one whirlpool.
Location: Deck 11 (Virgo), Midship
Ponte Aperto
Ponte Aperto is an open-deck remark space.
Location: Deck 13/14 (Vela), Ahead
Lido Sole Pool Space
The Lido Sole Pool encompasses a fountain and an outside LED display screen.
Location: Deck 9 (Libra), Midship
Lido Urano Pool Space
The Lido Urano Pool comes with two whirlpools.
Location: Deck 9 (Libra), Aft
Solarium
Location: Deck 10 (Taurus), Aft; Deck 11 (Virgo), Midship; Deck 13/14 (Vela), Ahead
Lido Squok
Lido Squok is a kiddie aqua park with a wading pool and a playground space.
Location: Deck 11 (Virgo), Aft
Squok Membership
Indoor children’ lounge with two completely different playrooms — Mini Membership (3-6 y/o) and Maxi Membership (7-11 y/o). It additionally hosts themed events for youths.
Location: Deck 10 (Taurus), Aft
Sport Space
Sport Space is an outside multi-sports court docket, internet hosting completely different sports activities like volleyball, basketball, and futsal.
Location: Deck 12 (Pegasus), Aft
Space Health club
Work out with the view of the ocean. Visitors 16 years outdated and above have entry.
Location: Deck 11 (Virgo), Ahead
Outside Jogging Monitor
Strolling/Jogging observe with solar beds.
Location: Deck 12 (Pegasus), Aft
Paid Actions and Facilities
Costa Serena additionally encourages you to unwind and deal with your self to a little bit of indulgence on board.
Arcade
A spot the place children, teenagers, and younger at coronary heart can get pleasure from traditional arcade video games.
Location: Deck 5 (Gemini), Midship
Solemio Spa & Magnificence Salon
Onboard spa boasting hammam, sauna, and a wide selection of spa remedies and massages.
Location: Deck 11 (Virgo) – Deck 12 (Pegasus), Ahead
Galleria Retailers
Obligation-free luxurious purchasing for equipment and jewellery, perfumes, attire, souvenirs, Costa Serena merchandise, and extra.
Location: Deck 4 (Orion), Midship; Deck 5 (Gemini), Ahead
Costa Store
That is the place you’ll discover unique Costa merchandise/merchandise.
Location: Deck 4 (Orion), Ahead
Exhibits, Themed Events & Occasions
Every day reveals can be found, often within the night. These reveals are complimentary, so that you don’t must buy a ticket to observe them.
Teatro Giove is the three-level primary theater. That is the place present productions, musicals, live shows, and different performances are held. It occupies the ship’s ahead (entrance) finish, from Deck 3 to five. Out there reveals throughout our cruise have been the next:
- Glamazon
- Acrodreamers in “Eclissi d’amore”
- Venezia Innamorata
- EXTRALive
Along with night reveals, our nights got here alive with enjoyable themed events, the place we embraced the ambiance by donning outfits to match every celebration. We partied the evening away at these occasions:
- Gala Night time
- White Social gathering
- Retro Social gathering
- Masquerade Ball
These have been a number of the different events held throughout our Costa Serena cruise:
- Revival Social gathering
- Italian Night time
- Golden Social gathering
- Latin Social gathering
Notice: The checklist of choices might differ relying on the crusing. Adjustments might happen based mostly on the season or vacation spot.
What are the eating choices on board?
Costa Serena affords two sorts of onboard eating — complimentary and specialty eating places.
Complimentary Eating places
Complimentary meals are already included in your cruise fare. Meaning you don’t must pay for something — breakfast, lunch, and dinner. So, keep in mind these complimentary eating places on board:
Vesta Restaurant
Vesta Restaurant is a two-level eating room that provides open seating for breakfast and lunch and assigned seating for dinner. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes can be found.
Location: Deck 3 (Aries) – Deck 4 (Orion), Midship
Ceres Restaurant
Ceres Restaurant is the dual eating room of Vesta Restaurant. It additionally has two ranges with open seating throughout breakfast and lunch, after which assigned seating at dinner.
Location: Deck 3 (Aries) – Deck 4 (Orion), Aft
Prometeo Buffet Restaurant
Ristorante Buffet Prometeo is a self-service buffet restaurant, serving a wide selection of meals decisions, from appetizers to desserts.
Location: Deck 9 (Libra) – Deck 10 (Taurus), Aft
Specialty Eating places
For those who’re a foodie otherwise you need to attempt different eating choices on board, you may also dine at one of many specialty eating places. These usually are not included within the complimentary or inclusive eating places, so additional costs apply.
Casanova
Casanova is essentially the most unique restaurant on board, boasting the perfect number of Costa Serena’s Excutive Cooks.
Location: Deck 11 (Virgo), Aft
La Fiorentina Steak Home
La Fiorentina Steak Home serves Italian meats like Piedmontese Fassona Steak and Florentine T-bone, in addition to Irish Black Angus, and natural hen.
Salty Seaside Avenue Meals
Salty Seaside Avenue Meals has burgers, focaccia, and fries on the menu.
Location: Deck 9 (Libra), Ahead
Sushino
Craving one thing Japanese? Sushino is the primary sushi bistro on board!
Location: Deck 3 (Aries), Midship
Gelateria Amarillo
Gelateria Amarillo is a desserts place serving ice cream, crepes, muffins, waffles, and extra.
Location: Deck 5 (Gemini), Midship
Pummid’ Oro Pizzeria
Pummid’ Oro Pizzeria is essentially the most Italian restaurant on board. It is a positive hit for pizza lovers.
Location: Deck 10 (Taurus), Aft
Shabu Shabu
Shabu Shabu is a scorching pot restaurant beside the Ristorante Buffet Prometeo.
Location: Deck 9 (Libra), Midship
Noodle Bar
Noodle Bar is a Chinese language meals spot providing noodles and pastas. Vegetarian decisions can be found.
Location: Deck 9 (Libra), Midship
Bars and Golf equipment
Why not relax with a drink or two at one in every of Costa Serena’s bars? There are many spots to select from, every with its personal vibe to swimsuit completely different sorts of revelers.
- Apollo Grand Bar. Bar and lounge that includes a stage and a dance ground.
Location: Deck 5 (Gemini), Midship - Cupido Wine Bar. A wine bar with a ballroom space and a stage.
Location: Deck 5 (Gemini), Aft - Luna Lounge. Round grand lounge and bar.
Location: Deck 5 (Gemini), Aft - Disco. Two-level disco and nightclub.
Location: Deck 4 (Orion) – Deck 5 (Gemini), Aft - Pantheon Bar. Foyer bar.
Location: Deck 3 (Aries), Ahead - Sole Balcony. Open-air house the place the Lido Sole Pool space is positioned. Different actions right here embody desk soccer and workforce video games.
Location: Deck 9 (Libra), Ahead - Sole Bar. This bar serves company at Lido Sole Pool Space.
Location: Deck 9 (Libra), Ahead - Lido Urano Bar. This bar caters to company within the Urano Pool space.
Location: Deck 9 (Libra), Aft
What different onboard companies and services can be found?
- Chapel: Deck 4 (Orion), Aft
- Library: Deck 5 (Gemini), Ahead
- Clinic: Deck 0
- Reception: Deck 3 (Aries), Ahead
- Pantheon Atrium/Foyer: Deck 3 (Aries), Ahead
- Assembly Room: Deck 4 (Orion), Midship
- On line casino. Location: Deck 5 (Gemini), Aft
- My Moments Photograph Retailer: Deck 5 (Gemini), Aft
- My Photograph Shades: Deck 5 (Gemini), Aft
- My Excursions: Deck 3 (Aries), Ahead. Customer support desk for shore tour, cabin upgrades, cash change, and others. For many who booked their excursions from the #ChoosePremium packages, the Hospitality Desk is on Deck 4 & 5.
Port of Name & Shore Tour
Among the finest issues about cruising is that we get to go to a number of locations whereas nonetheless having fun with the comforts and facilities of the ship in between. For this chartered cruise from Manila, we had two stops (ports of name) in Okinawa, Japan: Naha and Ishigaki.
Reminders
- Keep in mind to convey your Costa card together with a photocopy of your passport’s bio web page. You’ll have to current your card everytime you go away or re-board the ship. As for this crusing, we have been additionally given a Customs Declaration Type, which was collected upon disembarkation at Naha Port.
- Pay the Japan Vacationer Arrival Price. This shall be paid on board. It was $7.50 (P440) per individual on our current cruise. However to be protected, allocate $10 for this.
- Examine the tour itinerary fastidiously. Some stops might contain lengthy walks or bodily demanding actions. Assessment the main points and ensure they match your consolation and health stage earlier than reserving.
- Be ready for attainable cancelations. Excursions could also be referred to as off as a consequence of climate or different unexpected circumstances. It’s at all times a good suggestion to have a backup plan.
Naha Port of Name
Okinawa Prefecture consists of over 150 islands, with Naha as its capital. For this cease, Costa Serena’s #ChoosePremium program provided two curated tour packages. Right here’s a take a look at the itineraries:
Choice 1: Code Inexperienced Full Day Naha Okinawa Tour
09:10 AM – Shuri Fortress
10:45 AM – Churaumi Aquarium
12:30 PM – Mihama American Villages
03:00 PM – Kokusai Dori
04:15 PM – Again to Cruise Terminal
Price: USD 135/pax
Period: 7 hours
Choice 2: Code Orange Full Day Naha Okinawa Tour
09:10 AM – Shuri Fortress
10:45 AM – Okinawa World
12:30 PM – Mihama American Villages
03:00 PM – Kokusai Dori
04:15 PM – Again to Cruise Terminal
Price: USD 135/pax
Period: 7 hours
Ishigaki Port of Name
Ishigaki is named the transport and enterprise hub of the Okinawa’s Yaeyama archipelago. On our final cruise, Costa Serena’s #ChoosePremium program provided just one shore tour bundle right here:
Code Pink Full Day Ishigaki Tour
09:45 AM – Kabira Bay
11:00 AM – Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave
12:15 PM – Euglena Mall
03:00 PM – Don Quijote Mall
04:00 PM – Again to Cruise Terminal
Price: USD 120/pax
Period: 7 hours
2026 Manila Sailings with Ports of Name
Some chartered sailings from Manila might also embody ports of name in Taiwan and South Korea. As a result of these departures from Manila are seasonal, it’s at all times finest to keep watch over official bulletins and updates. In response to Juan World Philippines’ Fb publish, listed below are the chartered cruises from Manila scheduled for 2026 — with ports of name in Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea for 2026 (as of September 29, 2025):
- 7D/6N JAPAN – TAIWAN CRUISE
-Manila
-Excessive Seas
–Miyakojima (Japan)
–Keelung (Taiwan)
–Kaohsiung (Taiwan)
-Excessive Seas
-Manila - 7D/6N JAPAN – TAIWAN CRUISE
-Manila
-Excessive Seas
–Ishigaki (Japan)
–Keelung (Taiwan)
–Keelung (Taiwan)
-Excessive Seas
-Manila - 11D/10N TAIWAN – JAPAN – SOUTH KOREA CRUISE
-Manila
-Excessive Seas
-Excessive Seas
–Keelung (Taiwan)
-Excessive Seas
–Fukuoka (Japan)
–Fukuoka (Japan)
–Jeju Island (South Korea)
-Excessive Seas
-Excessive Seas
-Manila
Shorex vs DIY Tour
At each port of name, you’ve two methods to discover:
- Be a part of a Shorex Tour. These are group excursions organized by Costa Serena in partnership with tour operators. Every part is taken care of — transportation, itinerary, and often lunch. All it’s essential do is present up on time. Pre-booking a shore tour is cheaper than these bought on board. Shorex Desk is on Decks 4 and 5.
- Go D-I-Y. For those who’d reasonably discover at your individual tempo, you may go for a D-I-Y journey. This selection offers you full management over your itinerary and is usually extra budget-friendly. Simply be sure to handle your time fastidiously as a result of the ship will go away as scheduled, with or with out you. It’s at all times safer to return to the port early to keep away from being left behind.
Regardless of which choice you select, you’ll obtain important particulars earlier than getting off, together with return directions, port title, and port handle. Don’t overlook to convey a photocopy of your passport’s biopage, too.
What to do earlier than the cruise ends?
A couple of vital issues to deal with earlier than you disembark:
- Quarantine Temperature Examine. A day earlier than disembarkation, we have been requested to undergo the Quarantine Temperature Examine on the Luna Lounge on Deck 5, Aft. This process is obligatory.
- Submit eTravel. You could accomplish your eTravel on your arrival within the Philippines through the Eva Macapagal Cruise Terminal.
- Passport and Baggage Label Supply. The evening earlier than disembarkation, your passports and color-coded baggage labels shall be delivered to your cabin. The bags label signifies your assigned disembarkation time and assembly level.
- Baggage Assortment. Merely place your baggage outdoors your cabin earlier than the scheduled assortment/decide up. All of your necessities — journey paperwork, pockets, additional garments, drugs, and different valuables — must be packed in your carry-on bag.
- Shut the Costa Card Account. Ensure to examine your Costa Card for any excellent stability. In case your card is linked to your bank card, costs shall be processed robotically, and your account shall be closed. Passengers who opted for money fee should settle their stability on the Data Desk on Deck 3.
Learn how to disembark?
For a seamless disembarkation, the method is carried out systematically. Right here’s what it’s essential do:
- Disembark on Time. On the day of disembarkation, go away the ship at your assigned time. Bulletins on the onboard screens show the schedules and the assembly factors.
- Declare Baggage. On the terminal, the bags declare areas are clearly marked with coloured flags matching your baggage labels.
- Shuttle Switch. Personal automobiles and ride-hailing companies usually are not allowed contained in the port, so you must board the shuttle bus to SM MOA.
- SM MOA Drop-off. You may be dropped off at SM MOA, the place you may guide your journey again house. Our actual drop-off level was in entrance of Gerry’s Grill – North Wing SM MOA, simply throughout SM by the Bay.
Extra About #ChoosePremium Model
Formally launched in 2017, Juan World Philippines, Inc. is a good tour companies supplier catering to Philippine journey businesses. The corporate affords a variety of tour companies to completely different journey businesses within the Philippines, together with its signature #ChoosePremium line of tour packages.
This publish is dropped at you by Juan World Philippines, Inc.
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