Ever wondered what it’s like to go on a cruise to Japan straight from Manila? We finally got to try it aboard the Costa Serena, thanks to #ChoosePremium tour package.
We’ve been on many cruises, and we’d usually have to fly to Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Shanghai just to start our Asian cruises. But this time, the ship sailed right from Manila — and all the way back!
Costa Serena is one of Italy-based Costa Cruises’ biggest ships. And while it usually sails around Europe and South America, it sometimes offers special chartered trips in Asia. Our Manila-Japan cruise was one of those.
In this article, we’ll take you through the whole experience — from pre-boarding to disembarkation — and give you a feel of what it’s like to join a cruise from the Philippines.
WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?
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How to book a cruise?
Since sailings from Manila are chartered cruises, the possible option is to ask your trusted local travel agencies if they are offering them. Just remember to look for the #ChoosePremium logo, and you are good!
Available Cruise Schedule
These are the available special sailings for February to March 2026. Make sure to ask your chosen travel agency for the updated schedules and rates.
Route 1: 7D/6N Manila – Japan – Taiwan – Manila
Route 1: 7D/6N Manila – Japan – Taiwan – Manila
Route 2: 7D/6N Manila – Japan – Taiwan – Manila
Route 2: 7D/6N Manila – Japan – Taiwan – Manila
Route 3: 11D/10N Manila – Taiwan – Japan – South Korea – Manila
Route 3: 11D/10N Manila – Taiwan – Japan – South Korea – Manila
Inclusions
- Roundtrip Cruise Fare
- All-Day Dining/Full Board Meals
- Live Evening Shows and Entertainment
- Daytime Activities
- Free Travel Insurance (Up to 75 y/o only)
Exclusions
- PH Travel Tax: PHP 1,620
To be paid online via TIEZA - Port Charges: USD 150
To be collected in Manila - Japan Tourist Arrival Fee: USD 10
To be paid on board - Gratuities: This may vary per sailing. On our recent cruise (Manila-Japan-Japan-Manila), it was USD 16 per night for interior, sea view, and balcony guests. Meanwhile for suite guests, it was USD 19 per night. This is to be paid on board.
What is the best room to book?
The short answer is: it depends. To further explain this, it really comes down to your budget and the type of cruise experience you want. Whether you’re traveling on a budget or indulging in luxury, Costa Serena has a cabin that fits your style.
Different Types of Accommodations
Costa Serena has more than 1500 staterooms that can accommodate over 3000 guests, spread across several decks. These include wheelchair-accessible staterooms and connecting cabins. Here are the different accommodation types:
Interior Cabin
The Interior Cabin is ideal for budget-conscious travelers or those who plan to spend most of their time outside to make the most of the ship’s amenities. It is the most compact cabin and has no windows, but it still provides all the essentials: a seating/vanity area, a flatscreen TV, and a private bathroom.
Twin Sharing Interior Cabin. Photo Credit: Costa Serena
Maximum Capacity: 2 – 4 pax
Sea View Cabin
A step up from the Interior, the Seaview or Oceanview Cabin features a large non-opening window. It offers natural light and outside views without the cost of a balcony. It serves as the middle ground option between Interior and Balcony cabins.
Photo Credit: Costa Serena
Maximum Capacity: 2 – 4 pax
Sea Balcony Cabin
The Sea Balcony Cabin comes with a bigger seating area and a private veranda accessed through a sliding glass door. Additionally, the balcony is furnished with a table and two patio chairs. It strikes the perfect balance between comfort and value for money.
Maximum Capacity: 2 – 4 pax
Suites
For those who have extra money to splurge and want to go all out, consider one of the suite cabins. There are three options: Mini Suite Cabin, Suite Cabin, and Grand Suite Cabin. All suite guests enjoy extra privileges and upgraded amenities.
- Grand Suite Cabin. The largest among all the Costa Serena accommodations. It comes with a spacious private veranda, a separate dressing area, and a bathroom with a whirlpool bathtub. Maximum Capacity: 4 pax.
- Suite Cabin. Slightly smaller, with a private balcony and a bathroom fitted with a regular tub. Maximum Capacity: 3 pax
- Mini Suite Cabin. More spacious than a regular Balcony Cabin. Unlike the two suite options, this one has no bathtub in the bathroom. Maximum Capacity: 2 pax
Notes
- All cabin types are provided with beds, a lounge/sitting area, a flatscreen TV, a telephone, towels, a hairdryer, a mini-refrigerator, a safe, and a 1L bottled water.
- As previously mentioned, suites come with additional comforts and amenities, including priority access/services.
- Daily housekeeping is available for all cabin types.
What to prepare before the cruise?
To ensure a smooth-sailing trip, secure and prepare the following before the cruise:
Travel Documents
- Valid Passport. Must be valid for at least six months. Since this is an international cruise and you’ll travel outside the Philippines by sea, you have to bring your passport and a photocopy of the bio page.
- eTravel. Make sure to choose “New Cruise Travel Declaration” for this trip.
- Travel Tax. Pay the travel tax online and keep a copy of the TIEZA receipt.
- Costa Cruise Ticket and Voucher. Bring both digital and hard copies. The ticket contains the cruise details, embarkation/disembarkation instructions, checklist and reminders, boarding form, and luggage tag.
- Luggage Tag. Print the luggage tag in advance and attach it to the check-in baggage.
- Costa App. Download the app before embarkation. This will give you access to real-time weather conditions and the ship’s location, daily activity schedules, ship directory and map, onboard chat feature, internet packages, and onboard expense summary.
- Others. Special travel permits, such as DSWD Certificate for minors traveling without their parents and Travel Authority for government officials and employees.
Luggage and Carry-on Bag
Allowance per passenger is one 30 kg check-in luggage and one 7-10 kg hand-carry bag. Here are the things to pack:
- Clothes/Outfits. We usually pack two sets of outfits per day: (1) casual wear for daytime activities and (2) smart casual or dressy attire for evening shows or fine dining. Other staples are swimwear and comfortable shoes. And because the weather can be unpredictable, it’s also good to throw in sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and a foldable umbrella.
- Toiletries. Staterooms only provide towels and a two-in-one shampoo/soap combo. So, pack toiletries and skin care products, too.
- Medicine. Bring your trusted brand of medicine for headache, stomachache, motion sickness, fever, and prescription drugs, if you have any.
- Universal Socket Adapter. We always bring a universal adapter, so we don’t have to worry about electric plug/socket compatibility. Cabins also come with USB ports for convenience.
- Credit Card. There are no ATMs on board, and debit cards are not accepted. The credit card needs to be linked to the Costa Card, which serves as every passenger’s onboard ID and payment card. Accepted currency onboard is USD.
Prohibited Items
Reminder! The carry-on bag will be checked upon embarkation. For security reasons, the following are strictly prohibited on board:
- Weapons
- Explosives
- Handcuffs
- Heating Devices (hair dryers, hair straighteners, etc.)
- Animals
For the complete list of prohibited items, you can check Costa Cruises’ official website here.
What to expect during boarding?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to boarding Costa Serena from Manila:
- Baggage Drop-off at Quirino Grandstand. Head to Quirino Grandstand to check in your luggage at the designated Luggage Drop-off area, following the assigned embarkation time for your deck number.
- Holding Area. After checking in your bags, make your way to the Guest Holding/Waiting Area and wait for the shuttle service.
- Shuttle Transfer. Board the shuttle bus going to Eva Macapagal Cruise Terminal.
- Security Check. At the terminal, go through the security screening area for carry-on bags. Just like at the airport, liquids must not exceed 100ml.
- Check-in Counter. Go to the designated check-in counter for passenger verification. You will receive your Costa Card here. Don’t forget to carry the card with you at all times.
- Immigration Clearance. After that, board the ship and undergo immigration clearance, presenting your passports and eTravel. On our recent trip, this was conducted at Vesta Restaurant on Deck 3 (Aries).
- Passport Collection. After the immigration clearance, your passport will be collected for safekeeping. You’ll get it back the night before disembarkation, so don’t worry.
- All Set! With everything done, you are now finally ready to explore Costa Serena!
What to do after boarding?
- Mandatory Safety Drill. All passengers are required to attend the safety drill. Your Costa Card indicates your assigned Muster Station.
- Welcome Buffet. While waiting for our luggage to arrive (and because we were already hungry), we headed straight to the welcome buffet to enjoy our first meal on board.
- Head to Your Cabin. Once our cabin was available, we checked to see if our two pieces of checked-in luggage were ready for pick up. Ours was placed in the area between the staircase and elevators.
- Link Credit Card to Costa Card. To link your credit card to your Costa card, find a Costa Card kiosk. You can ask one of the staff or check the map on your Costa app. We spotted one at the midship on Deck 5, near the Galleria Shops. You can do this within 24 hours after boarding. You can also add your other companions’ Costa cards to your credit card.
Is there WiFi on board?
Guests can easily stay connected during the cruise by purchasing an internet package through the Costa App. Simply choose the plan or package that best fits your needs.
What are the things to do while cruising?
Costa Serena has 13 passenger decks, named after zodiac constellations. Exploring the ship’s amenities and checking out available activities are made easier by the Costa App.
Note: The ship will undergo major renovations in November 2025, so expect more exciting spaces and facilities to pop up on its next sailing from Manila early next year. But for now, we’ll show you what we experienced on our recent trip.
Complimentary Activities and Amenities
All guests have free access to these onboard attractions and amenities:
Toboga (Serena Waterslide)
The waterslide’s starting point is on Deck 13/14, while the landing pool is Iris on Deck 11.
Location: Deck 13/14 (Vela) – Deck 11 (Virgo), Forward
Lido Iris Pool Area
Lido Iris Pool sits beside the landing for Serena’s Waterslide. It has one whirlpool.
Location: Deck 11 (Virgo), Midship
Ponte Aperto
Ponte Aperto is an open-deck observation area.
Location: Deck 13/14 (Vela), Forward
Lido Sole Pool Area
The Lido Sole Pool features a fountain and an outdoor LED screen.
Location: Deck 9 (Libra), Midship
Lido Urano Pool Area
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), Forward
Lido Squok
Lido Squok is a kiddie aqua park with a wading pool and a playground area.
Location: Deck 11 (Virgo), Aft
Squok Club
Photo Credit: Costa Serena
Indoor kids’ lounge with two different playrooms — Mini Club (3-6 y/o) and Maxi Club (7-11 y/o). It also hosts themed parties for kids.
Location: Deck 10 (Taurus), Aft
Sport Area
Sport Area is an outdoor multi-sports court, hosting different sports like volleyball, basketball, and futsal.
Location: Deck 12 (Pegasus), Aft
Area Gym
Photo Credit: Costa Serena
Work out with the view of the sea. Guests 16 years old and above have access.
Location: Deck 11 (Virgo), Forward
Outdoor Jogging Track
Walking/Jogging track with sun beds.
Location: Deck 12 (Pegasus), Aft
Paid Activities and Amenities
Costa Serena also encourages you to unwind and treat yourself to a bit of indulgence on board.
Arcade
A place where kids, teens, and young at heart can enjoy classic arcade games.
Location: Deck 5 (Gemini), Midship
Solemio Spa & Beauty Salon
Photo Credit: Costa Serena
Onboard spa boasting hammam, sauna, and a wide array of spa treatments and massages.
Location: Deck 11 (Virgo) – Deck 12 (Pegasus), Forward
Galleria Shops
Duty-free luxury shopping for accessories and jewelry, perfumes, apparel, souvenirs, Costa Serena merchandise, and more.
Location: Deck 4 (Orion), Midship; Deck 5 (Gemini), Forward
Costa Shop
This is where you’ll find exclusive Costa merchandise/products.
Location: Deck 4 (Orion), Forward
Shows, Themed Parties & Events
Daily shows are available, usually in the evening. These shows are complimentary, so you don’t have to purchase a ticket to watch them.
Teatro Giove is the three-level main theater. This is where show productions, musicals, concerts, and other performances are held. It occupies the ship’s forward (front) end, from Deck 3 to 5. Available shows during our cruise were the following:
Glamazon (Left) and Acrodreamers (Right)
- Glamazon
- Acrodreamers in “Eclissi d’amore”
- Venezia Innamorata
- EXTRALive
In addition to evening shows, our nights came alive with fun themed parties, where we embraced the atmosphere by donning outfits to match each celebration. We partied the night away at these events:
- Gala Night
- White Party
- Retro Party
- Masquerade Ball
All White Party (Left) and Masquerade Part (Right)
These were some of the other parties held during our Costa Serena cruise:
- Revival Party
- Italian Night
- Golden Party
- Latin Party
Note: The list of offerings may vary depending on the sailing. Changes may occur based on the season or destination.
What are the dining options on board?
Costa Serena offers two kinds of onboard dining — complimentary and specialty restaurants.
Complimentary Restaurants
Complimentary meals are already included in your cruise fare. That means you don’t have to pay for anything — breakfast, lunch, and dinner. So, remember these complimentary restaurants on board:
Vesta Restaurant
Vesta Restaurant is a two-level dining room that offers open seating for breakfast and lunch and assigned seating for dinner. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes are available.
Location: Deck 3 (Aries) – Deck 4 (Orion), Midship
Ceres Restaurant
Ceres Restaurant is the twin dining room of Vesta Restaurant. It also has two levels with open seating during breakfast and lunch, and then 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 array of food choices, from appetizers to desserts.
Location: Deck 9 (Libra) – Deck 10 (Taurus), Aft
Specialty Restaurants
If you’re a foodie or you want to try other dining options on board, you can also dine at one of the specialty restaurants. These are not included in the complimentary or inclusive restaurants, so extra charges apply.
Casanova
Casanova is the most exclusive restaurant on board, boasting the best selection of Costa Serena’s Excutive Chefs.
Location: Deck 11 (Virgo), Aft
La Fiorentina Steak House
La Fiorentina Steak House serves Italian meats like Piedmontese Fassona Steak and Florentine T-bone, as well as Irish Black Angus, and organic chicken.
Salty Beach Street Food
Photo Credit: Costa Serena
Salty Beach Street Food has burgers, focaccia, and fries on the menu.
Location: Deck 9 (Libra), Forward
Sushino
Craving something Japanese? Sushino is the first sushi bistro on board!
Location: Deck 3 (Aries), Midship
Gelateria Amarillo
Gelateria Amarillo is a desserts place serving ice cream, crepes, cakes, waffles, and more.
Location: Deck 5 (Gemini), Midship
Pummid’ Oro Pizzeria
Pummid’ Oro Pizzeria is the most Italian restaurant on board. This is a sure hit for pizza lovers.
Location: Deck 10 (Taurus), Aft
Shabu Shabu
Shabu Shabu is a hot pot restaurant beside the Ristorante Buffet Prometeo.
Location: Deck 9 (Libra), Midship
Noodle Bar
Noodle Bar is a Chinese food spot offering noodles and pastas. Vegetarian choices are available.
Location: Deck 9 (Libra), Midship
Bars and Clubs
Why not kick back with a drink or two at one of Costa Serena’s bars? There are plenty of spots to choose from, each with its own vibe to suit different kinds of revelers.
Apollo Grand Bar (Top Left), Luna Lounge (Top Right), Cupido (Bottom Left), and Pantheon Bar (Bottom Right)
- Apollo Grand Bar. Bar and lounge featuring a stage and a dance floor.
Location: Deck 5 (Gemini), Midship - Cupido Wine Bar. A wine bar with a ballroom area and a stage.
Location: Deck 5 (Gemini), Aft - Luna Lounge. Circular 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. Lobby bar.
Location: Deck 3 (Aries), Forward - Sole Balcony. Open-air space where the Lido Sole Pool area is located. Other activities here include table soccer and team games.
Location: Deck 9 (Libra), Forward - Sole Bar. This bar serves guests at Lido Sole Pool Area.
Location: Deck 9 (Libra), Forward - Lido Urano Bar. This bar caters to guests in the Urano Pool area.
Location: Deck 9 (Libra), Aft
What other onboard services and facilities are available?
Library (Top Left), Chapel (Top Right), Pantheon Atrium (Bottom Left), and Reception/Front Desk (Bottom Right)
- Chapel: Deck 4 (Orion), Aft
- Library: Deck 5 (Gemini), Forward
- Clinic: Deck 0
- Reception: Deck 3 (Aries), Forward
- Pantheon Atrium/Lobby: Deck 3 (Aries), Forward
- Meeting Room: Deck 4 (Orion), Midship
- Casino. Location: Deck 5 (Gemini), Aft
- My Moments Photo Store: Deck 5 (Gemini), Aft
- My Photo Shades: Deck 5 (Gemini), Aft
- My Tours: Deck 3 (Aries), Forward. Customer service desk for shore excursion, cabin upgrades, money exchange, and others. For those who booked their tours from the #ChoosePremium packages, the Hospitality Desk is on Deck 4 & 5.
Port of Call & Shore Excursion
One of the best things about cruising is that we get to visit multiple destinations while still enjoying the comforts and amenities of the ship in between. For this chartered cruise from Manila, we had two stops (ports of call) in Okinawa, Japan: Naha and Ishigaki.
Reminders
- Remember to bring your Costa card along with a photocopy of your passport’s bio page. You’ll need to present your card whenever you leave or re-board the ship. As for this sailing, we were also given a Customs Declaration Form, which was collected upon disembarkation at Naha Port.
- Pay the Japan Tourist Arrival Fee. This will be paid on board. It was $7.50 (P440) per person on our recent cruise. But to be safe, allocate $10 for this.
- Check the tour itinerary carefully. Some stops may involve long walks or physically demanding activities. Review the details and make sure they match your comfort and fitness level before booking.
- Be prepared for possible cancelations. Tours may be called off due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. It’s always a good idea to have a backup plan.
Naha Port of Call
Okinawa Prefecture is composed of over 150 islands, with Naha as its capital. For this stop, Costa Serena’s #ChoosePremium program offered two curated tour packages. Here’s a look at the itineraries:
Kokusai-dori
Option 1: Code Green Full Day Naha Okinawa Tour
09:10 AM – Shuri Castle
10:45 AM – Churaumi Aquarium
12:30 PM – Mihama American Villages
03:00 PM – Kokusai Dori
04:15 PM – Back to Cruise Terminal
Rate: USD 135/pax
Duration: 7 hours
Option 2: Code Orange Full Day Naha Okinawa Tour
09:10 AM – Shuri Castle
10:45 AM – Okinawa World
12:30 PM – Mihama American Villages
03:00 PM – Kokusai Dori
04:15 PM – Back to Cruise Terminal
Rate: USD 135/pax
Duration: 7 hours
Ishigaki Port of Call
Ishigaki is known as the transport and business hub of the Okinawa’s Yaeyama archipelago. On our last cruise, Costa Serena’s #ChoosePremium program offered only one shore excursion package here:
Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave (Left), Euglena Mall (Top Right), and Ishigaki New Port Cruise Terminal (Bottom Right)
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 – Back to Cruise Terminal
Rate: USD 120/pax
Duration: 7 hours
2026 Manila Sailings with Ports of Call
Some chartered sailings from Manila may also include ports of call in Taiwan and South Korea. Because these departures from Manila are seasonal, it’s always best to keep an eye on official announcements and updates. According to Juan World Philippines’ Facebook post, here are the chartered cruises from Manila scheduled for 2026 — with ports of call in Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea for 2026 (as of September 29, 2025):
- 7D/6N JAPAN – TAIWAN CRUISE
-Manila
-High Seas
–Miyakojima (Japan)
–Keelung (Taiwan)
–Kaohsiung (Taiwan)
-High Seas
-Manila - 7D/6N JAPAN – TAIWAN CRUISE
-Manila
-High Seas
–Ishigaki (Japan)
–Keelung (Taiwan)
–Keelung (Taiwan)
-High Seas
-Manila - 11D/10N TAIWAN – JAPAN – SOUTH KOREA CRUISE
-Manila
-High Seas
-High Seas
–Keelung (Taiwan)
-High Seas
–Fukuoka (Japan)
–Fukuoka (Japan)
–Jeju Island (South Korea)
-High Seas
-High Seas
-Manila
Shorex vs DIY Tour
At every port of call, you have two ways to explore:
- Join a Shorex Tour. These are group tours arranged by Costa Serena in partnership with tour operators. Everything is taken care of — transportation, itinerary, and usually lunch. All you need to do is show up on time. Pre-booking a shore excursion is cheaper than those sold on board. Shorex Desk is on Decks 4 and 5.
- Go D-I-Y. If you’d rather explore at your own pace, you can go for a D-I-Y trip. This option gives you full control over your itinerary and is often more budget-friendly. Just make sure to manage your time carefully because the ship will leave as scheduled, with or without you. It’s always safer to return to the port early to avoid being left behind.
No matter which option you choose, you’ll receive essential details before getting off, including return instructions, port name, and port address. Don’t forget to bring a photocopy of your passport’s biopage, too.
What to do before the cruise ends?
A few important things to take care of before you disembark:
- Quarantine Temperature Check. A day before disembarkation, we were asked to go through the Quarantine Temperature Check at the Luna Lounge on Deck 5, Aft. This procedure is mandatory.
- Submit eTravel. You need to accomplish your eTravel for your arrival in the Philippines via the Eva Macapagal Cruise Terminal.
- Passport and Luggage Label Delivery. The night before disembarkation, your passports and color-coded luggage labels will be delivered to your cabin. The luggage label indicates your assigned disembarkation time and meeting point.
- Luggage Collection. Simply place your luggage outside your cabin before the scheduled collection/pick up. All your essentials — travel documents, wallet, extra clothes, medications, and other valuables — should be packed in your carry-on bag.
- Close the Costa Card Account. Make sure to check your Costa Card for any outstanding balance. If your card is linked to your credit card, charges will be processed automatically, and your account will be closed. Passengers who opted for cash payment must settle their balance at the Information Desk on Deck 3.
How to disembark?
For a seamless disembarkation, the process is carried out systematically. Here’s what you need to do:
Luggage Claim at Eva Macapagal Cruise Terminal
- Disembark on Time. On the day of disembarkation, leave the ship at your assigned time. Announcements on the onboard screens display the schedules and the meeting points.
- Claim Luggage. At the terminal, the baggage claim areas are clearly marked with colored flags matching your luggage labels.
- Shuttle Transfer. Private cars and ride-hailing services are not allowed inside the port, so you have to board the shuttle bus to SM MOA.
- SM MOA Drop-off. You will be dropped off at SM MOA, where you can book your ride back home. Our exact drop-off point was in front of Gerry’s Grill – North Wing SM MOA, just across SM by the Bay.
More About #ChoosePremium Brand
Officially launched in 2017, Juan World Philippines, Inc. is a reputable tour services provider catering to Philippine travel agencies. The company offers a wide range of tour services to different travel agencies in the Philippines, including its signature #ChoosePremium line of tour packages.
This post is brought to you by Juan World Philippines, Inc.
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