Related Blog Post: Subic Bay Yacht Club Staycation (2023)
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Royal Caribbean made a double historic ship call in the Philippines last June 8 in Subic and June 9 in Manila. Ovation of the Seas is the largest cruise ship and the first ship of its kind with the highest number of guests (4,700) from around the world to call in any Filipino port.
Ovation of the Seas is Asia’s largest and most revolutionary cruise ship. The 1,138 feet long behemoth of a floating destination—equipped with 2,091 staterooms, 18 restaurants and 8 pools—can host 4,905 guests and carry 1,500 crew members for a total of 6,405 people!
The high-tech ship also boasts of exciting features that include North Star, a 300-ft high viewing capsule with roller skating, bumper cars, skydiving & surfing simulators and robotic bartenders at the Bionic Bar.
ARPAN AIR, INC.
International Representative – Philippines
Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises & Azamara Club Cruises
Telephone: +632 892 2701 to 03
Mobile: +63 955 213 3579
Email: rylcaribbean@arpanair.com.ph
Facebook: Royal Caribbean Philippines
Website: www.royalcaribbean.com
The first maiden call docks in Subic Bay, where guests can enjoy two shore-excursion activities: the Las Casas Filipinas Heritage Tour and the Ocean Adventure trip.
Las Casas is home to clusters of restored Spanish-inspired Filipino houses, also called casas. The beloved destination transports guests back to Old Manila, with its antique replicated mansions, cobblestones, and kalesas. This place is a must if you love both history and photography!
Tourists can opt for the fun route and enjoy the breathtaking river valleys, soak in the streamy Puning Hot Spring and watch a variety of Marine animals perform at Ocean Adventure.
In Manila, guests can choose to go for shore excursions such as the Tagaytay and Manila City Tours.
Tagaytay’s Taal Volcano is a geological wonder famous for being the world’s smallest active volcano. Enjoy a panoramic view of the volcano and the surrounding lake, visit a pineapple plantation to try the sweet fruits or buy souvenirs from furniture and wood carving shops along the way.
Fun fact: Did you know that Taal Volcano is an island within a lake, on an island within a lake, on an island?! Did you get that?
On the other hand, the Manila City shore excursion brings you to a historic tour inside the fortified centuries-old walls of Intramuros. Marvel at the Walled City’s beautiful Catholic and Spanish-colonial era landmarks such as the Manila Cathedral and the San Agustin Church.
(c) Royal Caribbean
The luxurious 18-decker ship is home to multiple activities that will entertain guests of all ages. Enjoy the ‘North Star’, the previously mentioned observation capsule that rises 92 meters over the ocean.
The Bionic Bar features automated robot bartenders pulling bottles from a library of liquors and mixing cocktails to the beat! This is the most popular bar on the ship!
(c) Alliyah Janelle Teh
SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity space at sea, houses a roller skating rink, bumper cars and more.
Don’t miss the skydiving and surfing simulation experience!
Both are my favorite activities on deck!
Food is something everyone looks forward to on a cruise! The Ovation of the Seas has 18 international dining venues to choose from, including Jamie’s Italian by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.
There’s also duty free shopping from your favorite brands such as Kate Spade, Cartier, Michael Kors and Omega.
Highlights of Ovation of the Seas’ upcoming cruises are the 6-night cruise from Hong Kong to Tianjin with calls at Fukuoka and Shimonoseki on June 15; the 12-night cruise from Tianjin to Singapore visiting Okinawa (Naha), Taipei (Keelung), Hong Kong, Hue/Danang (Chan May), Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My) on October 7; and the 14-night cruise from Singapore to Sydney visiting Perth (Fremantle), Adelaide and Hobart on October 19.
Congratulations to the Department of Tourism, local officials and terminal operators for bringing Royal Caribbean to the Philippines. I hope that one day the Philippines will be the new port of call for Royal Caribbean ships!
A plaque exchange ceremony was held onboard between Captain Flemming Nielsen and Philippine local officials, namely: Atty. Wilma Eisma, Chairman and Administrator of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority; and Mr. Roberto Alabado III, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Tourism. Senator Richard Gordon and Ms. Ma. Christian Garcia, Vice Governor of Bataan were present at the event as well.
For more info about Ovation of the Seas, please visit www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/ovation-of-the-seas.
Royal Caribbean Cruises is also family-friendly. Some packages are free for kids and these make a big difference when you are traveling on a budget. You can book or make some last minute changes to your booking with Arpan Air or with your preferred travel agency.
ARPAN AIR, INC.
International Representative – Philippines
Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises & Azamara Club Cruises
Telephone: +632 892 2701 to 03
Mobile: +63 955 213 3579
Email: rylcaribbean@arpanair.com.ph
Facebook: Royal Caribbean Philippines
Website: www.royalcaribbean.com
Live an Awesome Life,
ABI of Team Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: We were media guests of Royal Caribbean International. I wrote this article with my biases, opinions, and insights.