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, because of #ChoosePremium tour package deal.
We’ve been on many cruises, and we’d often need to fly to Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Shanghai simply to start out 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 often sails round Europe and South America, it typically provides particular chartered journeys in Asia. Our Manila-Japan cruise was a type 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 hitch a cruise from the Philippines.
The right way to guide a cruise?
Since sailings from Manila are chartered cruises, the attainable choice is to ask your trusted native journey companies if they’re providing them. Simply bear in mind to search for the #ChoosePremium brand, and you might be good!
Accessible Cruise Schedule
These are the accessible particular sailings for February to March 2026. Ensure 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 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 greatest room to guide?
The quick 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 type.
Totally different Forms 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 totally 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, however it nonetheless supplies all of the necessities: a seating/self-importance space, a flatscreen TV, and a personal 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 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 personal veranda accessed by way of 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 wish to go all out, think about one of many suite cabins. There are three choices: Mini Suite Cabin, Suite Cabin, and Grand Suite Cabin. All suite company take pleasure in additional 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 personal balcony and a toilet fitted with a daily tub. Most Capability: 3 pax
- Mini Suite Cabin. Extra spacious than a daily Balcony Cabin. Not like 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 offered 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 not less than six months. Since that is a global cruise and also you’ll journey outdoors the Philippines by sea, you need to deliver your passport and a photocopy of the bio web page.
- eTravel. Ensure 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. Convey each digital and exhausting copies. The ticket incorporates the cruise particulars, embarkation/disembarkation directions, guidelines and reminders, boarding type, and baggage tag.
- Baggage Tag. Print the baggage tag prematurely 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 situations and the ship’s location, each day exercise schedules, ship listing and map, onboard chat characteristic, web packages, and onboard expense abstract.
- Others. Particular journey permits, corresponding 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 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 high-quality eating. Different staples are swimwear and cozy footwear. 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. Convey your trusted model of drugs for headache, stomachache, movement illness, fever, and prescribed drugs, if in case you have any.
- Common Socket Adapter. We at all times deliver 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 cost card. Accepted forex onboard is USD.
Prohibited Gadgets
Reminder! The carry-on bag can 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 on.)
- Animals
For the whole listing of prohibited objects, you possibly can verify 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 verify 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 solution to the Visitor Holding/Ready Space and watch for the shuttle service.
- Shuttle Switch. Board the shuttle bus going to Eva Macapagal Cruise Terminal.
- Safety Verify. On the terminal, undergo the safety screening space for carry-on luggage. Similar to on the airport, liquids should not exceed 100ml.
- Verify-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 bear immigration clearance, presenting your passports and eTravel. On our current journey, this was carried out at Vesta Restaurant on Deck 3 (Aries).
- Passport Assortment. After the immigration clearance, your passport can be collected for safekeeping. You’ll get it again the evening earlier than disembarkation, so don’t fear.
- All Set! With every part finished, you are actually lastly able to discover Costa Serena!
What to do after boarding?
- Obligatory 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 take pleasure in 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 verify 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?
Company can simply keep related in the course of the cruise by buying an web package deal by way 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.
Observe: The ship will bear main renovations in November 2025, so count on extra thrilling areas and services to pop up on its subsequent crusing from Manila early subsequent 12 months. 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 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 encompasses a fountain and an out of doors 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 youngsters’ lounge with two totally 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 out of doors multi-sports court docket, internet hosting totally different sports activities like volleyball, basketball, and futsal.
Location: Deck 12 (Pegasus), Aft
Space Fitness center
Work out with the view of the ocean. Company 16 years outdated and above have entry.
Location: Deck 11 (Virgo), Ahead
Outside Jogging Monitor
Strolling/Jogging monitor 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 take pleasure in 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 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 reveals can be found, often within the night. These reveals are complimentary, so that you don’t need to buy a ticket to observe them.
Teatro Giove is the three-level major 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. Accessible reveals throughout our cruise had 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 Evening
- White Occasion
- Retro Occasion
- Masquerade Ball
These had been a few of the different events held throughout our Costa Serena cruise:
- Revival Occasion
- Italian Evening
- Golden Occasion
- Latin Occasion
Observe: The listing 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. Which means you don’t need to pay for something — breakfast, lunch, and dinner. So, bear 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 wide selection of meals selections, from appetizers to desserts.
Location: Deck 9 (Libra) – Deck 10 (Taurus), Aft
Specialty Eating places
In the event you’re a foodie otherwise you wish to attempt different eating choices on board, you too can dine at one of many specialty eating places. These usually are not included within the complimentary or inclusive eating places, so additional expenses apply.
Casanova
Casanova is probably 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 Avenue Meals
Salty Seashore 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, desserts, waffles, and extra.
Location: Deck 5 (Gemini), Midship
Pummid’ Oro Pizzeria
Pummid’ Oro Pizzeria is probably the most Italian restaurant on board. It is 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 selections 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 totally 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 crew 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 Picture Retailer: Deck 5 (Gemini), Aft
- My Picture 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 best 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 deliver 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 had been additionally given a Customs Declaration Type, which was collected upon disembarkation at Naha Port.
- Pay the Japan Vacationer Arrival Payment. This can be paid on board. It was $7.50 (P440) per particular person on our current cruise. However to be protected, allocate $10 for this.
- Verify the tour itinerary rigorously. Some stops might contain lengthy walks or bodily demanding actions. Assessment the small print and ensure they match your consolation and health degree earlier than reserving.
- Be ready for attainable cancelations. Excursions could also be known as off on account 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 have 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
Fee: 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
Fee: 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 provided 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
Fee: USD 120/pax
Period: 7 hours
2026 Manila Sailings with Ports of Name
Some chartered sailings from Manila may additionally embody ports of name in Taiwan and South Korea. As a result of these departures from Manila are seasonal, it’s at all times greatest to regulate official bulletins and updates. In response to Juan World Philippines’ Fb put up, 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 may have two methods to discover:
- Be 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 you’ll want to 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. In the event you’d somewhat discover at your personal tempo, you possibly can 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 rigorously 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.
Irrespective of which choice you select, you’ll obtain important particulars earlier than getting off, together with return directions, port identify, and port tackle. Don’t neglect to deliver a photocopy of your passport’s biopage, too.
What to do earlier than the cruise ends?
Just a few necessary issues to deal with earlier than you disembark:
- Quarantine Temperature Verify. A day earlier than disembarkation, we had been requested to undergo the Quarantine Temperature Verify on the Luna Lounge on Deck 5, Aft. This process is necessary.
- Submit eTravel. It’s essential 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 can be delivered to your cabin. The baggage 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 — needs to be packed in your carry-on bag.
- Shut the Costa Card Account. Ensure that to verify your Costa Card for any excellent stability. In case your card is linked to your bank card, expenses can be processed robotically, and your account can be closed. Passengers who opted for money cost should settle their stability on the Info Desk on Deck 3.
The right way to disembark?
For a seamless disembarkation, the method is carried out systematically. Right here’s what you’ll want to 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 vehicles and ride-hailing companies usually are not allowed contained in the port, so you need to board the shuttle bus to SM MOA.
- SM MOA Drop-off. You may be dropped off at SM MOA, the place you possibly can guide your trip again residence. Our precise 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 companies. The corporate provides a variety of tour companies to totally different journey companies within the Philippines, together with its signature #ChoosePremium line of tour packages.
This put up is dropped at you by Juan World Philippines, Inc.
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