Manila

The Philippine government on July 16, 2024, launched the ‘cruise visa waiver,’ making entry into the country easier and seamless for visa-required foreigners vacationing on board cruise ships. Eligible foreigners may apply for the waiver at the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) e-services portal at

The cruise terminal is located at pier 4 within walking distance of Old Manila (by Rizal Park). The locals will be putting on a nice welcoming party on the pier, not only for the passengers but also for the Filipino crew on your ship. If your cabin attendant is Filipino, it is a nice gesture to give him/her the day off.

Originally scheduled to open in August 2021, Solaire is a luxury cruise centre located within an integrated resort. Upon completion, the cruise port will accommodate two mega-size cruise ships simultaneously, one berth for vessels up to 365mtr and one for vessels up to 345mtr, in a linear berth configuration. Expected to be ready in 2024.

At times pier 15 may be used.

Printable map to take along.

Up until World War II, Manila was considered the most beautiful city in Asia but the war put the city into complete ruins. It was the second most destroyed city after Warsaw, Poland. But this modern capital-city is the premier Christian city of Asia and considered as one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world with a population of over 1.5 million people.

Historic, bustling, awe-inspiring, Manila is a blend of cultures and flavors that offers an endless serving of places to see, sights to behold, and experiences to never forget.

Manila Cathedral Dating from 1571, this is the sixth cathedral on this site and the only church to be rebuilt after the war. The cathedral is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. Main features are the octagonal dome and the impressive stained-glass windows.

The National Museum The museum collection totals more than one million items from the fields of anthropology, art, botany, geology and zoology. As the museum is in the process of being relocated, only a limited amount of the collection is on display.

Manila was a colony of Spain from 1565 all the way until 1898. From that point in time the United States occupied and controlled the Philippines (as a territory), until 1946. Because of its history, the Philippines still has may influences from, and ties to, the West.

When in Manila, get around as the Manileños do-via the colorful, ubiquitous jeepneys. These "kings of the road" not only get you almost everywhere around the city on a minimal fare, they also provide insights into the Filipino psyche and allow a liberal glimpse of pop art.

Taxi: Taxis are available in cities and in many towns. Make sure meters are used, as some taxi drivers will set an exorbitant and arbitrary rate.

Popular shore excursions at this Cruise Port include city tours (usually focusing on either the historic Old Manila section of the city or the more modern sections of the city) and boat trips to the island-fortress of Corregidor. Corregidor is an island located right in the entrance of Manila Bay. Over the years it has been the location of many important battles in the history of the Philippines, and is a popular tourist attraction today.

The city of Tagaytay is located about 55 km (about a 90-minute drive) from Manila. It's a popular tourist destination during the summer, because of its cooler temperature (because of its high elevation) and great views of Taal Lake and the Taal Volcano.

Marikina, which is about 21 km from Manila, is one of the cleanest and urbanized cities in the Philippines. It's known as the "Shoe Capital of the Philippines" because of its well known shoe industry, and is a really charming place to visit. The Shoe Museum houses a lot of shoes and is an interesting place to check out. SM City Marikina is a huge shopping mall, located by the Riverbanks Center in Marikina.

A foray into the shopping malls and commercial complexes, bazaars and markets can be both exhilarating and exhausting. Local products range from arts and crafts, ready-to-wear apparel and knitwear, shoes, bags and fashion accessories to fine Philippine embroidery. Bargaining is generally accepted in the open markets and bazaars.

More than just a Mall, the SM Mall Of Asia is a tourist destination that has raised the standard of shopping, leisure and entertainment in the Philippines.

Try the experience of the Dampa Seafood Market on Malapagal, buy your own seafood and bring it to one of the restaurants just behind it to have it cooked the way you want.

There is a free shuttle bus from the pier to Robinson’s Place shopping center.

The local currency is the Philippine peso.

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in major establishments throughout the big cities of the Philippines. ATMs are available.

Most Filipinos speak English well, no matter their level of education.