Manila (++) worth extra $$$

[RetiredandTravel]

We are currently comparing two itineraries from Singapore to Hong Kong (Thailand & Vietnam).  One costs quite a bit more but goes to Manila, Coron (Palawan Philippines) & Sihanoukville (Cambodia).  Are these ports worth the extra $$$. Please elaborate if you have time.  ty

[IWantToLiveOverTheSea]

I haven't been to those ports, but will be going next year on Oceania.  I think the answer to your question may depend upon whether you like mostly the bigger cities than the smaller ones, and also how much you love sea days versus days in port.  Manila is obviously a big city with lots to see and do. And I hear the Philippines are gorgeous. 

 

I can tell you from my research that Coron is pretty small, with the emphasis on water activities rather than sightseeing.  Silversea, Oceania, Norwegian, Seven Seas, Seabourn, Windstar, Aida, and Europa (Hapag Lloyd) are apparently visiting in late fall and winter.  So apparently there is at least enough there to make for an enjoyable day!  And there are hot springs, marine parks, and other things to do in or near the town of Coron Town.  Oceania goes to Coron and also Puerto Princesa.  One of the big draws for the latter place is apparently the Underground River.  

 

Sihanoukville is a curiosity of sorts.  I hear it was supposed to be turned into a Las Vegas type place with tons of high rises and casinos.  But the developers had to leave when Covid came.  So there's a mishmash of development there now.  The beach areas, however, have apparently been pretty popular for years now.  And the town itself has at least 2 beautiful Buddhist temples in/around that I'm looking forward to seeing if I'm not "templed out" by the time we reach Sinoukville!  There's also a national park plus waterfalls a bit out of the town.  

 

Oceania has a pretty interesting itinerary that visits Singapore, Brunei, Philippines, Vietnam Thailand (Bangkok only) and Cambodia (Sihanoukville only).  Oceania isn't inexpensive, but I love their itineraries, as often the smaller places turn out to be a LOT of fun even when I know nothing about where I'm going.  And there aren't that many sea days, which is fine for me.  But others may not like that.  

 

You may want to look at the Docked Discoveries and What's In Port sites to see if they include general  information on Coron (Busuanga port), Sihanoukville, and Manila.

Edited August 15, 2023 by IWantToLiveOverTheSea

[RetiredandTravel]

Thank you. Yes, Oceania has great itineraries.  Enjoy your cruise.   We're still firmly on the fence on deciding which cruise works best and this is a factor.  Your insights are very helpful.

 

 

[IWantToLiveOverTheSea]

On 8/16/2023 at 10:58 AM, RetiredandTravel said:

Thank you. Yes, Oceania has great itineraries.  Enjoy your cruise.   We're still firmly on the fence on deciding which cruise works best and this is a factor.  Your insights are very helpful.

 

 

So did you decide?  Are you on my cruise, Singapore to Bangkok?