Ever puzzled what it’s prefer to go on a cruise to Japan straight from Manila? We lastly obtained to strive it aboard the Costa Serena, due to #ChoosePremium tour package deal.
We’ve been on many cruises, and we’d normally need to 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 among Italy-based Costa Cruises’ largest ships. And whereas it normally sails round Europe and South America, it typically provides 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.
The way to guide a cruise?
Since sailings from Manila are chartered cruises, the potential possibility is to ask your trusted native journey businesses if they’re providing them. Simply keep in mind to search for the #ChoosePremium emblem, and you’re good!
Obtainable Cruise Schedule
These are the accessible particular sailings for February to March 2026. Be certain that 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
- Dwell Night Reveals 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 by way of TIEZA - Port Prices: USD 150
To be collected in Manila - Japan Vacationer Arrival Payment: USD 10
To be paid on board - Gratuities: This may increasingly differ per crusing. On our latest 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 greatest room to guide?
The brief reply is: it relies upon. To additional clarify this, it actually comes all the way down to your funds and the kind of cruise expertise you need. Whether or not you’re touring on a funds or indulging in luxurious, Costa Serena has a cabin that matches your fashion.
Totally 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 varieties:
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 offers all of the necessities: a seating/vainness space, a flatscreen TV, and a non-public lavatory.
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 provides pure mild and out of doors views with out the price of a balcony. It serves as the center floor possibility between Inside and Balcony cabins.
Most Capability: 2 – 4 pax
Sea Balcony Cabin
The Sea Balcony Cabin comes with an even bigger seating space and a non-public veranda accessed by means of a sliding glass door. Moreover, the balcony is furnished with a desk and two patio chairs. It strikes the right steadiness between consolation and worth for cash.
Most Capability: 2 – 4 pax
Suites
For individuals who have more money to splurge and wish 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 further privileges and upgraded facilities.
- Grand Suite Cabin. The biggest 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 a daily tub. Most Capability: 3 pax
- Mini Suite Cabin. Extra spacious than a daily Balcony Cabin. In contrast to the 2 suite choices, this one has no bathtub within the lavatory. Most Capability: 2 pax
Notes
- All cabin varieties 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 on the market for all cabin varieties.
What to organize 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 at the least six months. Since that is a global cruise and also you’ll journey outdoors the Philippines by sea, it’s a must to convey your passport and a photocopy of the bio web page.
- eTravel. Be certain that 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. Deliver each digital and onerous copies. The ticket accommodates the cruise particulars, embarkation/disembarkation directions, guidelines and reminders, boarding kind, and baggage tag.
- Baggage Tag. Print the baggage tag upfront and fasten it to the check-in baggage.
- Costa App. Obtain the app earlier than embarkation. This provides you with entry to real-time climate circumstances and the ship’s location, every day exercise schedules, ship listing and map, onboard chat function, web packages, and onboard expense abstract.
- Others. Particular journey permits, equivalent to DSWD Certificates for minors touring with out their dad and mom 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 normally pack two units of outfits per day: (1) informal put on for daytime actions and (2) sensible informal or dressy apparel for night exhibits or advantageous eating. Different staples are swimwear and cozy sneakers. And since the climate may 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. Deliver your trusted model of medication for headache, stomachache, movement illness, fever, and prescribed drugs, when you’ve got any.
- Common Socket Adapter. We all the time 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 aren’t any ATMs on board, and debit playing cards aren’t accepted. The bank card must be linked to the Costa Card, which serves as each passenger’s onboard ID and cost card. Accepted foreign money 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 Units (hair dryers, hair straighteners, and so forth.)
- Animals
For the entire checklist of prohibited objects, you’ll be able to test 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 test 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 anticipate 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 neglect 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 latest 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 little thing completed, you at the moment are lastly able to discover Costa Serena!
What to do after boarding?
- Necessary Security Drill. All passengers are required to attend the security drill. Your Costa Card signifies your assigned Muster Station.
- Welcome Buffet. Whereas ready for our baggage to reach (and since we had 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 had 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 may ask one of many employees or test the map in your Costa app. We noticed one on the midship on Deck 5, close to the Galleria Outlets. You are able to do this inside 24 hours after boarding. You may also add your different companions’ Costa playing cards to your bank card.
Is there WiFi on board?
Visitors can simply keep linked through the cruise by buying an web package deal by means of the Costa App. Merely select the plan or package deal 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 testing accessible actions are made simpler by the Costa App.
Notice: The ship will endure main renovations in November 2025, so anticipate extra thrilling areas and amenities to pop up on its subsequent crusing from Manila early subsequent yr. However for now, we’ll present you what we skilled on our latest journey.
Complimentary Actions and Facilities
All company have free entry to those onboard points of interest and facilities:
Toboga (Serena Waterslide)
The waterslide’s place to begin 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 commentary space.
Location: Deck 13/14 (Vela), Ahead
Lido Sole Pool Space
The Lido Sole Pool includes a fountain and an outside LED display.
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 youngsters’ 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 teenagers.
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 Gymnasium
Work out with the view of the ocean. Visitors 16 years outdated and above have entry.
Location: Deck 11 (Virgo), Ahead
Outside Jogging Observe
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 youngsters, 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 big selection of spa therapies and massages.
Location: Deck 11 (Virgo) – Deck 12 (Pegasus), Ahead
Galleria Outlets
Responsibility-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
Reveals, Themed Events & Occasions
Every day exhibits can be found, normally within the night. These exhibits are complimentary, so that you don’t need to buy a ticket to look at them.
Teatro Giove is the three-level important theater. That is the place present productions, musicals, concert events, and different performances are held. It occupies the ship’s ahead (entrance) finish, from Deck 3 to five. Obtainable exhibits throughout our cruise had been the next:
- Glamazon
- Acrodreamers in “Eclissi d’amore”
- Venezia Innamorata
- EXTRALive
Along with night exhibits, 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 Evening
- White Social gathering
- Retro Social gathering
- Masquerade Ball
These had been a number of the different events held throughout our Costa Serena cruise:
- Revival Social gathering
- Italian Evening
- Golden Social gathering
- Latin Social gathering
Notice: The checklist of choices might differ relying on the crusing. Modifications might happen primarily based on the season or vacation spot.
What are the eating choices on board?
Costa Serena provides 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 need to 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 gives 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 big selection of meals decisions, from appetizers to desserts.
Location: Deck 9 (Libra) – Deck 10 (Taurus), Aft
Specialty Eating places
If you happen to’re a foodie otherwise you wish to strive different eating choices on board, you too can dine at one of many specialty eating places. These aren’t included within the complimentary or inclusive eating places, so further fees apply.
Casanova
Casanova is essentially the most unique restaurant on board, boasting the perfect collection 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 rooster.
Salty Seashore Road Meals
Salty Seashore Road 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. This can be a certain hit for pizza lovers.
Location: Deck 10 (Taurus), Aft
Shabu Shabu
Shabu Shabu is a sizzling 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 among 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 situated. Different actions right here embody desk soccer and group 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 amenities 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 individuals who booked their excursions from the #ChoosePremium packages, the Hospitality Desk is on Deck 4 & 5.
Port of Name & Shore Tour
The most effective 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
- Bear in mind to convey your Costa card together with a photocopy of your passport’s bio web page. You’ll must current your card everytime you depart or re-board the ship. As for this crusing, we had been additionally given a Customs Declaration Type, which was collected upon disembarkation at Naha Port.
- Pay the Japan Vacationer Arrival Payment. This shall be paid on board. It was $7.50 (P440) per particular person on our latest cruise. However to be protected, allocate $10 for this.
- Examine the tour itinerary fastidiously. Some stops might contain lengthy walks or bodily demanding actions. Overview the main points and ensure they match your consolation and health stage earlier than reserving.
- Be ready for potential cancelations. Excursions could also be known as off as a result of climate or different unexpected circumstances. It’s all the time 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 supplied two curated tour packages. Right here’s a take a look at the itineraries:
Possibility 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
Charge: USD 135/pax
Period: 7 hours
Possibility 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
Charge: USD 135/pax
Period: 7 hours
Ishigaki Port of Name
Ishigaki is called the transport and enterprise hub of the Okinawa’s Yaeyama archipelago. On our final cruise, Costa Serena’s #ChoosePremium program supplied just one shore tour package deal 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
Charge: USD 120/pax
Period: 7 hours
2026 Manila Sailings with Ports of Name
Some chartered sailings from Manila can also embody ports of name in Taiwan and South Korea. As a result of these departures from Manila are seasonal, it’s all the time greatest to control official bulletins and updates. In line with Juan World Philippines’ Fb submit, listed here 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 part of a Shorex Tour. These are group excursions organized by Costa Serena in partnership with tour operators. All the things is taken care of — transportation, itinerary, and normally lunch. All you have to do is present up on time. Pre-booking a shore tour is cheaper than these offered on board. Shorex Desk is on Decks 4 and 5.
- Go D-I-Y. If you happen to’d moderately discover at your personal tempo, you’ll be able to go for a D-I-Y journey. This feature 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 depart as scheduled, with or with out you. It’s all the time safer to return to the port early to keep away from being left behind.
Irrespective of which possibility you select, you’ll obtain important particulars earlier than getting off, together with return directions, port title, and port tackle. Don’t neglect to convey a photocopy of your passport’s biopage, too.
What to do earlier than the cruise ends?
A number of essential issues to maintain earlier than you disembark:
- Quarantine Temperature Examine. A day earlier than disembarkation, we had been requested to undergo the Quarantine Temperature Examine on the Luna Lounge on Deck 5, Aft. This process is obligatory.
- Submit eTravel. You must accomplish your eTravel on your arrival within the Philippines by way of 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, further garments, medicines, and different valuables — ought to be packed in your carry-on bag.
- Shut the Costa Card Account. Be certain that to test your Costa Card for any excellent steadiness. In case your card is linked to your bank card, fees shall be processed mechanically, and your account shall be closed. Passengers who opted for money cost should settle their steadiness on the Info Desk on Deck 3.
The way to disembark?
For a seamless disembarkation, the method is carried out systematically. Right here’s what you have to do:
- Disembark on Time. On the day of disembarkation, depart 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. Non-public automobiles and ride-hailing companies aren’t allowed contained in the port, so it’s a must to board the shuttle bus to SM MOA.
- SM MOA Drop-off. You may be dropped off at SM MOA, the place you’ll be able to guide your trip 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 provides a variety of tour companies to completely different journey businesses within the Philippines, together with its signature #ChoosePremium line of tour packages.
This submit is dropped at you by Juan World Philippines, Inc.
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