Cruise Options for Reaching the Philippines from California
Although California has long served as a starting point for cruises to Alaska and Mexico, voyages to Asia are increasingly popular among U.S. travelers. Smaller specialty vessels leave from San Francisco or Los Angeles, often stopping in Hawaii, Australia, and China. Itineraries that include a Philippine port call typically dock in Manila, where passengers can explore both historic colonial areas and contemporary districts.
By Hayden Hayes
The Philippines is becoming a port stop for specialty cruise ships.
For years, California has been a common departure point for major cruise lines heading to Alaska and Mexico. More recently, however, Asia has emerged as a favored destination for U.S. cruise passengers. Smaller, specialized ships set sail from San Francisco or Los Angeles, and their routes frequently feature stops in the Hawaiian Islands, Australia, and China. Among the Asian destinations served by these vessels is the Philippines. A voyage that includes a Philippine port of call gives travelers the chance to experience this lively island nation. Manila hosts the country's main port; when ships arrive there, shore tours are offered to both the historic colonial quarter and the modern sections of the city.
P&O Cruises Oriana
As part of a world cruise, the British line P&O Cruises provides a segment that leaves from San Francisco. The briefest version lasts 35 days, with calls at Hawaii, Samoa, New Zealand, and Australia. Before concluding in Hong Kong, the itinerary adds a stop in Manila, Philippines. Built in 1995, this 3-star vessel carries fewer than 1,800 passengers. Selected sailings on this line can also be booked with transportation to and from the UK, and as of spring 2010, passengers who book online can receive a 5 percent discount.
P&O Cruises Carnival House 100 Harbour Parade Southampton England SO15 1ST 0845-678-00-14 pocruises.com
Regent Seven Seas Voyager
The Regent Seven Seas Voyager sets out from San Francisco, calling at ports in the South Pacific, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and South Korea before finishing in China. This 66-day adventure takes place on a 6-star-rated ship constructed in 2004 and completely refurbished in 2007, with a capacity of fewer than 700 passengers. The Seven Seas Voyager is an all-suite vessel, and its roomy cabins come with marble bathrooms and full-size bathtubs. Onboard amenities include spa treatments, boutique shopping, and four dining venues: a Mediterranean buffet, French cuisine, a steakhouse, and a poolside grill.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises 1000 Corporate Drive, Suite 500 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33334 877-505-5370 rssc.com
Silversea Silver Spirit
For departures from southern California, Silversea Cruises offers a 60-day world cruise segment aboard the Silver Spirit, which leaves from Los Angeles. The ports of call include New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, and Malaysia before reaching the Philippines and concluding in Hong Kong. This very small 6-star-rated ship joined the fleet in 2009 and accommodates only 540 passengers. It is also an all-suite vessel, with teak balconies in 95 percent of the staterooms. Dining, entertainment, and relaxation are on par with a luxury resort, and there are six different restaurants to choose from.
Silversea Cruises 9414 International Court St. Petersburg, Florida 33716 800-313-8883 silverseaships.com
