I recently had the opportunity to experience the Manila – Ishigaki – Keelung – Manila sailing aboard the Costa Serena for Rotary International District 3820’s 4-in-1 Learning Seminar, and it was such an unforgettable trip that I feel compelled to tell people about the final Philippine route happening March 19–26.
Their final Philippine Route is Manila – Naha – Kaohsiung – Manila, and what makes me really excited (and sad that I won’t be experiencing it) is that it boasts of 15 hours in Naha, and 12 hours in Kaohsiung.
A Floating Italian Resort
The moment you step aboard the Costa Serena, you’d feel that this isn’t just transportation. It’s a destination in itself.
Operated by Costa Cruises, the ship brings a touch of Italian elegance to the sea. The interiors are grand (the ship has just been recently renovated), the atmosphere is lively, and there’s always something happening… from live shows to group activities to themed parties.
What surprised me most was how at home I felt from the moment my husband and I stepped into our sea balcony cabin at Deck 6. Having spent half my life on an island, I’m used to being aboard ships, but being on a ship this massive was a whole new experience. I barely felt the sways, even when I could see the white foam of the big waves.
Food, Food, and More Food
One of the highlights of cruising is the food. And the Costa Serena definitely delivers.
From buffets to full-service dining, there’s a wide variety of cuisines available throughout the day. Whether you want Asian comfort food, Western favorites, desserts, or late-night snacks, you’ll never go hungry.
Dining on the ship quickly becomes part of the daily rhythm. You can have breakfast with an ocean view, afternoon snacks between activities, and elegant dinners that feel like a celebration every night.
The Vesta restaurant was exclusively assigned to Rotarians throughout the duration of the trip, but we also got to experience the breakfast buffet at Ceres, and the one on Deck 9. I binged on fruits and desserts, and while we were offered plated dinners at Ceres, my husband and I opted to just brave the buffets lines at Deck 9. I’m not gonna lie, I’d rather eat food that I see first, than choose meals I can’t even pronounce from a menu. Oh, I did experience one plated dinner, and no, it’s not my jam.
Entertainment Every Night
Evenings onboard are packed with entertainment. On our route, there was a White Party, a Retro Party, a Gold Party, and a Masquerade. Not sure if those themed parties are the same on every route, but those are definitely nights to look forward to.
The theater shows were surprisingly high quality, complete with talented singers, dancers, and elaborate costumes. There were also games, music performances, and interactive events that made the cruise feel festive all throughout the days.
It’s the kind of environment where you can choose your own pace: relax with music and drinks or join the excitement of the nightly shows.
The Best Part: Waking Up in New Destinations
On our route, we stopped at:
- Ishigaki
- Keelung
Each port offered a completely different cultural experience—from Japanese island charm to Taiwan’s bustling harbor city.
Our stay in Ishigaki was short, and the weather was not good, but I was still able to enjoy our time there, and be amazed at how clean the city was, and how courteous the drivers were. I’d say it’s a city were traffic lights are not needed, as drivers stop at the sign of pedestrians, and yield at intersections.
What came to me as a surprise was how clean Taiwan was. Our day trip to Taipei gave me a glimpse of a place that I would definitely love to visit in a more leisurely manner. We were able to buy some things, and what I appreciated the most was how fast the service was at their duty free counters.
Why the Final Sailing Is Worth It
The upcoming route will visit:
- Naha
- Kaohsiung
Both are incredible destinations.
Naha offers Okinawan culture, beautiful beaches, and vibrant shopping streets, while Kaohsiung is known for its night markets, temples, and waterfront attractions.
And just like our trip, you’ll get to experience the journey while enjoying everything the Costa Serena offers onboard.
A Rare Opportunity for Philippine Travelers
Cruises departing directly from Manila don’t happen very often, which makes this sailing particularly special.
Instead of flying internationally, travelers can simply board the ship and start their journey immediately.
For families, couples, or groups of friends, it’s a convenient and memorable way to explore multiple countries in one trip.
VATGS Travel
After experiencing the cruise myself, I can honestly say it’s one of the most relaxing and enjoyable ways to travel. The combination of great food, entertainment, ocean views, and exciting destinations makes it a trip unlike any other.
With the final Philippine sailing happening March 19–26, this may be the last chance (for now) to experience the Costa Serena departing from Manila.
If you’ve been thinking about trying a cruise, this might be the perfect opportunity.
And the best part? VATGS Travel is ready to help you experience a worry- and hassle-free travel. They’re my go-to travel gurus, and they do not disappoint.
Marge, also known as The Happy WAHM, is a virtual assistant who turned her passion for entrepreneurship into a worthy endeavor of offering complete business solutions to CEOs and business owners around the world. She turned her back on a thriving corporate career to become a hands-on mom and created a lifestyle that allowed her to build a homebased career, homeschool her children, and still have time to pursue her passion for arts and crafting.
She only posts her content on her website, TheHappyWAHM.com. If you see this content on someone else's site then it is NOT by any means authorized.
