We’ve been on many Asian cruises earlier than, with traditional sailings from Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Shanghai. However final October 2025, we lastly received to sail straight from Manila to Okinawa in Japan aboard Costa Serena, an Italy-flagged cruise ship that often sails round Europe and South America.
Right here’s the excellent news! Due to the sturdy curiosity, the cruise line determined to increase its particular chartered journeys in Asia from Manila this 12 months! Meaning 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 out there, 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 publish, we’ll deal with 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 affix 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 accommodations and excursions. Simply go to this web page: TPT Masterlist. We’ve a compilation for locations around the globe.
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.
When you haven’t booked but, contact Avian Summit Journey Company. It’s one of many prime companies which can be a part of the #Select Premium community. It’s IATA-certified and DOT-accredited.
Listed below are the contact particulars:
- Cellular/Viber: +63 928 291 7170
- E-mail Deal with: aviansummit@gmail.com
- Fb Web page: Avian Summit Journey Company
- 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 sure all the mandatory 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 often 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 is predicated in your deck quantity.
- Holding Space. After handing over your luggage, 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 Examine. As soon as on the terminal, you’ll undergo the safety screening in your carry-on luggage. Keep in mind that liquids needs to be 100ml or much less.
- Examine-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 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 technique to yours. You’ll be able to decide up your baggage on the best way there. The checked luggage are often 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. Examine your Costa Card in your assigned Muster Station and comply with the crew’s directions. Don’t neglect to deliver 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’ll be able to ask one of many workers or verify 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 containers, you’ll be able to go to one of many bars to calm down, 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 nearly 800 nautical miles away from the Port of Manila. That is the most effective time to discover the ship’s facilities and take a look at out there 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 technique to begin your exploration than to eat?
Costa Serena gives 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 verify 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. It is 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 together 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 teenagers and children 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 together with your health routine, you’ll be able to head to the gymnasium, the jogging observe, the out of doors multi-sports court docket, or Sole Balcony. There’s additionally an indoor playroom for little cruisers! Listed below are the areas on the ship:
Complimentary Exhibits & Night Events
Every day reveals can be found, often within the night. And the most effective half? They’re free, so that you don’t have to purchase a ticket to look at them.
Teatro Giove is the three-level important 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 an inventory of reveals that had been out there throughout our crusing:
- Glamazon
- Acrodreamers in “Eclissi d’amore”
- Venezia Innamorata
- EXTRALive
Along with night reveals, your nights may also come alive with enjoyable themed events. You’ll get to completely embrace the environment as you gown as much as match every celebration and social gathering the evening away. Simply to provide 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 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 had 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. 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.
Okinawa Prefecture consists of over 150 islands, with Naha as its capital. For this cease, Costa Serena’s #ChoosePremium program gives two curated tour packages.
Reserving a shore tour package deal 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 often embrace entrance charges, a neighborhood information, and transportation. However should you’re trying to take the cheaper route, you’ll be able to 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. When you’ve booked a shore tour, ignore the batch quantity slip and simply comply with the directions in your tour package deal voucher.
Don’t neglect to deliver 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 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 Fortress
From Naha Port, stroll to Kume Koshibyo-mae Bus Cease and take Bus 5 to Kokusai Dori, town’s important thoroughfare and vacationer hub. You’ll be able to discover this space later. For now, you could hop on a bus once more (Bus 14) to Shuri Fortress, Naha’s most iconic landmark. The citadel 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 citadel grounds, take Bus 14 as soon as extra to Shikina-en Royal Backyard for a soothing nature stroll. This round backyard includes a pond, stone bridges, a Chinese language-style pavilion, and a picket statehouse. Like Shuri Fortress, additionally it is a part of the UNESCO-recognized Gusuku Websites and Associated Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.
Kokusai Dori
Subsequent, make your technique to your closing cease. Experience Bus 2, 4, 5, or 14 again to Kokusai Dori, often known as Worldwide Road. You’ll doubtless spend a superb period of time right here, as this may also be your cease for lunch and memento buying.
When you’re right here, don’t move up the chance to attempt Okinawa soba. Not like 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 traditional Pork Stomach Okinawa Soba, whereas Yosh selected the Pork Spare Ribs Soba (Hon Soki Soba).
When you choose ramen, take a look at Ramen Danbo Naha Makishi, conveniently positioned 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 at last, head again to the port by bus or taxi. When you take the bus, alight at Kume Koshibyo-mae Bus Cease (Bus 5), and stroll for about 10 minutes to the port. When 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 deal with 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 Fortress, ¥260 (Bus 14)
09:30 AM – Shuri Fortress, ¥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 value you round ¥1200 (USD 14, PHP 785) every, excluding your meals and buying price range. When you determine to take a taxi again to the port, count on to spend no less than ¥2590 (USD 16, PHP 972) per individual.
However should 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. All the time 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 technique to one of many onboard eating places for dinner. When you decide to dine at a restaurant with a set menu and discover that you just’re nonetheless not fairly full, you’ll be able to order further gadgets from the menu or drop by the buffet at Prometeo on Deck 9.
Nonetheless have power to spare? Catch a present or mingle together with your fellow cruisers and revel in the remainder of the evening.
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’ll be able to take pleasure in a drink or two at considered one of Costa Serena’s bars any time of the day. You will have a number of choices, every providing a barely completely 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 an everyday cease for worldwide cruise ships.
When you disembark, you’ll be able to 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, after all, you can even select to ebook a shore tour should you’re touring with youngsters or aged companions.
Irrespective of which possibility you select, you’ll obtain essential reminders earlier than getting off the ship, together with return directions. Identical to in Naha, don’t neglect to deliver your Costa card, some Taiwan {dollars}, and a photocopy of your passport’s bio web page, too.
Kaohsiung gives 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 among the areas near the cruise terminal. When you choose 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 selection includes driving the practice, you’ll be able to check 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 Heart. 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 Heart.
Pier 2 Artwork Heart
When you’re into arts, popular culture, and Instagrammable spots, then Pier 2 Artwork Heart (Stations C12 & C13) is your playground. Spend as a lot time as you’ll be able to right here, exploring each artistic 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 couple of years in the past and completely loved wandering by means of the artistic 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’ll be able to go to the Takao Railway Museum, which options outdated locomotives and artwork installations.
Dream Mall
When 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 buying and one other spherical of meals journey. This mall can be residence to the Kaohsiung Eye Ferris Wheel.
Cijin Island
When 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 trip takes about 5 minutes. Right here, you’ll be able to go to Cijin Previous Road, Kaohsiung Lighthouse, Qihou Fort, and Cijin Tunnel. The island can be identified for its seafood.
Dome of Mild
The Dome of Mild by Italian artist Narcissus Quagliata is among the most outstanding public artwork set up discovered at Formosa Boulevard MRT Station. This paintings used colourful glass panels and metal framework to signify water (delivery), earth (development), 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 certain 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 images, 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 Heart, 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 should 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 couple of hours in Kaohsiung, you could not be capable 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 simple 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 Heart, 10-Quarter-hour
11:45 AM – Pier-2 Artwork Heart
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 Previous Road
03:30 PM – Ferry again to Hamasen space, NT$ 30
03:45 PM – Hamasen to Cruise Terminal, LRT (NT$ 20)
This itinerary will value 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. All the time pay attention to 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 should you nonetheless up for it, watch a present or dance the evening 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 buying.
Specialty Eating places
When 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 aren’t included within the complimentary or inclusive eating places, so further fees apply. Listed below are your selections:
Pre-disembarkation Preparation
That is your final evening on the ship. This additionally implies that you could prepare and put together for disembarkation the subsequent day. Listed below are the issues you could do:
- Temperature Examine. You’ll be requested to undergo a fast quarantine temperature verify. That is necessary and often accomplished early within the day. Pay attention to the time and placement. Will probably be introduced.
- eTravel Arrival Type. Ensure that to finish your eTravel arrival kind for entry by way of Eva Macapagal Terminal. It’s finest to get this accomplished 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 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 fees. If it’s linked to your bank card, every little thing might be settled mechanically, after which your account might be closed. When you’re paying in money, you’ll have to clear your stability 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 no less than, you’re not dreaming. You will have 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 baggage tags distributed the evening 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 ebook your trip 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 a part of The Poor Traveler Help Group
✅ If in case you have any questions or want journey ideas, be happy to publish them to the TPT Help Group. The members are very useful. This Fb assist group has been round for a very long time, and plenty of members have discovered journey buddies by means of it. You’ll be able to be part of too! Simply go to The Poor Traveler Help Group. Word that that is completely 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 could be unpredictable, and although we hope we’ll by no means use it, having it provides us peace of thoughts in case of surprising delays, cancellations, or emergencies.
For worldwide locations, think about PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance coverage. You’ll be able to GET IT HERE. Don’t neglect to make use of WORTHIT for a particular inexpensive fee.
Updates Log
2026 1 21 – First uploaded
