We’ve been on many Asian cruises earlier than, with normal sailings from Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Shanghai. However final October 2025, we lastly acquired to sail immediately from Manila to Okinawa in Japan aboard Costa Serena, an Italy-flagged cruise ship that normally sails round Europe and South America.
Right here’s the excellent news! Due to the robust curiosity, the cruise line determined to increase its particular chartered journeys in Asia from Manila this 12 months! Which means extra possibilities to expertise cruising with out the extra step of reserving a flight to Singapore, Hong Kong, or Shanghai.
From February to March 2026, Costa Serena might be crusing from Manila to Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, and again! Initially, there have been solely three routes obtainable, however as a consequence of excessive demand, a fourth route was added: 8D/7N Manila-Naha-Kaohsiung-Manila, crusing from March 19 to 26, 2026.
On this put up, we’ll concentrate on Route 4, and we’ll stroll you thru the entire expertise, from pre-boarding to disembarkation. Hopefully, this provides you a good suggestion of what it’s like to hitch a cruise that sails straight from the Philippines.
WAIT, WAIT, WAIT! In case your are touring quickly and nonetheless on the strategy planning stage, you can even go to our The Poor Traveler Masterlist. Right here, we compiled journey necessities, together with immigration necessities and all our really helpful inns and excursions. Simply go to this web page: TPT Masterlist. Now we have a compilation for locations all over the world.
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
That is the itinerary as of 21 January 2026, however this may nonetheless change, so contact the journey company the place you booked.
Should you haven’t booked but, contact Avian Summit Journey Company. It’s one of many prime companies which might be a part of the #Select Premium community. It’s IATA-certified and DOT-accredited.
Listed here are the contact particulars:
- Cellular/Viber: +63 928 291 7170
- E mail Tackle: aviansummit@gmail.com
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DAY 1: EMBARKATION & SAILING
That is D-Day!
You’re lastly boarding Costa Serena! Earlier than embarking on this enjoyable journey, be certain all the required paperwork are prepared, and your necessities are packed. Now we have a separate, extra detailed article on that right here: What to Pack for a Costa Serena Cruise from Manila
Embarkation
Alright! Right here’s how the embarkation or boarding course of from Manila normally goes:
- Baggage Drop-off. Your first cease is at Quirino Grandstand, the place you’ll drop off your baggage on the designated space. Comply with your assigned embarkation time, which relies in your deck quantity.
- Holding Space. After handing over your luggage, proceed to the Visitor Holding/Ready Space, the place you’ll wait to your flip to get on a shuttle service.
- Eva Macapagal Terminal. The shuttle bus will take you to Eva Macapagal Tremendous Terminal.
- Safety Test. As soon as on the terminal, you’ll undergo the safety screening to your carry-on luggage. Keep in mind that liquids must be 100ml or much less.
- Test-in Counter. After safety, head to the designated check-in counter. That is the place your particulars are verified and the place you’ll obtain your Costa Card, which additionally serves as your onboard ID, cost card, and cabin key.
- Immigration Clearance. Then, board the ship and proceed to immigration clearance. Current your passport and eTravel Departure kind.
- Welcome to Costa Serena!
Aboard Costa Serena
Now that you just’re on the ship, listed below are the issues to do after boarding.
- Welcome Buffet. Whereas ready to your baggage to reach, be happy to have your first meal on the ship at Prometeo, the place you’ll discover the welcome buffet.
- Head to Your Cabin. As soon as cabins can be found, you can also make your strategy to yours. You may choose up your baggage on the way in which there. The checked luggage are normally positioned within the space between the elevator and staircase close to your cabin.
- Obligatory Security Drill. And naturally, there’s the necessary security drill. Everyone seems to be required to attend this. Test your Costa Card to your assigned Muster Station and observe the crew’s directions. Don’t overlook to convey your life vest, which you’ll discover in your cabin.
- 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 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 may as well add your different companions’ Costa playing cards to your bank card.
After checking all of the bins, you may go to one of many bars to loosen up, watch a present, attend a night social gathering, or name it an evening.
DAY 2 – 3: HIGH SEAS
You’ll be spending your Days 2 and three at sea as a result of the primary port of name is in Naha in Okinawa, Japan, which is sort of 800 nautical miles away from the Port of Manila. That is the perfect time to discover the ship’s facilities and take a look at obtainable actions.
Costa Serena has 13 passenger decks, and utilizing the Costa App will make getting round simpler, with its deck map and listing function, amongst others.
Included Eating Spots
And what higher strategy to begin your exploration than to eat?
Costa Serena presents two sorts of onboard eating — complimentary and specialty 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, keep in mind these complimentary eating places on board:
- Ristorante Vesta. A two-level eating room that gives open seating for breakfast and lunch and assigned seating for dinner. There are occasions when the second degree is reserved for suite friends solely, so greatest to examine the listing or the app for updates. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes can be found. Location: Deck 3 (Aries) – Deck 4 (Orion), Midship
- Ristorante Ceres. Twin eating room of Ristorante Vesta, it additionally has two ranges with open seating throughout breakfast and lunch, then assigned seating at dinner. Location: Deck 3 (Aries) – Deck 4 (Orion), Aft
- Prometeo Buffet Restaurant. This can be a self-service buffet restaurant, serving a wide selection of meals decisions, from appetizers to desserts. Location: Deck 9 (Libra) – Deck 10 (Taurus), Aft
Onboard Swimming Swimming pools
After filling your stomach along with your selection of breakfast, you’ll have loads of actions to select from, together with swimming in one of many three swimming pools, or higher but, sliding from the highest deck to the Iris Pool! Costa Serena’s Toboga or waterslide is ideal for youths and youngsters at coronary heart. If sliding and swimming are your factor, listed below are the onboard locations to recollect:
Health & Sports activities
In case you are extra into sports activities and maintaining along with your health routine, you may head to the fitness center, the jogging monitor, the out of doors multi-sports court docket, or Sole Balcony. There’s additionally an indoor playroom for little cruisers! Listed here are the places on the ship:
Complimentary Exhibits & Night Events
Every day exhibits can be found, normally within the night. And the perfect half? They’re free, so that you don’t have to purchase a ticket to observe them.
Teatro Giove is the three-level major theater, the place present productions, musicals, concert events, and different performances are held. You’ll discover it on the ahead facet of the ship, spanning decks 3 to five. Right here’s a listing of exhibits that have been obtainable throughout our crusing:
- Glamazon
- Acrodreamers in “Eclissi d’amore”
- Venezia Innamorata
- EXTRALive
Along with night exhibits, your nights may also come alive with enjoyable themed events. You’ll get to totally embrace the ambiance as you costume as much as match every celebration and social gathering the evening away. Simply to present you an thought, listed below are the themed events we attended on our final cruise with Costa Serena in October 2025:
- Gala Night time
- White Social gathering
- Retro Social gathering
- Masquerade Ball
Truthfully, you’ll be the one to surrender as a result of each evening is social gathering evening! These have been among the different events that happened throughout that crusing:
- Revival Social gathering
- Italian Night time
- Golden Social gathering
- Latin Social gathering
DAY 4: NAHA, JAPAN
Landing Naha! In your fourth day, you’ll lastly set foot in Okinawa, Japan. 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.
Okinawa Prefecture consists of over 150 islands, with Naha as its capital. For this cease, Costa Serena’s #ChoosePremium program presents two curated tour packages.
Reserving a shore tour bundle ensures that you just’ll be again on the port on time, so there’s no stress about getting left behind by the ship. These excursions normally embody entrance charges, a neighborhood information, and transportation. However when you’re seeking to take the cheaper route, you may pull a D-I-Y.
The evening earlier than, your cabin attendant will ship a photocopy of your passport bio web page, a customs declaration kind, and a slip displaying your batch quantity, disembarkation time, and meeting station. Should you’ve booked a shore tour, ignore the batch quantity slip and simply observe the directions in your tour bundle voucher.
Don’t overlook to convey your Costa card, the passport bio web page photocopy, the customs declaration kind, and a few Japanese yen. Though there are ATMs at Naha Port, it’s all the time safer to have money available.
It was my first time in Naha on our final Costa Serena cruise, however Yosh had already been right here earlier than. So for this port of name, we determined to discover at our personal tempo as a substitute. Right here’s a pattern Naha itinerary you may observe:
Shuri Fort
From Naha Port, stroll to Kume Koshibyo-mae Bus Cease and take Bus 5 to Kokusai Dori, town’s major thoroughfare and vacationer hub. You may discover this space later. For now, you’ll want to hop on a bus once more (Bus 14) to Shuri Fort, Naha’s most iconic landmark. The fort serves as a reminder of Okinawa’s wealthy historical past and tradition and is a part of the Gusuku Websites and Associated Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu, a UNESCO World Heritage standing.
Shikina-en Royal Backyard
After exploring the fort grounds, take Bus 14 as soon as extra to Shikina-en Royal Backyard for a calming nature stroll. This round backyard contains a pond, stone bridges, a Chinese language-style pavilion, and a picket statehouse. Like Shuri Fort, additionally it is a part of the UNESCO-recognized Gusuku Websites and Associated Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.
Kokusai Dori
Subsequent, make your strategy to your closing cease. Trip Bus 2, 4, 5, or 14 again to Kokusai Dori, also referred to as Worldwide Road. You’ll probably spend a great period of time right here, as this may also be your cease for lunch and memento buying.
Whilst you’re right here, don’t move up the chance to attempt Okinawa soba. In contrast to the soba from mainland Japan, which is created from buckwheat, this native model makes use of wheat flour. On our final go to, we ate at Kintiti (Kinchichi) Soba Kokusaidori Mutsumi Shokudo. I ordered the basic Pork Stomach Okinawa Soba, whereas Yosh selected the Pork Spare Ribs Soba (Hon Soki Soba).
Should you want ramen, take a look at Ramen Danbo Naha Makishi, conveniently situated close to JR Kyushu Lodge Blossom. To finish your meal on a candy notice, seize a scoop or two of Blue Seal ice cream, a homegrown model with a number of branches alongside Kokusai Dori.
If you wish to take residence some Okinawan and Japanese souvenirs, drop by Don Quijote (Donki), Heiwadori, and Shijo Hondori.
Return to Naha Port
And eventually, head again to the port by bus or taxi. Should you take the bus, alight at Kume Koshibyo-mae Bus Cease (Bus 5), and stroll for about 10 minutes to the port. Should you’re in a rush, you may merely hail a taxi from Kokusai Dori. The taxi fare to Naha Port is ¥1200 – ¥1500.
Naha has loads of different vacationer spots. However with a cruise cease’s restricted time (8-10 hours), it’s unimaginable to squeeze all of them in. To maximise your time, it’s greatest to concentrate on Naha’s highlights. Right here’s a pattern itinerary you may observe.
NAHA DAY TRIP
08:45 AM – Stroll to Kume Koshibyo-mae Bus Cease
09:00 AM – Bus to Kokusai-dori, ¥260 (Bus 5)
09:10 AM – Kokusai-dori to Shuri Fort, ¥260 (Bus 14)
09:30 AM – Shuri Fort, ¥400
10:30 AM – Bus to Shikina-en Royal Backyard, ¥260 (Bus 14)
10:45 AM – Shikina-en Royal Backyard, ¥400
12:00 PM – Bus to Kokusai-dori, ¥260 (Bus 2, 4, 5, 14)
12:20 PM – Kokusai Dori: Meals Journey and Procuring
04:00 PM – Bus again to port then stroll, ¥260 (Or taxi to Naha Cruise Terminal, ¥1200-1500)
In case you are a celebration of two, this itinerary will price you round ¥1200 (USD 14, PHP 785) every, excluding your meals and buying price range. Should you determine to take a taxi again to the port, anticipate to spend not less than ¥2590 (USD 16, PHP 972) per individual.
However when you prefer to see different choices, right here’s a extra detailed article: Naha Day Journey
Keep in mind! Head again to the port by the indicated embarkation time. At all times double-check the time and guarantee your watch is about to the ship’s time.
Freshen Up & Dinner
After a day of exploring, take a while to relaxation and clean up, then make your strategy to one of many onboard eating places for dinner. Should you choose to dine at a restaurant with a set menu and discover that you just’re nonetheless not fairly full, you may order further objects from the menu or drop by the buffet at Prometeo on Deck 9.
Nonetheless have power to spare? Catch a present or mingle along with your fellow cruisers and revel in the remainder of the evening.
DAY 5: HIGH SEAS
In your fifth day, you may cowl different onboard providers and services. Truthfully, there’s no scarcity of issues to attempt — even when spending the entire day at sea. Right here’s a fast rundown:
Different Onboard Facilities
Bars & Lounges
You may get pleasure from a drink or two at certainly one of Costa Serena’s bars any time of the day. You have got a number of choices, every providing a barely totally different expertise for friends.
- Apollo Grand Bar. Bar and lounge that includes a stage and a dancefloor. 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 Bar. Two-level disco and nightclub. Location: Deck 4 (Orion) – Deck 5 (Gemini), Aft
- Pantheon Bar. Foyer bar. Location: Deck 3 (Aries), Ahead
- Sole Bar. This bar serves friends at Lido Sole Pool Space. Location: Deck 9 (Libra), Ahead
- Lido Urano Bar. This bar caters to friends within the Urano Pool space. Location: Deck 9 (Libra), Aft
DAY 6: KAOHSIUNG, TAIWAN
Day 6 is devoted to Kaohsiung, your second port of name. From a small buying and selling village within the seventeenth century, Kaohsiung has flourished into a serious port metropolis. Residence to the Port of Kaohsiung, the busiest and largest harbor in Taiwan, it has additionally change into an everyday cease for worldwide cruise ships.
When you disembark, you may start protecting among the metropolis’s vacationer spots by taking the LRT, on foot (for individuals who love strolling), or a mix of each. However, in fact, you can even select to e-book a shore tour when you’re touring with youngsters or aged companions.
Regardless of which choice you select, you’ll obtain vital reminders earlier than getting off the ship, together with return directions. Similar to in Naha, don’t overlook to convey your Costa card, some Taiwan {dollars}, and a photocopy of your passport’s bio web page, too.
Kaohsiung presents a variety of experiences, from historic and coastal points of interest to ecological websites, meals journeys, and concrete sightseeing. We’ve been to this southern Taiwan metropolis a number of occasions, each as a part of longer multi-city journeys in Taiwan and as a port of name on earlier cruises. We’ve additionally explored among the areas near the cruise terminal. Should you want to do a DIY, you may observe this itinerary:
Once more, you are able to do this route on foot, through the use of the LRT, or each. In case your selection entails driving the practice, you may confer with this KMRT Map as your information. The LRT line is the GREEN one.
Glory Pier & Love Pier
From the Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal (Station C9), flip left and stroll towards Glory Pier (Station C10). Then, you’ll move by the Kaohsiung Music Middle. After appreciating its structure, proceed towards the Love River and cross the bridge to achieve the Love Pier (Station C11). Take within the view of the harbor, then stroll onward to Pier 2 Artwork Middle.
Pier 2 Artwork Middle
Should you’re into arts, popular culture, and Instagrammable spots, then Pier 2 Artwork Middle (Stations C12 & C13) is your playground. Spend as a lot time as you may right here, exploring each inventive nook and cranny. You may as well have your lunch right here, or higher but, go on a café hopping. We’ve been right here a number of years in the past and completely loved wandering by means of the inventive areas.
Ensure that to take a look at the view from the Nice Harbor Bridge.
Hamasen Railway Cultural Park
Then, take a brief stroll to Hamasen Railway Cultural Park (Station C14), the place you may go to the Takao Railway Museum, which options previous locomotives and artwork installations.
Dream Mall
Should you’ve had your fill of arts and tradition, you may both take the LRT again to the Cruise Terminal (Station C9) already or make a cease at Dream Mall (Station C5) for memento buying and one other spherical of meals journey. This mall can also be residence to the Kaohsiung Eye Ferris Wheel.
Cijin Island
Should you nonetheless have time to spare, an alternative choice is to take the ferry at Gushan Ferry Pier, close to Hamasen LRT Station, to Cijin Island. The ferry journey takes about 5 minutes. Right here, you may go to Cijin Outdated Road, Kaohsiung Lighthouse, Qihou Fort, and Cijin Tunnel. The island can also be recognized for its seafood.
Dome of Gentle
The Dome of Gentle by Italian artist Narcissus Quagliata is without doubt one of the most exceptional public artwork set up discovered at Formosa Boulevard MRT Station. This art work used colourful glass panels and metal framework to symbolize water (delivery), earth (development), gentle (glory), and hearth (destruction).
If you wish to embody this in your itinerary, you may take the LRT from the cruise terminal (C9), then switch to the MRT Orange Line at Hamasen Station (C14/O1). Board the MRT practice sure for Daliao, and get off at Formosa Boulevard Station (O5). You’ll discover the Dome of Gentle at B1, close to exit 1 or 4.
After taking pictures, you may head again to Hamasen space and start exploring the Hamasen Railway Cultural Park. After that, you may stroll towards Pier 2 Artwork Middle, then. do the waterfront stroll alongside Love River, passing by Love Pier and Glory Pier. Lastly, you can also make your method again to the cruise terminal on foot, or when you nonetheless have time, you will get on the LRT from Glory Pier (C10) to Dream Mall (C5).
Return to Ship
Because you’re solely spending a number of hours in Kaohsiung, you might not have the ability to go to different widespread vacationer spots, comparable to Liuhe Night time Market, the Lotus Pond, and Fo Guang Shan. However the good factor is that there are many direct flights between Manila and Kaohsiung, making it straightforward to return and spend extra days to cowl extra points of interest. We’ll be making a extra detailed Kaohsiung Issues to Do article quickly.
For now, right here’s a pattern itinerary you may observe to your Kaohsiung port of name.
KAOHSIUNG DAY TRIP
08:45 AM – Cruise terminal to Love Pier/Love River space, stroll or LRT (NT$ 20)
09:00 AM – Love Pier/Love River Space
10:45 AM – Gang Yuan Beef Noodle Soup, NT$ 140
11:30 AM – Stroll to Pier-2 Artwork Middle, 10-Quarter-hour
11:45 AM – Pier-2 Artwork Middle
01:00 PM – Hamasen Railway Cultural Park
02:00 PM – Stroll to Gushan Ferry Pier, 10 minutes
02:10 PM – Ferry to Cijin Island, NT$ 30
02:20 PM – Cijin Island
– Kaohsiung Lighthouse
– Qihou Fort
– Cijin Tunnel
– Cijin Outdated Road
03:30 PM – Ferry again to Hamasen space, NT$ 30
03:45 PM – Hamasen to Cruise Terminal, LRT (NT$ 20)
This itinerary will price you round NT$ 240 (USD 8, PHP 450) per pax, excluding different bills like snacks and souvenirs.
Keep in mind! Ensure that to return to the port by the indicated embarkation time. At all times pay attention to the time and guarantee your watch is about to the ship’s time.
Freshen Up & Dinner
Do the identical drill: relaxation and bathe, get pleasure from a hearty dinner, and when you nonetheless up for it, watch a present or dance the evening away!
DAY 7: HIGH SEAS
For Day 7, you may merely select to decelerate and simply relaxation inside your cabin, loosen up in one of many solar lounges all through the ship, have a dip in one of many swimming pools once more, or do your last-minute onboard buying.
Specialty Eating places
Should you’re a foodie otherwise you wish to attempt different eating choices on board, you can even dine at one of many specialty eating places. These are usually not included within the complimentary or inclusive eating places, so additional costs apply. Listed here are your decisions:
Pre-disembarkation Preparation
That is your final evening on the ship. This additionally signifies that you’ll want to prepare and put together for disembarkation the following day. Listed here are the issues you’ll want to do:
- Temperature Test. You’ll be requested to undergo a fast quarantine temperature examine. That is necessary and normally performed early within the day. Be aware of the time and placement. It will likely be introduced.
- eTravel Arrival Type. Ensure that to finish your eTravel arrival kind for entry through Eva Macapagal Terminal. It’s greatest to get this performed forward of time to keep away from delays.
- Passport and Baggage Label Supply. Your passport and color-coded baggage tags might be delivered to your cabin. The coloured tags point out your assigned disembarkation time and meeting space.
- Baggage Assortment. Place your baggage outdoors your cabin earlier than the scheduled assortment time. Don’t overlook to maintain your necessities (journey paperwork, a change of garments, meds, pockets, and different valuables) in your carry-on.
- Closing the Costa Card Account. Double-check your Costa Card for any remaining costs. If it’s linked to your bank card, all the things might be settled robotically, after which your account might be closed. Should you’re paying in money, you’ll have to clear your steadiness on the Info Desk on Deck 3.
You’re all set for tomorrow!
DAY 8: END OF CRUISE
All good issues should come to an finish. However not less than, you’re not dreaming. You have got lived your dream trip for seven nights! So, rise up, have breakfast, and savor your final hours aboard Costa Serena.
Disembarkation
- Disembark on Time. Be prepared to depart the ship at your assigned time. The onboard screens may also present bulletins with the schedule and assembly factors, so that you’ll haven’t any drawback.
- Declare Baggage. On the terminal, the bags declare space might be clearly marked with coloured flags, matching the bags tags distributed the evening earlier than.
- Shuttle Switch. Since personal automobiles and ride-hailing providers are usually not allowed contained in the port, you’ll need to get on the shuttle bus as a substitute.
- SM MOA Drop-off. The shuttle bus will drop you off at SM MOA. From there, you may e-book your journey residence or ask a buddy or a member of the family to choose you up.
And that formally wraps up your Costa Serena cruise journey!
Be part of The Poor Traveler Assist Group
✅ If in case you have any questions or want journey suggestions, be happy to put up them to the TPT Assist Group. The members are very useful. This Fb help group has been round for a very long time, and lots of members have discovered journey buddies by means of it. You may be part of too! Simply go to The Poor Traveler Assist Group. Word that that is totally different from The Poor Traveler Fb web page.
Have Peace of Thoughts Whereas Touring!
Getting a journey insurance coverage is optionally available, however we extremely advocate this, particularly when touring overseas. Journey will be unpredictable, and although we hope we’ll by no means use it, having it offers us peace of thoughts in case of sudden delays, cancellations, or emergencies.
For worldwide locations, think about PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance coverage. You may GET IT HERE. Don’t overlook to make use of WORTHIT for a particular inexpensive charge.
Updates Log
2026 1 21 – First uploaded
