Ever thought of joining a cruise trip but can’t find one without flying to neighboring countries? Worry no more, Star Cruises, the cruise giant in the Asia Pacific, will now launch cruises from Manila! Their first venture, a six-day cruise that would take you to Laoag City in Ilocos Norte, then to Kaohsiung in Taiwan, and finally, to Hong Kong. Quite exciting!

►SEE: RESORTS WORLD CRUISES REVIEW

SUPERSTAR VIRGO’S GRAND LOBBY

I have previously joined tours from Star Cruises. First, their Kota Kinabalu to Puerto Princesa cruise cruise, then a second one from Guangzhou to Hong Kong cruise, and lastly, a few months ago, taking the Singapore to Malaysia cruise. On all these, I had nothing but a good leisurely time, both on my time on the ship and the much-awaited shore excursions.

THE SUPERSTAR VIRGO CRUISES TO MANILA THIS MARCH

The ship docking in Manila this coming March 2017 would be one of Star Cruises’ biggest ships, the Superstar Virgo. I was lucky enough to have boarded it during my second cruise with them and it is quite impressive. From the luxurious grand lobby, to the multitude of buffet restaurants (all free for cruise guests, by the way), and my own comfy room which has its own balcony to boot!

TEMPLE IN KAOHSIUNG IN TAIWAN

Now, you’re probably thinking that cruises are quite expensive. Well, to be honest, most cruises are, especially if you’re a backpacker. But consider this; for a limited time, Star Cruises is offering early bird discounts (for departures on March 19, 24 and 29, 2017) starting from USD490.00 or around PHP24,500.00 per head for a twin-sharing room. If you add in a third and fourth person with you (quad-sharing room), you get their tickets at 50% off the price at PHP12,250.00 per person. If you’re four in the group, cruise price would clock in at PHP18,375.00 for each.

Still expensive?

THE STREETS OF HONG KONG

You get to go to two different countries, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Add in the requisite travel tax plus the Laoag trip by bus. That would, more or less, leave you with PHP5,541.00 for a six days / five nights stay on a cruise ship inclusive of top-notch entertainment shows, use of facilities, and more importantly, unlimited buffet meals at all times of the day, yes, even at midnight. Can you name a hotel offering the same for a measly PHP1,108.20 per night?

SAND DUNES IN LAOAG

Granted, I’ve made it a roundtrip fare for Taiwan and Hong Kong, but come one, would you really do a trip where you would jump from Taiwan to Hong Kong? Highly unlikely. So let’s break it down with more precise numbers:

 

  PHP 1,594.00 – Laoag Bus Fare
  PHP 4,000.00 – Manila to Taipei Roundtrip Ticket (estimated seat sale prices)
  PHP 1,620.00 – Airport Tax
  PHP 4,000.00 – Manila to Hong Kong Roundtrip Ticket (estimated seat sale prices)
  PHP 1,620.00 – Airport Tax
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  PHP 12,834.00 – Total
- PHP 18,375.00 – Cruise Fee per Person
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  PHP 5,541.00 – Divided into five nights, equals PHP 1,108.20 per night

Cruise trips are expensive? Not really.

 

Star Cruises Philippines
Address: 5/F Star Cruises Centre, 100 Andrews Avenue, Pasay City, Metro Manila
Contact Number: (+63) 836-6830 to 32
Email Address: salesmanila@starcruises.com