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Manila, Philippines

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A Filipino city of incredible contrasts, variety and rich history, some of the earliest parts of Manila were getting going in the 16th century long before it would become one of the world’s most densely packed cities. One example of the early days: the neighborhood of Intramuros actually started as the neighborhood fortress… and you can still visit their local landmarks today, like San Augstin Church, Casa Manila and yes, even the old kid on the block, Fort Santiago itself. In Manila, the influences come from all over, with Malay, Chinese, American, Spanish and Arab cultures helping to create an international mix you can experience right on the street… or perhaps best through the arts? If you agree, check out the Rizal Park, home to multiple museums, or Cultural Center of the Philippines for live performances, screenings and more. And we haven’t even mentioned the tropical countryside, or nearby Corregidor Island with its kayaking, birdwatching and extensive World War II memorial history.

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Home to 12 million, the capital of the Philippines is a dynamic city with a rich colonial history dating to 1565, when the Spanish arrived. Dive into the most popular attractions, including the elegant Malacanang Palace, the National Museum of the Philippines and Rizal Park. The poignant, 150-acre American Cemetery and Memorial holds U.S. and Allied servicemen who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. The historic walled city core, Intramuros, is well worth exploring.

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Cruise to Manila, Philippines

Manila shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in manila.

Walled-In Wonders

A stoned wall entrance to the Intramuros from the Spanish conquest in Manila, Philippines

The walled city of Intramuros will take you back in time to the Spanish conquest of Manila in the late 16th century. See the Fort Santiago Citadel itself and the treasures within, like the Spanish Colonial San Agustin Church and Bahay Tsinoy Museum, which is dedicated to the Philippines' Chinese immigrant community.

Modern Manila

Manila isn't just about the past. The vibrant Makati district is pulsating and futuristic. Its tree-lined boulevards are home to modern architectural landmarks like the Ayala Museum and contemporary shopping malls, like Glorietta and the Greenbelt, which are marvels of architecture (and air conditioning) in their own right.

Local Cuisine

Whether you opt for outdoor stalls around Intramuros or upscale Makati restaurants such as Sentro 1771 in Makati, make traditional Filipino cuisine your priority. Manila cruises offer you the opportunity to try pancit bihon guisado , fried noodles with soy sauce, citrus and veggies. Tuck into sisig , a crispy pork casserole spiced with chilies and flavored with calamansi, a local citrus fruit.

If there's one thing Manila's got plenty of, it's shopping. From the shopping malls, to souvenir stalls both inside and outside the walls of Intramuros, you'll be spoiled for choice. Buy "Jeepney" keychains that depict the rural Filipino vehicle for a high kitsch factor, or choose colorful Banig crafts made from traditional Manila hemp grasses for a more rural, traditional souvenir.

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Discover the best cruise from manila, how can i find a cheap manila cruise.

With Expedia, you can find plenty of Manila discount cruises and cruise deals from Manila to fit your travel wants and needs. For cheap cruises out of Manila, consider staying in an economy-style cabin, booking an all-inclusive trip, or traveling with a low-cost cruise company. Regardless of your budget, you’ll likely be able to find deals from several of the top Manila cruise lines. Planning and booking a 2025 cruise from Manila in advance can help unlock even more discounts and a greater choice of itineraries. Booking last-minute cruise deals from Manila can also be another way to experience new destinations at wallet-friendly prices.

How can I find good deals on cruises from Manila?

You can search cruise ships leaving from Manila throughout the year and then sort the results by price. Manila cruise deals are automatically updated, so you can be sure you’re getting the right price at the right time. Manila cruise prices will vary depending on your destination and the time of year you plan to travel, as prices can fluctuate with demand. However, booking 2025 cruises out of Manila in advance can often lead to big savings and additional perks. If you have some flexibility or are just the spontaneous type, you can also find discounts on some of the best cruises out of Manila by looking for last-minute deals.

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When booking a Manila cruise vacation on Expedia, you can look for the cabin experience you want, the amenities you’d like included, and which cruise lines out of Manila you’d like to travel with. Whether you’re looking to book a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an adults-only trip, you’ll be able to choose from a number of cruise ships out of Manila, all while getting fantastic Manila cruise prices. Expedia’s Manila cruise finder will present you with some of the top cruise deals out of Manila – and on some of the most popular cruise ships out of Manila – so that you can plan and book with ease.

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Seamlessly find cruises departing from Manila by inputting your travel dates and the number of travelers in the search wizard. The results will present you with a variety of cheap Manila cruises and the most popular cruise lines from Manila so you can find your dream Manila cruise vacation. Our search wizard also allows you to select your cabin type, the included amenities, and the cruise type. Depending on the time of year, your preference of Manila cruise ships, and your travel requirements, your choice of cruises departing from Manila will vary. Once you’ve chosen your Manila cruise, you’ll be redirected to cabin selection and be asked to finalize your details. After that, you’re ready to embark!

Do you need a passport to cruise out of Manila?

Depending on your itinerary, you may be required to bring a passport for cruises leaving from Manila. Passports are not required for closed-loop cruises out of Manila to certain destinations. It’s advised to check entry requirements prior to your Manila cruise vacation to ensure you have the right documents with you. While you may not need a passport for certain Manila cruises, you will be required to show a valid ID card and your Manila cruise ship boarding pass.

Can I cancel my Manila cruise booking?

Yes, you can cancel or modify your cruise from Manila via the ‘My Trips’ section on Expedia. For help canceling your cruise booking, it’s advised to contact customer service. Cancellation and refund policies are determined by your Manila cruise line. Generally, the further in advance you cancel your Manila cruise trip, the more likely you are to receive a refund.

Why should I book a cruise from Manila with Expedia?

Searching for cruises leaving from Manila is a seamless experience with Expedia, your one-stop-shop for all things travel. We put the best cruise lines out of Manila at your fingertips, and all deals and discounts will be automatically applied to the displayed price. Expedia compiles the deals offered by top Manila cruise lines so that you can find a cruise ship from Manila that’s perfect for your needs – and at a price that won’t break the bank. Booking Manila cruises in advance for 2025 can provide you with better flexibility, more itinerary options, and an abundance of Manila cruise destinations.

Pre and Post Cruise Hotels in Manila

The Heritage Hotel Manila

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A New Pacific Arsenal to Counter China

With missiles, submarines and alliances, the Biden administration has built a presence in the region to rein in Beijing’s expansionist goals.

By John Ismay ,  Edward Wong and Pablo Robles April 26, 2024

U.S. officials have long seen their country as a Pacific power, with troops and arsenals at a handful of bases in the region since just after World War II.

U.S. military or partner bases

But the Biden administration says that is no longer good enough to foil what it sees as the greatest threat to the democratic island of Taiwan — a Chinese invasion that could succeed within days.

The United States is sending the most advanced Tomahawk cruise missiles to Japan and has established a new kind of Marine Corps regiment on Okinawa that is designed to fight from small islands and destroy ships at sea.

The Pentagon has gained access to multiple airfields and naval bases in the Philippines , lessening the need for aircraft carriers that could be targeted by China’s long-range missiles and submarines in a time of war.

The Australian government hosts U.S. Marines in the north of the country, and one of three sites in the east will soon be the new home for advanced American-made attack submarines. The United States also has a new security agreement with Papua New Guinea.

Potential submarine bases

Xi Jinping, China’s leader, and other officials in Beijing have watched the U.S. moves with alarm. They call it an encirclement of their nation and say the United States is trying to constrain its main economic and military rival.

Since the start of his administration, President Biden has undertaken a strategy to expand American military access to bases in allied nations across the Asia-Pacific region and to deploy a range of new weapons systems there. He has also said the U.S. military would defend Taiwan against a Chinese invasion.

On Wednesday, Mr. Biden signed a $95 billion supplemental military aid and spending bill that Congress had just passed and that includes $8.1 billion to counter China in the region. And Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken traveled to Shanghai and Beijing this week for meetings with Mr. Xi and other officials in which he raised China’s military activity in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, calling it “destabilizing.”

Mr. Xi told Mr. Blinken on Friday that the United States should not play a “zero-sum game” or “create small blocs.” He said that “while each side can have its friends and partners, it should not target, oppose or harm the other,” according to an official Chinese summary of the meeting.

Earlier in April, the leaders of the Philippines and Japan met with Mr. Biden at the White House for the first such summit among the three countries. They announced enhanced defense cooperation, including naval training and exercises, planned jointly and with other partners. Last year, the Biden administration forged a new three-way defense pact with Japan and South Korea.

President Biden held a trilateral meeting earlier this month with the leaders of Japan and the Philippines at the White House.

Yuri Gripas for The New York Times

“In 2023, we drove the most transformative year for U.S. force posture in the Indo-Pacific region in a generation,” Ely S. Ratner, the assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, said in a statement following an interview.

The main change, he said, is having American forces distributed in smaller, more mobile units across a wide arc of the region rather than being concentrated at large bases in northeast Asia. That is largely intended to counter China’s efforts to build up forces that can target aircraft carriers or U.S. military outposts on Okinawa or Guam.

These land forces, including a retrained and refitted U.S. Marine littoral regiment in Okinawa, will now have the ability to attack warships at sea.

For the first time, Japan’s military will receive up to 400 of their own Tomahawk cruise missiles — the newest versions of which can attack ships at sea as well as targets on land from over 1,150 miles away.

The Pentagon has also gained access rights for its troops at four additional bases in the Philippines that could eventually host U.S. warplanes and advanced mobile missile launchers, if Washington and Manila agree that offensive weaponry can be placed there.

The United States has bilateral mutual defense agreements with several allied nations in the region so that an attack on the assets of one nation could trigger a response from the other. Bolstering the U.S. troop presence on the soil of allied countries strengthens that notion of mutual defense.

In addition, the United States continues to send weapons and Green Beret trainers to Taiwan, a de facto independent island and the biggest flashpoint between the United States and China. Mr. Xi has said his nation must eventually take control of Taiwan, by force if necessary.

“We’ve deepened our alliances and partnerships abroad in ways that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago,” Kurt Campbell, the new deputy secretary of state, told reporters last year, when he was the top Asia policy official in the White House.

What Deters China?

Taiwan’s foreign minister, Joseph Wu, said in an interview in Taipei that the strengthened alliances and evolving military force postures were critical to deterring China.

“We are very happy to see that many countries in this region are coming to the realization that they also have to be prepared for further expansions of the P.R.C.,” he said, referring to the People’s Republic of China.

To some Chinese military strategists, the U.S. efforts are aimed at keeping China’s naval forces behind the “first island chain” — islands close to mainland Asia that run from Okinawa in Japan to Taiwan to the Philippines.

U.S. military assets along these islands could prevent Chinese warships from getting into the open Pacific waters farther east if conflict were to break out.

Leaders in China’s People’s Liberation Army also talk of establishing military dominance of the “second island chain” — which is farther out in the Pacific and includes Guam, Palau and West Papua.

First Island Chain

Second Island Chain

philippines

But several conservative critics of the administration’s policies argue that the United States should be keeping major arms for its own use and that it is not producing new ships and weapons systems quickly enough to deter China, which is rapidly growing its military .

Some American commanders acknowledge the United States needs to speed up ship production but say the Pentagon’s warfighting abilities in the region still outmatch China’s — and can improve quickly with the right political and budget commitments in Washington.

“We have actually grown our combat capability here in the Pacific over the last years,” Adm. Samuel J. Paparo Jr., the incoming commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, said in an interview. “But our trajectory is still not a trajectory that matches our adversary. Our adversaries are building more capability and they’re building more warships — per year — than we are.”

Mr. Paparo said new American warships were still more capable than the ones China is building, and the U.S. military’s “total weight of fires” continued to outmatch that of the People’s Liberation Army, for now.

Warplanes on the flight deck of U.S.S. Carl Vinson, an aircraft carrier, during a joint U.S. and Japanese military exercise in the Philippine Sea in January.

Richard A. Brooks/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty , a Cold War-era arms control agreement between Washington and Moscow, prohibited land-based cruise or ballistic missiles with ranges between 311 miles and 3,420 miles. But after the Trump administration withdrew from the pact, the United States was able to develop and field a large number of small, mobile launchers for previously banned missiles around Asia.

Even with the deployment of new systems, the United States would still rely on its legacy assets in the region in the event of war: its bases in Guam, Japan and South Korea, and the troops and arms there.

All of the senior U.S. officials interviewed for this story say war with China is neither desirable nor inevitable — a view expressed publicly by Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III. But they also insist that a military buildup and bolstering alliances, along with diplomatic talks with China, are important elements of deterring potential future aggression by Beijing.

Wang Yi, China’s foreign minister, told Mr. Blinken on Friday in Beijing that “the negative factors in the relationship are still increasing and building, and the relationship is facing all kinds of disruptions.” He warned the United States “not to interfere in China’s internal affairs, not to hold China’s development back, and not to step on China’s red lines and on China’s sovereignty, security and development interests.”

U.S. military or

partner bases

The new deterrent effort is twofold for American forces: increasing patrolling activities at sea and the capabilities of its troop levels ashore.

To the former, the Pentagon has announced that U.S. Navy warships will participate in more drills with their Japanese counterparts in the western Ryukyu Islands near Taiwan and with Filipino ships in the South China Sea, where the Chinese coast guard has harassed ships and installations controlled by the Philippines .

A swarm of Chinese militia and Coast Guard vessels chased a Philippine Coast Guard ship in the South China Sea last year.

Jes Aznar for The New York Times

To the latter, Marine Corps and Army units already in the Pacific have recently fielded medium- and long-range missiles mated to small, mobile trucks that would have been prohibited under the former treaty.

These trucks can be quickly lifted by Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft or larger cargo planes to new locations, or they can simply drive away to evade a Chinese counterattack. A new flotilla of U.S. Army watercraft being sent to the region could also be used to reposition troops and launchers from island to island.

In an interview last year with The New York Times, Gen. David H. Berger, then the Marine Corps’ top general, said the service had begun analyzing strategic choke points between islands where Chinese forces were likely to transit throughout the Pacific. He said the service had identified sites where Marine assault forces like the new Okinawa-based littoral regiment could launch attacks on Beijing’s warships using these new weapons.

Philippines

Partner bases

The Pentagon announced in February last year a new military base-sharing agreement with Manila, giving U.S. forces access to four sites in the Philippines for use in humanitarian missions, adding to the five sites previously opened to the Pentagon in 2014. Most of them are air bases with runways long enough to host heavy cargo planes.

Plotting their locations on a map shows the sites’ strategic value should the United States be called upon to defend their oldest treaty ally in the region , if the Philippines eventually agrees to allow the U.S. military to put combat troops and mobile missile systems there.

One, on the northern tip of Luzon Island, would give missile-launching trucks the ability to attack Chinese ships across the strait separating Philippines from Taiwan, while another site about 700 miles to the southwest would allow the U.S. to strike bases that China has built in the Spratly Islands nearby.

In 2023, the United States committed $100 million for “infrastructure investments” at the nine bases, with more funds expected this year.

The Pentagon has forged closer military ties with Australia and Papua New Guinea , extending America’s bulwark against potential attempts by the Chinese military at establishing dominance along the “second island chain.”

The Obama administration moved a number of littoral combat ships to Singapore and deployed a rotating force of Marines to Darwin, on Australia’s north coast, giving the Pentagon more assets that could respond as needed in the region.

Last year, the Biden administration greatly elevated its commitment to Australia, which is one of America’s most important non-NATO allies.

The U.S.S. North Carolina, a Virginia-class submarine, docking in Perth, Australia last year.

Tony Mcdonough/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

A new multibillion dollar agreement called AUKUS — for Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States — will permanently transfer some of the U.S. Navy’s newest Virginia-class attack subs to Canberra . The location of the new bases for those subs has not been announced, but the first group of Australian sailors who will crew them graduated from nuclear power training in America in January.

These stealthy submarines, which can fire torpedoes and Tomahawk missiles, will potentially add to the number of threats Beijing faces in case of a regional war.

Just north of Australia, an agreement in August gave U.S. forces more access to Papua New Guinea for humanitarian missions and committed American tax dollars to update military facilities there.

To Admiral Paparo, this growing network of partnerships and security agreements across thousands of miles of the Pacific is a direct result of what he calls China’s “revanchist, revisionist and expansionist agenda” in the region that has directly threatened its neighbors.

“I do believe that the U.S. and our allies and partners are playing a stronger hand and that we would prevail in any fight that arose in the Western Pacific,” the admiral said.

“It’s a hand that I would not trade with our would-be adversaries, and yet we’re also never satisfied with the strength of that hand and always looking to improve it.”

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Balikatan 2024: missiles, military aid, China tensions in focus as ‘biggest ever’ US-Philippines drills begin

• This year's Balikatan drills kicked off as Manila received BrahMos cruise missiles from India - and had hopes for US$2.5 billion in US military aid
• Manila's armed forces chief says Balikatan is all about 'peace and security'. Critics call it 'warmongering' by the US in it 'proxy war with China'

The start of this year's annual joint US- Philippines military exercises on Monday coincided with Manila's acquisition of several new missile systems - and a proposal from Washington to send an additional US$2.5 billion in military aid to the Southeast Asian nation.

It comes at a time of increased tensions between Manila and Beijing in the South China Sea , with the Philippines looking to counter Chinese expansionist efforts by bolstering defensive capabilities, both through the purchase of new equipment and strengthened cooperation with allies such as the United States and Japan .

Can US-Philippine-Japanese military ties really protect regional security?

The 39th Balikatan ("shoulder to shoulder" in Tagalog) exercises, which will continue through May 8, are set to involve 16,000 armed-forces personnel and observers from 14 countries.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge , our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on Monday, Philippine armed forces chief General Romeo Brawner Jnr said the drills represent "the essence of unity, collective responsibility and enduring partnership" between the Philippines and the US "and our partners".

"It is not a partnership of convenience but rather a clear reflection of our shared history, unwavering commitment to democracy and respect for international law in our pursuit of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region," he said.

Although none of the speakers at the opening ceremony mentioned China , Beijing's presence has loomed large in advance of this year's exercises, given the numerous run-ins its naval forces have had with Philippine vessels in recent months, particularly around the highly contested Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.

Brawner made special mention of the fact that, for the first time, "a number of troops from the special action force of the Philippine National Police and six vessels from the Philippine Coast Guard", were part of the Balikatan exercises. Navies from Australia and France are also taking part this year.

Some drills will take place on and around the island of Palawan, as well as within waters off the Philippine's central and northern coasts closest to Taiwan . A schedule of the exercises has not been released for security purposes.

New missile systems

As part of the Balikatan drills, Filipino soldiers will familiarise themselves with US military hardware and test the Philippines' newly-acquired assets and equipment.

Military Sealift Command, the US Navy's replenishment and transport arm, said it had delivered 554 pieces of equipment and shipping containers for the exercises to Subic Free Port, northwest of Manila, and would conduct a separate bilateral exercise with the Philippine military. It gave not further details about the equipment.

Two sophisticated missile systems, the Spyder and Typhon, are set to be demonstrated for the first time in the Philippines as part of the drills.

The Spyder - a mobile, ground-based, air defence system - is currently in use by the Philippine Air Force's 960th Air and Missile Defence Group.

Will China hold back during the US-Philippine Balikatan military drills?

Army Colonel Michael Logico, the Philippine military's spokesman for this year's Balikatan exercises, told reporters on March 5 that the drills would "test the interoperability between our weapon systems and that of the United States."

For its part, the US military has brought its Typhon systems, designed to launch Standard SM-6 and Tomahawk missiles, to be deployed at Laoag International Airport in Ilocos Norte, the home province of President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr .

The Philippines on Friday received the first of three batteries BrahMos cruise missile batteries from India . The medium-range supersonic cruise missile, produced by Indian-Russian multinational aerospace and defence corporation BrahMos Aerospace, can be launched from submarines, ships or fighter aircraft.

The 18.9 billion-peso (US$328.3 million) deal for the missiles was signed during the administration of Rodrigo Duterte , Marcos' predecessor as Philippine president.

Renato de Castro, an international-relations professor at De La Salle University in Manila, described the purchase as part of the Philippine military's shift from internal security to external defence.

The BrahMos missiles would serve as a "backup through coastal defence", he explained in an interview on state broadcaster PTV, while the military was still developing its naval capabilities to guard the country's territorial waters and exclusive economic zone and the air force was honing its aerial-denial capabilities.

De Castro added that since "we don't have the resources, the technical know-how and training" to conduct external defence, the country's armed forces were using the Balikatan exercises to gain these skills. There has been no announcement on whether BrahMos missiles will be used during the joint drills.

US$2.5 billion in military aid?

To assist the rapid switch from internal to external defence, the Philippine military is now drawing up a lengthy wish list, with two American senators from rival parties signalling their intention to help make these wishes come true.

Republican Bill Hagerty and Democrat Tim Kaine, both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, jointly filed a bill to the US Congress on April 11 "to modernise the defence capabilities of the Philippines and for other purposes."

The Philippines Enhanced Resilience Act of 2024 aims to authorise grant assistance of US$500 million per year for five years starting from 2025 under the US Foreign Military Financing programme, for a total of US$2.5 billion.

Under the proposed measure, all purchases would be made exclusively from American companies. The goal is to enhance the Philippines' defence capabilities across a range of areas, including coastal and air defence, maritime security, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and cybersecurity.

It's unclear at this point when, or if, the US Congress might pass the bill.

Surveys indicate that most Filipinos approve of closer military cooperation with the US, but a statement criticising the drills was issued on Monday by Bayan Muna (Country First), a member of the left-wing Makabayan political coalition.

"The warmongering thrust of the biggest Balikatan ever is mainly for the advancement of US geopolitical interest in the Asia-Pacific region," said the statement attributed to party executive vice-president Carlos Zarate.

"[It is] a pretext for training the Philippine forces as US pawns in its proxy war with China."

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Work Style Select Hybrid Onsite Remote

Onboarding Coordinator (Philippines)

Company overview.

At Carnival Cruise Line, our mission is to create safe, fun, and memorable vacations at a great value. As a valued member of our team, you'll actively contribute to developing exceptional travel experiences and unforgettable moments, every single day. Your Carnival journey begins here!

Our Culture Essentials

Joining the Carnival team means embracing our six Culture Essentials, which are the cornerstone values shaping our identity, principles, and actions. These beliefs and behaviors not only define who we are but also unite us as a team, guiding us in decision-making, fostering relationships, tackling challenges, and reaching milestones. These culture essentials propel us toward a shared vision of success, ensuring a collective effort in shaping our future.

• Respect & Protect
• Listen & Learn
• Communicate

Responsibilities

Job description.

CASI, Cruise Administration Services Inc, a Carnival Cruise Line entity in the Philippines currently has a Talent Acquisition Onboarding Coordinator role available with Holland America.  

Only candidates located in the Philippines to apply .   

Job Summary:

The position is accountable for ensuring that all crew members with Holland America have complied, prepared, and submitted all documentary requirements necessary for their assignment, travel, and embarkation by effectively communicating the process and requirements to the crew member, diligently checking all submitted documents and their validity, and accurate tagging of the crew members' status in the system. The role is also responsible for addressing crew members' concerns and inquiries and redirecting issues to the proper department for a quick resolution. Guide the applicant through the Onboarding Journey A-Z whilst keeping up to date with global changes with regards to travel, while ensuring travel readiness is within KPIs established by Talent Acquisition Lead.

Essential functions:

• Guarantee the establishment of positive relationships with the crew members and other stakeholders. Timely and accurate monitoring of crew member status and document tracking in the system.
• Prompt coordination with crew members regarding the documents that they need to submit/upload to the system
• Ensure completeness and authenticity of all training, travel, medical, and documentary requirements for Marine / Ratings crew members
• Proper and prompt notification and coordination with the other concerned departments about the status of the crew member, including planning, operations and talent acquisition.
• Effective guidance to crew members on how to secure the necessary requirements for the application of visas and other necessary documents.
• Timely response to all crew members’ inquiries pertaining to training, travel, medical, and documentary requirements.
• Prompt and timely coordination with the port agents regarding the status of crew members for the generation of the OKTB (Ok to Board)
• Complete all steps involved in the onboarding portal, as per Holland America Line and ensure compliance with all Holland America Line’s policies and guidelines.
• Liaise with external stakeholders for timely completion of reference and background checks.
• Delivering/completing any related additional tasks delegated by the management.

Qualifications

• Associates degree. Business Administration, Hospitality, International Airline travel or any related
• Graduate of a 3-year Associates degree course from accredited institution in a related field
• Minimum 1 year of related professional-level experience in one or more of the following functions: crewing, HR administration, and logistics services.
• Has a proven ability to maintain a high degree of professionalism, flexibility high-quality customer service, effective verbal and written communications skills, and teamwork to accommodate the high volume, fast-paced work environment
• Ability to work outside of normal business hours as needed. 
• Have the ability to follow directives promptly and thoroughly. 
• Have the ability to take initiative and work both independently and as part of a team

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access & power point)
• Can exercise astute judgment and follow outlined procedures with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Requires strong organizational skills.
• Knowledgeable of immigration and visa requirements related to seafarers in various geographical areas.
• Applies knowledge of flag and port state regulations related to visa regulations and entry documentation necessary for crew movement.

Employee Benefits

Hybrid work environment.

Empowering work-life integration and flexible opportunities for your personal and career success

Wellness Programs

Comprehensive employer wellness programs featuring mental health support and fitness options, including an on-site gym

Cruise Benefits

An array of qualified complimentary and heavily discounted cruise options for the ultimate dream getaway

Parental Programs

Generous parental leave time and adoption assistance programs

Retirement Plan

Secure your future with our exceptional Traditional and Roth 401(k) options complemented by valuable company contributions

Employee Stock Purchase

Invest in tomorrow with the opportunity to purchase Carnival shares at a discounted rate from their fair market value

In addition to the above, we offer PTO and company holidays as well as a variety of medical, dental, and voluntary plans

In our virtual contact center, we're all about unlimited growth opportunities and creating a supportive, inclusive environment. We believe in fostering professional development and providing our team members with the tools and resources they need to excel in their roles. Our community values diversity, ensuring that everyone feels respected and supported in a welcoming atmosphere where personal and professional growth knows no limits. Above all, we're committed to delivering an exceptional guest experience, making customer satisfaction a top priority in everything we do.

Carnival is a great place to learn and grow.

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Location Select One Miami, FL Manila, Metro Manila South Florida

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Manila, Philippines

Fast-paced and endlessly fascinating, modern Manila is one of the most densely packed cities in the world, with some 1.6 million residents. Characterized by intense contrasts—soaring skyscrapers next to shantytowns, atmospheric food markets as well as air-conditioned malls—it’s also an impressively multicultural city, with a swirl of languages, cuisines and cultures. To catch some historic atmosphere, head to Manila's oldest neighborhood, the fortress enclave of Intramuros, which was founded in the 16th century and features sights such as Fort Santiago, Casa Manila and San Agustin Church.In the upscale financial center of Makati, visitors can find an array of bars, spas and restaurants in addition to malls like Glorietta, the landscaped Greenbelt Park and Ayala Museum, which showcases archaeological artifacts and indigenous textiles and art. In and around Rizal Park are several good museums, while the creative spirit of the city—from live music venues to independent art galleries—is sprinkled throughout several districts, and spaces such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines host shows, film screenings and plays. For day trips, Corregidor Island should not be missed.

Featured Shore Excursions

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Cruises to Philippines

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Award-Winning Philippines Cruises

The Philippines is a country in Southeast Asia made up of an archipelago between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea. This chain of islands is home to sandy beaches and gorgeous teal waters swirling around craggy rock formations. Its lively cities and beautiful skyscrapers are along the lines of what you might expect from a country that’s not far from the glamorous cities of Singapore and Hong Kong (two other ports you’re likely to visit during a cruise to the Philippines).

When you cruise the Philippines, you’ll sail to this gorgeous island nation in luxurious comfort before an exciting day in one of its intriguing ports. Once you step onto the soil of the Philippines while on a Southeast Asia cruise , you will be immediately drawn to its tropical beauty and charmed by the friendly locals you meet.

Please Note: While we don't currently sail to the Philippines, you can still discover the beauty of the region on one of our Southeast Asia cruises . Browse our luxury cruises to Southeast Asia below.

Cruise Philippines for Beautiful Beaches and Dynamic Cities

Whether you love lounging on the beach or feeling the buzz of city life, you’ll find both during a cruise to the Philippines. From sleepy beach towns to countryside escapes and busy city centers, you’ll experience different aspects of the local culture in each port.

Philippines City Life

The Philippines is more than just island lifestyle and beach bliss. You’ll also find energetic cities buzzing with people, cuisine, and commerce. Manila in particular is a can’t-miss city to see when you cruise the Philippines, known for its blend of colonial and modern architecture punctuated with gleaming skyscrapers.

Beaches and Volcanoes

Beyond the port harbors of the Philippines, you’ll find incredible natural wonders. Relax on gorgeous beaches, like the white sands of Boracay and Puerto Princesa. From Manila, it’s easy to travel to the vibrant green Hidden Valley or Taal Lake and Volcano, two natural elements that complement each other in a mesmerizing way.

Countryside

Explore the Philippines’ lush countryside, which is home to fields of green, historic plantations, and villas with spring-fed pools. Combine your trip to the country with traditional dining to try some of the delicious Filipino cuisine the country is known for.

Featured Philippines Cruise Ports

During a Philippines cruise, you’ll stop in at least one of the following cities: Boracay, Manila, Puerto Princesa, or Ilocos. Each of these ports of call offer a very different type of experience. In Boracay and Puerto Princesa, you’ll get a glimpse of the country’s magnificent beaches and island lifestyle. In Manila, get a taste of the bustling city life of the Philippines, and in Ilocos, enjoy historical experiences. Depending on your itinerary,  you might even overnight in Manila.  

Puerto Princesa

Ilocos (Salomague)

Popular Shore Excursions in the Philippines

When you cruise to the Philippines’ beautiful ports of call, you’ll get an in-depth, cultural look at the country and what makes it special on a shore excursion.

Philippines Island Hopping

For an unforgettable, beach-filled day that will have you dreaming about moving somewhere tropical, book an island-hopping shore excursion. Hop on a boat and visit multiple islands for a day of relaxation and water fun.

Museums in Manila

Manila is home to a variety of top-notch museums. On a shore excursion, you’ll tour the museums with a knowledgeable guide that will help you to better understand the history of the region and the artworks and artifacts on display.

Manila City Tour

Learn more about the culture and top sites of Manila on an escorted city tour that takes you around the vibrant city in comfort. You’ll hear all about the city’s past and present while snapping pictures of some of its most impressive buildings and attractions.

Tagaytay Tour

Visiting the city of Tagaytay and the nearby Taal Lake and Taal Volcano provides you with both a city and country life experience during your Philippines cruise.

Our Award-Winning Cruise Ships in the Philippines

Helpful tips before you go.

We sail to the Philippines in the months of December and January. This is an ideal time to visit since the tropical weather is still hot, but not stifling, and it’s before the rainy season begins. Since the weather is hot and humid, you’ll want to pack light, breathable clothing in natural fibers like cotton and linen. The style of dress is generally more conservative in the Philippines than you may be used to in the U.S. and other countries, so keep that in mind when packing.

Don’t forget to pack for the other ports you’ll be visiting during your Philippines cruise. Most will require similar clothing, but if you head farther north and plan to venture into any mountainous regions while in port, you’ll likely want some warmer layers.

The ports you’ll visit depend on the itinerary you choose. You can cruise to the Philippines on one of our Vietnam, Philippines, and Hong Kong itineraries, where you’ll sail between Hong Kong and Singapore, or cruise roundtrip from Singapore. Along the way, you’ll visit the beautiful Philippines cruise ports of call as well as cities in Vietnam. You’ll also have an overnight port of call in both Singapore and Hong Kong. On the roundtrip itinerary from Singapore that sails to the Philippines and back to Singapore, you’ll have an overnight in Hong Kong, and you’ll visit Malaysia and China. 

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