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 bought to sail instantly 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 yr! Meaning extra probabilities 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 shall be crusing from Manila to Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, and again! Initially, there have been solely three routes accessible, 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 give attention to Route 4, and we’ll stroll you thru the entire expertise, from pre-boarding to disembarkation. Hopefully, this offers 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 starting stage, you can too go to our The Poor Traveler Masterlist. Right here, we compiled journey necessities, together with immigration necessities and all our really useful motels and excursions. Simply go to this web page: TPT Masterlist. We’ve 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.
In case you haven’t booked but, contact Avian Summit Journey Company. It’s one of many high businesses which can 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
- Electronic mail Tackle: aviansummit@gmail.com
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- Instagram/Tiktok: @aviansummit
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. We’ve 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. Observe your assigned embarkation time, which is predicated in your deck quantity.
- Holding Space. After handing over your baggage, proceed to the Visitor Holding/Ready Space, the place you’ll wait in your flip to get on a shuttle service.
- Eva Macapagal Terminal. The shuttle bus will take you to Eva Macapagal Tremendous Terminal.
- Safety Verify. As soon as on the terminal, you’ll undergo the safety screening in your carry-on baggage. Do not forget that liquids must be 100ml or much less.
- Verify-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 simply’re on the ship, listed here are the issues to do after boarding.
- Welcome Buffet. Whereas ready in 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 method to yours. You may choose up your baggage on the best way there. The checked baggage are normally positioned within the space between the elevator and staircase close to your cabin.
- Necessary Security Drill. And naturally, there’s the necessary security drill. Everyone seems to be required to attend this. Verify your Costa Card in your assigned Muster Station and comply with the crew’s directions. Don’t neglect 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 test 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 also add your different companions’ Costa playing cards to your bank card.
After checking all of the bins, you’ll be able to go to one of many bars to calm down, watch a present, attend a night get together, 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 nearly 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 accessible 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 method to begin your exploration than to eat?
Costa Serena affords two sorts of onboard eating — complimentary and specialty 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:
- 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 stage is reserved for suite friends solely, so finest to test 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 big selection of meals selections, from appetizers to desserts. Location: Deck 9 (Libra) – Deck 10 (Taurus), Aft
Onboard Swimming Swimming pools
After filling your stomach along with your alternative 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 here 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’ll be able to 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 areas on the ship:
Complimentary Exhibits & Night Events
Day by day reveals 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 look at them.
Teatro Giove is the three-level primary theater, the place present productions, musicals, live shows, and different performances are held. You’ll discover it on the ahead aspect of the ship, spanning decks 3 to five. Right here’s an inventory of reveals that had been accessible throughout our crusing:
- Glamazon
- Acrodreamers in “Eclissi d’amore”
- Venezia Innamorata
- EXTRALive
Along with night reveals, your nights will even come alive with enjoyable themed events. You’ll get to completely embrace the ambiance as you costume as much as match every celebration and get together the night time away. Simply to present you an thought, listed here are the themed events we attended on our final cruise with Costa Serena in October 2025:
- Gala Night time
- White Celebration
- Retro Celebration
- Masquerade Ball
Truthfully, you’ll be the one to surrender as a result of each night time is get together night time! These had been a number of the different events that came about throughout that crusing:
- Revival Celebration
- Italian Night time
- Golden Celebration
- Latin Celebration
DAY 4: NAHA, JAPAN
Landing Naha! In your fourth day, you’ll lastly set foot in Okinawa, Japan. Probably the greatest 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 affords two curated tour packages.
Reserving a shore tour bundle ensures that you simply’ll be again on the port on time, so there’s no stress about getting left behind by the ship. These excursions normally embrace entrance charges, a neighborhood information, and transportation. However for those who’re seeking to take the cheaper route, you’ll be able to pull a D-I-Y.
The night time 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. In case you’ve booked a shore tour, ignore the batch quantity slip and simply comply with the directions in your tour bundle voucher.
Don’t neglect 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 at all times safer to have money readily 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’ll be able to comply with:
Shuri Citadel
From Naha Port, stroll to Kume Koshibyo-mae Bus Cease and take Bus 5 to Kokusai Dori, town’s primary thoroughfare and vacationer hub. You may discover this space later. For now, you must hop on a bus once more (Bus 14) to Shuri Citadel, Naha’s most iconic landmark. The fortress 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 fortress grounds, take Bus 14 as soon as extra to Shikina-en Royal Backyard for a soothing nature stroll. This round backyard contains a pond, stone bridges, a Chinese language-style pavilion, and a wood statehouse. Like Shuri Citadel, additionally it is a part of the UNESCO-recognized Gusuku Websites and Associated Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.
Kokusai Dori
Subsequent, make your method to your ultimate cease. Trip Bus 2, 4, 5, or 14 again to Kokusai Dori, also called Worldwide Road. You’ll possible spend an excellent period of time right here, as this will even be your cease for lunch and memento purchasing.
When you’re right here, don’t move up the chance to attempt Okinawa soba. Not like the soba from mainland Japan, which is constituted of 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 traditional Pork Stomach Okinawa Soba, whereas Yosh selected the Pork Spare Ribs Soba (Hon Soki Soba).
In case you favor ramen, take a look at Ramen Danbo Naha Makishi, conveniently situated close to JR Kyushu Resort 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 at last, head again to the port by bus or taxi. In case you take the bus, alight at Kume Koshibyo-mae Bus Cease (Bus 5), and stroll for about 10 minutes to the port. In case you’re in a rush, you’ll be able to 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 finest to give attention to Naha’s highlights. Right here’s a pattern itinerary you’ll be able to comply with.
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 Citadel, ¥260 (Bus 14)
09:30 AM – Shuri Citadel, ¥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 Buying
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 purchasing finances. In case you determine to take a taxi again to the port, count on to spend at the least ¥2590 (USD 16, PHP 972) per particular person.
However for those who wish to see different choices, right here’s a extra detailed article: Naha Day Journey
Bear in mind! Head again to the port by the indicated embarkation time. At all times double-check the time and guarantee your watch is ready to the ship’s time.
Freshen Up & Dinner
After a day of exploring, take a while to relaxation and clean up, then make your method to one of many onboard eating places for dinner. In case you decide to dine at a restaurant with a set menu and discover that you simply’re nonetheless not fairly full, you’ll be able to order extra gadgets from the menu or drop by the buffet at Prometeo on Deck 9.
Nonetheless have vitality to spare? Catch a present or mingle along with your fellow cruisers and revel in the remainder of the night time.
DAY 5: HIGH SEAS
In your fifth day, you’ll be able to cowl different onboard companies and amenities. 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 take pleasure in a drink or two at one in every of Costa Serena’s bars any time of the day. You could have 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 significant port metropolis. House to the Port of Kaohsiung, the busiest and largest harbor in Taiwan, it has additionally change into a daily cease for worldwide cruise ships.
When you disembark, you’ll be able to start protecting a number of the metropolis’s vacationer spots by taking the LRT, on foot (for individuals who love strolling), or a mixture of each. However, in fact, you can too select to e book a shore tour for those who’re touring with kids or aged companions.
Regardless of which choice you select, you’ll obtain necessary reminders earlier than getting off the ship, together with return directions. Identical to in Naha, don’t neglect to convey your Costa card, some Taiwan {dollars}, and a photocopy of your passport’s bio web page, too.
Kaohsiung affords a variety of experiences, from historic and coastal sights 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 a number of the areas near the cruise terminal. In case you favor to do a DIY, you’ll be able to comply with this itinerary:
Once more, you are able to do this route on foot, by utilizing the LRT, or each. In case your alternative includes driving the practice, you’ll be able to consult 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
In case 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’ll be able to right here, exploring each inventive nook and cranny. You may also have your lunch right here, or higher but, go on a café hopping. We’ve been right here just a few years in the past and totally loved wandering by means of the inventive areas.
Make sure 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’ll be able to go to the Takao Railway Museum, which options outdated locomotives and artwork installations.
Dream Mall
In case you’ve had your fill of arts and tradition, you’ll be able to both take the LRT again to the Cruise Terminal (Station C9) already or make a cease at Dream Mall (Station C5) for memento purchasing and one other spherical of meals journey. This mall can be residence to the Kaohsiung Eye Ferris Wheel.
Cijin Island
In case you nonetheless have time to spare, another 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’ll be able to go to Cijin Outdated Road, Kaohsiung Lighthouse, Qihou Fort, and Cijin Tunnel. The island can be recognized for its seafood.
Dome of Mild
The Dome of Mild by Italian artist Narcissus Quagliata is likely one of the most outstanding public artwork set up discovered at Formosa Boulevard MRT Station. This paintings used colourful glass panels and metal framework to symbolize water (delivery), earth (progress), mild (glory), and fireplace (destruction).
If you wish to embrace this in your itinerary, you’ll be able to 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 Mild at B1, close to exit 1 or 4.
After taking pictures, you’ll be able to head again to Hamasen space and start exploring the Hamasen Railway Cultural Park. After that, you’ll be able to 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 approach again to the cruise terminal on foot, or for those who nonetheless have time, you may get on the LRT from Glory Pier (C10) to Dream Mall (C5).
Return to Ship
Because you’re solely spending just a few hours in Kaohsiung, chances are you’ll not have the ability to go to different well-liked 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 sights. We’ll be making a extra detailed Kaohsiung Issues to Do article quickly.
For now, right here’s a pattern itinerary you’ll be able to comply with in 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.
Bear in mind! Make sure that to return to the port by the indicated embarkation time. At all times concentrate on the time and guarantee your watch is ready to the ship’s time.
Freshen Up & Dinner
Do the identical drill: relaxation and bathe, take pleasure in a hearty dinner, and for those who nonetheless up for it, watch a present or dance the night time away!
DAY 7: HIGH SEAS
For Day 7, you’ll be able to merely select to decelerate and simply relaxation inside your cabin, calm down 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 purchasing.
Specialty Eating places
In case you’re a foodie otherwise you wish to attempt different eating choices on board, you can too dine at one of many specialty eating places. These aren’t included within the complimentary or inclusive eating places, so additional prices apply. Listed here are your selections:
Pre-disembarkation Preparation
That is your final night time on the ship. This additionally signifies that you must prepare and put together for disembarkation the subsequent day. Listed here are the issues you must do:
- Temperature Verify. You’ll be requested to undergo a fast quarantine temperature test. That is necessary and normally carried out early within the day. Pay attention to the time and site. It is going to be introduced.
- eTravel Arrival Kind. Make sure that to finish your eTravel arrival kind for entry through Eva Macapagal Terminal. It’s finest to get this carried out forward of time to keep away from delays.
- Passport and Baggage Label Supply. Your passport and color-coded baggage tags shall be delivered to your cabin. The coloured tags point out your assigned disembarkation time and meeting space.
- Baggage Assortment. Place your baggage exterior your cabin earlier than the scheduled assortment time. Don’t neglect 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 prices. If it’s linked to your bank card, every thing shall be settled routinely, after which your account shall be closed. In case you’re paying in money, you’ll must 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 at the least, you’re not dreaming. You could have lived your dream trip for seven nights! So, stand up, have breakfast, and savor your final hours aboard Costa Serena.
Disembarkation
- Disembark on Time. Be prepared to go away the ship at your assigned time. The onboard screens will even present bulletins with the schedule and assembly factors, so that you’ll don’t have any drawback.
- Declare Baggage. On the terminal, the luggage declare space shall be clearly marked with coloured flags, matching the bags tags distributed the night time earlier than.
- Shuttle Switch. Since non-public automobiles and ride-hailing companies aren’t 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’ll be able to e book your journey residence or ask a pal or a member of the family to select you up.
And that formally wraps up your Costa Serena cruise journey!
Be part of The Poor Traveler Help Group
✅ You probably have any questions or want journey suggestions, be happy to put up them to the TPT Help Group. The members are very useful. This Fb help group has been round for a very long time, and plenty of members have discovered journey buddies by means of it. You may be part of too! Simply go to The Poor Traveler Help Group. Notice that that is totally different from The Poor Traveler Fb web page.
Have Peace of Thoughts Whereas Touring!
Getting a journey insurance coverage is non-obligatory, however we extremely advocate this, particularly when touring overseas. Journey might be unpredictable, and although we hope we’ll by no means use it, having it provides us peace of thoughts in case of sudden delays, cancellations, or emergencies.
For worldwide locations, take into account PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance coverage. You may GET IT HERE. Don’t neglect to make use of WORTHIT for a particular inexpensive price.
Updates Log
2026 1 21 – First uploaded
