Secrets of the Visayas Archipelago

Known as the Pearl of the Orient, Manila is the Philippine's sprawling capital city and a bustling hub of diverse cultures and heritage. Manila’s heady assortment of historical influences combine to give the city its unique identity. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal.

Top Things to Do in Manila:

• visit Fort Santiago
• admire Filipino art at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila
• take a scenic drive to Tagaytay
• take the ferry to Corregidor Island to see sites that played pivotal roles in WWII

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing.

This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the Ponant photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Dominated by the silhouette of the Mayon Volcano, Legazpi reveals a spectacular setting in the heart of the Bicol Peninsula. This elegant town, facing the Gulf of Albay, offers a rare balance between nature and cultural heritage. A veritable symbol of the Philippines, the Mayon Volcano is a source of fascination with its conical form and the legends that surround it. During your exploration, admire the panoramas from Daraga Church and the Cagsawa Ruins, witnesses to a past eruption. You will be able to continue on towards lush green hills, or discover local know-how, such as abaca fibre and pili nuts. Volcanic landscapes, living traditions, gastronomic immersion: this port of call will reveal the full beauty of Albay Province.

Classed as a protected natural landscape and seascape, Biri Island, off the island of Samar, reveals a spectacular decor shaped by the forces of nature. Beaten by the waves of the Pacific, the island shelters impressive rocky formations sculpted over millions of years, recognised today as a national geological monument. These striking reliefs, spread over several islands, offer almost surreal panoramas, between natural pools and sculpted cliffs. Reach the iconic sites in local vehicles, then make your way through the mangroves, to the viewpoints that give onto the unique rocky formations. The experience will continue in a fishing village, where scenes of daily life and traditional know-how set the pace of your exploration. Between raw nature, local immersion and moments of contemplation, this port of call will reveal one of the most fascinating facets of the Philippines.

Travelling through the eastern provinces of the Philippines enables us to discover some of the last remaining pristine environments and remote untouched villages scattered throughout this nation of contrasts. The Cuatro Islands is a 12,500-hectare protected landscape and seascape situated in the municipalities of Inopacan and Hindang. The Cuatro Islands are four small islands renowned for their white sand beaches, traditional fishing villages and colourful marine environment. Here you will have the opportunity to witness village life in a remote, traditional fishing village and snorkel in the clear tropical waters.

The town of Catbalogan, where you will disembark before a one-hour road journey, is the gateway to a truly exceptional site: the Samar Island Natural Park, one of the largest natural sanctuaries in the Philippines. This lush setting, covering over 300,000 hectares, is home to remarkable biodiversity, between primary forests and wild rivers. In the heart of this pristine nature, set off for an active immersion along the Paranas Ecotrail, punctuated with spectacular viewpoints and a suspension bridge, where each stage reveals the riches of the local flora. The adventure will continue on the Ulot River, aboard traditional boats that were used to transport wood in the past and have now been reinvented for an authentic discovery. Between exploration and grandiose scenery, this port of call offers a rare experience, bringing you as close as possible to pristine and inspiring nature.

Located off the coast of the large island of Sibuyan, in the Romblon Province, Cresta de Gallo offers a real change of scenery, thanks to its breathtaking natural landscapes and its tropical vegetation. This preserved sanctuary is composed of two islands connected by a long white sandbar. The island is known to shelter diverse marine life, particularly colourful tropical fish and sea turtles. It has no tourist infrastructure or local community, and its ecosystem is rich in coral reefs. You will be able to explore the island on foot and take a dip in its crystal-clear turquoise waters, perfect for relaxing and swimming.

Rising from the water between Sibuyan Sea and Tayabas Bay, Marinduque’s appeal lies in its peaceful and profoundly authentic atmosphere. A heart-shaped island, it will reveal a mosaic of lush green rice paddies, lively villages and scenes of daily life in which time seems to stand still.

You will be welcomed by the Moriones, who, according to tradition, parade each year during Holy Week as part of a colourful festival. During this street party, the participants wear masks and costumes recreating the appearance of biblical imperial Roman soldiers. You will then discover Boac, capital of the Marinduque Province, which offers heritage, handicrafts and ancestral know-how, thanks to your visit of the national museum and an encounter with local sculptors. Thanks to these gentle landscapes and rich traditions, this port of call promises a subtle balance of discovery and immersion.

Known as the Pearl of the Orient, Manila is the Philippine's sprawling capital city and a bustling hub of diverse cultures and heritage. Manila’s heady assortment of historical influences combine to give the city its unique identity. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal.

Top Things to Do in Manila:

• visit Fort Santiago
• admire Filipino art at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila
• take a scenic drive to Tagaytay
• take the ferry to Corregidor Island to see sites that played pivotal roles in WWII