Sailing onboard a cruise has always been a part of our bucket list. This 2025, we’ve had the privilege to sail twice onboard the Costa Serena cruise en route to Hongkong and en route to Japan.
Curious what to do onboard a Costa Serena cruise? Here are 10 things we did in a Costa Serena Cruise.
|| See full Costa Serena Cruise itinerary here: https://tmctraveltours.com/cruise-deals/costa-serena-route/
1. Indulge in the Cruise buffets – Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks and Dinner
When you hear the word “Cruise”, what comes to mind? That’s right, it’s buffets! From Breakfast, to lunch, to afternoon snacks and up to dinner, you can indulge yourself in the buffet restaurants of the Costa Serena Cruise. During our Cruise experience, some of the cuisines that were offered were Filipino, American and Italian. All Cruise passengers can enjoy their meals at any of these buffet restaurants (Prometeo Buffet Restaurant, Ceres Restaurant and Vesta Restaurant) as these are already included in the Cruise package.
Be sure to take note of your designated time slots in the Vesta and Ceres restaurants. My personal favorite was the Prometeo Buffet Restaurant since it had the longest buffet opening times and the widest array of choices.
During our 7-day cruise, we also tried their specialty restaurants where you pay using your Costa Card. If you’re craving for some burgers and fries, sushi, hot pot, noodles, pizza or Gelato ice cream, you can’t go wrong with these speciality restaurants.
2. Cool off and Swim in the onboard pools
Before joining the Costa Serena Cruise, I initially thought that cruises were made for adults only. The parties, the luxury, the rest and relaxation of it all. We were surprised to see that young adults, like us, and kids also enjoyed their cruise experience! There are many complimentary amenities available for kids and families including, but not limited to, the onboard pools and water activities. All guests have access to these onboard pools and amenities such as the Lido Sole Pool Area, Lido Urano Pool Area, Lido Squok and the Toboga Serena Waterslide with the Lido Iris Pool Area.
We definitely enjoyed the Lido Sole Pool Area because it is the largest pool in the Cruise with access to the big onscreen tv. The Lido Sole Area where the pool is located is usually where the onboard games and activities are hosted by the Costa Serena crew members as well! My husband had a blast using the waterslide located at the top deck of the cruise ship. Sliding on top of a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean? Out of this world.
3. Work out with an ocean view at the gym/fitness center
We did not feel guilty enjoying the buffet, because we can burn the calories in the onboard gym of Costa Serena! Right? Right! Their onboard gym features multiple treadmills and stationary bikes, weight machines and other equipments you might look for in a workout routine. It’s also a unique experience running on the treadmill with the ocean view while cruising in the vast sea. Use of the gym is also a complimentary activity and is already included in the cruise package. My father and my husband had fun working out in between buffets.
Their gym is right beside the Samsara Spa and Beauty Salon where you can avail of their different spa, massage and salon packages subject to the updated rates and price list.
4. Join Shore Excursions in different countries
Our cruise docked at Okinawa Japan. We availed of the shore excursions for the Naha and Ishigaki tours.
Our Naha, Okinawa tour began with a fun tour of the Chuarumi aquarium where we witnessed the amazing whale sharks, manta rays and diverse marine life from Okinawa’s surrounding seas. We also got to visit the Mihama American Village which is an entertainment complex and a shopping district blending American and Japanese cultures, with unique shops, restaurants, and seaside views. The Mihama American Village tour felt like shopping in US outlet stores.
Our Ishigaki, Okinawa tour began with experiencing the breathtaking beauty of Kabira Bay, which is known for its emerald waters and pristine white sand. We then headed to explore the Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave next enjoying an underground adventure. We then enjoyed some Japanese Gyudon rice meals at a local store after shopping at Euglena Mall. After a day of exploration, we wouldn’t miss shopping at Don Quijote for souvenirs, snacks and chocolates!
We highly recommend to avail of the excursion tours along with the Costa Serena cruise package since it already covers the transfers from and to the Costa Serena ship and the tour package per destination. It’s a hassle free and very convenient experience! For those planning to do D.I.Y. tours, do take note of the embarkation time as the cruise ship follows a strict departure schedule.
5. Have fun at the Casino, Arcade, and crew-organized games
Time passed by fast during our cruise experience not just because of the amenities and activities we enjoyed, but also because of the games and activities on board. Costa Serena boasts of its fun Casinos, Arcade and crew-organized games.
We joined their Major Bingo game where we got to play together with almost 500 other passengers. Unfortunately, we did not win the prize, but we did win some memories!
6. Watch world-class shows at the theatre
One thing that surprised me in this cruise, was Giovre theatre, the large and grand 3-floor theatre inside the cruise ship. Theatre shows ran multiple times per night featuring musicals, concerts and acrobat shows. It was truly a unique experience watching a show while in a cruise.
We especially enjoyed watching the talented acrobats of Ecclisi d’amore!
7. Party ’til you drop every night
Be sure to bring your party outfits, dresses and A-game because in Costa Serena, nights come alive with their themed parties! From Italian Night to Golden Party, to Masquerade Ball and our personal favorite, the White Party! There were also other themed parties available during our stay. We met new friends and partied the night away!
No need to worry about bringing your whole closet as the party themes are usually announced to the passengers during the pre-departure orientation to prepare ahead of time.
8. Relax and recharge at the spa
If you joined the cruise to enjoy some rest and relaxation, fret not, as the Cruise also has its onboard spa and beauty salon. The Samsara Spa features a sauna, jacuzzi and relaxation areas where you can avail of their spa and massage packages. Nothing beats getting a whole body massage aboard a cruise ship. For the updated rates and price list for the services, you may inquire at the front desk of the Samsara Spa.
9. Unwind with drinks and live music at the Cruise bars
Can’t get enough of the parties all across the Costa Serena cruise? No need to worry. There are plenty of bars in the whole cruise where you can unwind and have a drink or two. Some of their onboard bars that we were able to visit was the Apollo Grand Bar, Pantheon Bar, Luna Lounge, Cupido Wine Bar, Disco and the Lido Sole and Urano bars. Unlimited drinks (alcoholic/non-alcoholic) for the whole cruise voyage, can be availed for a complete party experience!
A Filipino party wouldn’t be complete without karaoke night. We sang our heart out in an open mic karaoke bar located at the Cupido Wine Bar along with other cruise passengers!
10. Sunbathe and chill at the ship’s deck, Balcony Cabins or other quiet spaces onboard
The best view of the vast sea during our cruise was when we were chilling at the ship’s deck or having a coffee at the Balcony of our Cabin. The ship’s deck was the perfect place to take pictures and selfies and maybe strike some “Jack and Rose” Titanic poses 🙂 Sunrise and sunset views hit different if you are witnessing it while in a cruise ship looking across the vast sea.
As entrepreneurs, we were low-key worried of missing out on urgent work during this cruise experience. We were able to truly experience relaxation after crossing off some to-do lists using the onboard Starlink WiFi (subject to fees and charges).
Breathtaking views are accessible from our cabins and we got the chance to enjoy the sunset with a cup of coffee. Different cabins are available in the cruise and we can say that staying at a Sea Balcony Cabin was worth it!
Want to know more about our upcoming cruises in 2026? Check our cruises at TMC Travel & Tours or inquire directly through our Facebook Page.
Written by: M. Dela Cruz – TMC Travel and Tours
