2 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Davao Occidental (Chill Walk)

Revisiting Davao via local Cruise Ship Adventure May 23 to 30, 2025 (6 Days)

6 Days Budget Solo Trip on 2GO Ferry Cruise Manila to Davao (2025)

13 Days Mindanao Pandemic Adventure Solo Backpacking (2021)

Already visited Davao Occidental last 2021 but due to pandemic restrictions, I wasn't able to stroll around and take pictures (lockdown day). Thus, I visited again for formality visit on a personal basis.

Preparation:

2Go Ferry Return promo fare (Manila-Davao) = ₱4,936   /   Baon Snacks = ₱500

Total: ₱5,436

Day 0: May 23 Friday MANILA DEPARTURE

1600H ETD Home; e-jeep to Quiapo 65

1800H Quiapo to Pier 4 walk; snacks 50

1930H ETA Manila Port Area Zaragoza Gate; Check-in; terminal fee 105

2300H ETD Manila; Voyage #32 (Business Class) 55 hrs ₱2,512

TOTAL: ₱220

Day 1: May 24 Saturday MV MASINAG VOYAGE

55 hours trip Business Class with 6 meals / Snacks 45

TOTAL: ₱45

Day 2: May 25 Sunday MV MASINAG VOYAGE

55 hours trip Business Class with 6 meals

TOTAL: ₱0

Day 3: May 26 Monday DAVAO 1ST DAY

0530H ETA Davao; jeep to Ecoland Terminal 40

0700H Bus to Poblacion 175; tricycle to resort 30

DAVAO OCCIDENTAL (My 82nd/Final Province)

Acasa Merlinda Beach Resort 1,000; Lunch 114; snacks 75

Afternoon walk to Little Boracay Resort

1700H Afternoon run base 10km

TOTAL: ₱1,434

 

Day 4: May 27 Tuesday DAVAO LAST DAY

Morning run base 10km; brunch 149

1200H Hotel check-out; tricycle to terminal 30

Bus back to Ecoland 140; snacks 357; baon 255; Jeep to Sasa Wharf 30 

1700H Davao Sasa Wharf; Check-in; terminal fee 11

2000H ETD Davao; Voyage #32 (Business Class) 61 hrs ₱2,424

TOTAL: ₱832

Day 5: May 28 Wednesday MV MASIKAP VOYAGE

61 hours trip Business Class with 7 meals

TOTAL: ₱0

Day 6: May 29 Thursday MV MASIKAP VOYAGE

61 hours trip Business Class with 7 meals

TOTAL: ₱0

Day 0: May 30 Friday MANILA ARRIVAL

0900H ETA Manila; Pier 4 to Quiapo walk; fruits 489; e-jeep to Home 50

TOTAL: ₱539

DAILY TOTAL: ₱220+45+0+1,434+832+0+0+539 = ₱3,070

GRAND TOTAL: ₱5,436 + ₱3,070 = ₱8,506

2 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Davao Occidental (Chill Walk)

6 Days Budget Solo Trip on 2GO Ferry Cruise Manila to Davao

Revisiting Davao via local Cruise Ship Adventure May 23 to 30, 2025 (6 Days)

Effective October 15, 2024, the boarding cut-off (or gate closure) will be updated 1 hour before vessel departure. To ensure a smooth boarding experience, it is highly recommend arriving at the terminal at least 3 hours before departure. This will help accommodate potential delays, such as traffic, excess baggage checks, and other unforeseen circumstances.

MANILA TO DAVAO 2GO FERRY CRUISING BUDGET DIY SOLO TRIP 2025

(MV Masinag / MV Masikap Ship Vessel)

 

My Observation, Remarks and Budget Tips:

Cruise Destination: Manila-Davao-Manila Cruise Duration: 56 hrs (one-way cruise)

Cruise Date: May 2025 (6 days, weekend trip) Fare Cost: ₱4,936 return trip (Business Class for 1 pax)

Reason for taking this Cruise: promo fare, to experience local ship cruising on a convenient bed class (business class)

Budget DIY Manila-Davao-Manila 2Go Cruise Itinerary (May 2025 Summer Season):

May 23 Fri: 11pm Manila Port Departure 

May 24 Sat / May 25 Sun: Cruising 

May 26 Mon: 6am Davao Port Arrival, Davao City 1st day chill and food trip 

May 27 Tue: Davao City last day chill and food trip, 8pm Davao Port Departure

May 28 Wed / May 29 Thu: Cruising 

May 30 Fri: 9am Manila Port Arrival

1. 2Go Ferry MV Masinag / MV Masikap has twice a week departure for Manila-Davao (every Friday afternoon) and Davao-Manila (every Sunday night)

2. 2Go Business Class fare is around ₱2.5k which is around ₱700 more expensive than Cebu Pacific flight. Actually it's better to take the flight though 2Go cruising is good for chill adventure, local cruise experience and less baggage hassle.

3. 2Go Business Class room is very convenient especially for solo travelers. The room has its own table, television, sink, aircon control and most especially a lot of charging outlets. Toilet and shower room is centralized. I highly recommend Business Class beds because somehow the fare is reasonable, with 6-7 meals included.

4. Online booked tickets are required to be printed. This is also needed when claiming paid meals and bed linens together with your valid ID.

5. Manila Port (Pier 4 Zaragoza Gate) has a terminal fee of ₱105 while Davao Sasa Wharf Port has only ₱11.

6. I suggest you bring your own cup noodles, bread and other snacks. Everything onboard is expensive. There's an onboard restaurant, cafe, salon and shops. No wi-fi. Free refills of hot and cold potable water.

7. All meals are served everyday between 6-8am (breakfast), 11am-1pm (lunch) and dinner (6-8pm). Business Class passengers are in Horizon Cafe which has a terrible, very slow and disorganized dining service (MV MASIKAP)

6 Days Budget Solo Trip on 2GO Ferry Cruise Manila to Davao

2 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Revisiting Coron (Chill Walk)

Revisiting Coron via local Cruise Ship Adventure May 16 to 19, 2025 (3 Days)

3 Days Budget Solo Trip on 2GO Ferry Cruise Manila to Coron (2025)

Preparation:

MV St. Xavier 2Go Ferry Return promo fare (Manila-Coron) = ₱2,424

Ezekiel Transient House Hostel booking 1 night = ₱345

TOTAL: ₱2,769

Day 1: May 16 Friday MANILA DEPARTURE

1100H ETD Home; e-jeep to Quiapo 65

1300H Quiapo to Pier 4 walk; snacks 41

1430H ETA Manila Port Area Zaragoza Gate; Check-in; terminal fee 105

1730H ETD Manila; Voyage #40 (Super Value Class) 13 hrs ₱1,160

30 minutes delayed departure / claim bed linen 

TOTAL: ₱211

Day 2: May 17 Saturday CORON 1ST DAY

0630H ETA Coron; walk to Hostel; Ezekiel Transient House 1N; early check-in rest

Mt. Tapyas Viewing Deck (720 steps); Boom's Eatery lunch 160; snacks 95

1630H Afternoon run tempo 8km ; Inasal Eat Co. dinner 220; Coron Brewery 231

TOTAL: ₱706

 

Day 3: May 18 Sunday CORON LAST DAY

0630H Morning run base 14km; lunch 110; snacks 180

1700H Hostel check-out; walk to port; Check-in; terminal fee 20

2030H ETD Coron; Voyage #40 (Super Value Class) 13 hrs ₱1,160

TOTAL: ₱310

Day 0: May 19 Monday MANILA ARRIVAL

0930H ETA Manila; Pier 4 to Quiapo walk; snacks 10; UV Van to Home 55

TOTAL: ₱65

DAILY TOTAL: ₱211+705+310+65 = ₱1,291

GRAND TOTAL: ₱2,769 +₱1,291 = ₱4,060

2 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Revisiting Coron  (Chill Walk)

3 Days Budget Solo Trip on 2GO Ferry Cruise Manila to Coron

Revisiting Coron via local Cruise Ship Adventure May 16 to 19, 2025 (3 Days)

Coron and nearby Island Trip (2011)

Batangas Pier - Caticlan Port Sea Cruising via 2Go Ferry (2016)

Effective October 15, 2024, the boarding cut-off (or gate closure) will be updated 1 hour before vessel departure. To ensure a smooth boarding experience, it is highly recommend arriving at the terminal at least 3 hours before departure. This will help accommodate potential delays, such as traffic, excess baggage checks, and other unforeseen circumstances.

MANILA TO CORON 2GO FERRY CRUISING BUDGET DIY SOLO TRIP 2025

(MV St. Francis Xavier Ship)

 

My Observation, Remarks and Budget Tips:

Cruise Destination: Manila-Coron-Manila     Cruise Duration: 13hrs (one way cruise)

Cruise Date: May 2025 (3 days, weekend trip)     Fare Cost: ₱2,424 return trip (Super Value Class), cheapest

Reason for taking this Cruise: promo fare, to experience local ship cruising on cheapest bed class

Budget DIY Manila-Coron-Manila 2Go Cruise Itinerary (May 2025 Summer Season):

May 16 Fri: 5pm Manila Port Departure 

May 17 Sat: 6am Coron Port Arrival, Coron first day chill and food trip 

May 18 Sun: Coron last day chill and food trip, 8pm Coron Port Departure

May 19 Mon: 9am Manila Port Arrival

1. 2Go Ferry MV St. Francis Xavier has only once a week departure for Manila-Coron (every Friday afternoon) and Coron-Manila (every Sunday night)

2. 2Go Super Value Class fare is around ₱1.1k which is around ₱300 cheaper than Cebu Pacific flight. Actually it's better to take the flight though 2Go cruising is good for chill adventure, local cruise experience and less baggage hassle.

3. 2Go Super Value Class beds are not convenient because these beds are located at the back of the ship near the smelly toilet with damaged door. The ambiance is not good either; it's hot, humid and uncomfortable leather mattress. Toilet has free shower. 2Go Super Value Class is good only if on a tight budget; I don't recommend it, go for higher class beds.

4. Upgrade to the next class (Mega Class, aircon room) has an additional ₱300. Go to the Information Desk, bring your ticket and enlist your name for an upgrade. It will be accommodated after the ship leaves the port, subject for availability and first come first serve basis.

5. Online booked tickets are required to be printed. This is also needed when claiming paid meals and bed linens together with your valid ID.

6. Manila Port (Pier 4 Zaragoza Gate) has terminal fee of ₱105 while Coron Port has only ₱20

7. Ensure to arrive early in the meal claiming in the restaurant (paid, bring your ticket), queuing is very long. ₱14 additional payment if takeout. The meal is composed of 1 cup of rice, small portion of vegetable and beef menu.

8. I suggest you bring your own drinking water, cup noodles, bread and other snacks. Everything onboard is expensive. There's a drinking fountain onboard, restaurant, cafe, salon and shops.No wi-fi, phone charging station with payment (₱5).

9. Worst Customer Service, if you don't ask, staff will not provide. All meals and bed linen are paid, ask the staff to give you. You need to present the physical ticket and valid ID.

3 Days Budget Solo Trip on 2GO Ferry Cruise Manila to Coron

Budget Travel Tips on Caribbean Cruise as Filipino Solo Backpacker

Royal Caribbean (Rhapsody of the Seas): 7 Nights Southern Caribbean Cruise

November 26 to December 06, 2022

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 8: Day Trip in Bridgetown, Barbados

Highlight: Coming from Philippine Airport (MNL) as Budgetarian Filipino Solo Backpacker with Philippine passport only. I confirm and fully paid both flights and cruise around 24 days before the first flight but save around 40% of the flight fares and 50% on the entire cruise fare (mandatory gratuities included). Minor expenses only per island visit day. Also, NO VISA APPLIED in all 6 Island nations and 2 transit airports visited. I just booked the flights and cruise, bring my backpack and passport, then go.

Origin Airport: NAIA T3 (MNL) UTC +0800H

Transit Airport: Dubai (DXB) UTC +0400H and Amsterdam (AMS) UTC +0100H

Arrival Airport: Bridgetown (BGI) UTC -0400H

Time Difference between Origin and Arrival: 12 hours 

Flight Time: Approximately 42 hours (transits included), 3 sets of flights with 9 hours average per flight 

Airlines booked: Emirates and KLM

Visa Applied: NONE, Transit without visa and visit without visa if the transit/visit is less than 24 hours

Cruise Date: Nov 27 to Dec. 04, 2022 (UTC -0400H) 

Cruise line / Itinerary: Royal Caribbean (US website) / 7 Nights Southern Carribean 

Major Expenses (booked / paid on 02-Nov-2022, just 24 days before first flight departure): 

* 7 Nights Southern Carribean (6 Island Nations) via Royal Caribbean Cruise $555.25/P33,141

- standard cruise booking was around $1,100, I save around 50%

* Return Flight MNL-AMS-MNL (Emirates) and AMS-BGI-AMS (KLM) via Sky Scanner (Trip.com) P118,648

- airline website was around P200,000, I save around 40%

Total: PHP 151,789 (USD 2,643)

Detailed Itinerary: 7 Nights Southern Carribean Cruise from / to Bridgetown, Barbados

Caribbean Cruise Requirements (print-out expedites the process):

1. Original Passport and photocopies (minimum 6 months validity)

2. Barbados online arrival form (Bridgetown is the airport and seaport of entry / exit of the cruise)

3. Print-out Full Covid19 Vaccine Certificate 

4. Print-out Return Flight tickets

5. Print-out Cruise Receipt / Itinerary

5. Print-out of some financial documentation as a source of income / to pay for expenses

Budget Travel Tips on Caribbean Cruise as Filipino Solo Backpacker

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 8: Day Trip in Bridgetown, Barbados

Royal Caribbean (Rhapsody of the Seas): 7 Nights Southern Caribbean Cruise November 26 to December 06, 2022

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 7: Day Trip in Castries, St. Lucia

Barbados is an island in the Caribbean, northeast of Venezuela that is often portrayed as the Little Britain of the Caribbean because of its long association with the UK as a British colony.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Barbados

Important Note: Wearing camouflage and/or military apparel is illegal. Clothing of this nature will be confiscated if worn in port, and the wearer may be charged by local authorities.

Day 8: December 04, 2022 Sunday BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS (My 133rd Country)

0600H Morning walk and workout / Buffet Breakfast

0700H ETA Bridgetown UTC -0400H / 99.75 USD refund

Brandon's beach, Old Town, Brownes beach / Fridge magnet 5 USD

1300H ETD Bridgetown center (bus terminal); bus 12/13 to airport 2 USD

1959H ETD Bridgetown UTC -0400H; flight KL781

Total: USD 7

Currency Exchange Rate as of Nov. 2022: 1 USD = 2 BBD  

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT BARBADOS

timezone - UTC -0400H   capital - Bridgetown    language - English    currency - Dollar (BBD)

visa - Philippine passport holders are visa upon arrival (free of charge). However, cruise ship passengers staying for less than 24 hours and not staying on the island overnight do not require a visa.

1. Barbados is named after a tree. When the Portuguese first discovered the island in 1536 the Bearded Fig Tree was found all over the island. “Los Barbados” is Portuguese for “The Bearded One.”

2. Barbados has never been invaded by a foreign power since the British took rule in 1627.

3. Barbados is also known as “the land of flying fish” as they are seen gliding around the island. They can glide for up to 45 seconds at speeds of more than 70km / hour!

4. Barbados has the third oldest Westminster-style parliaments in the Western Hemisphere. It has been in existence for 369 years.

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 8: Day Trip in Bridgetown, Barbados

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 7: Day Trip in Castries, St. Lucia

Royal Caribbean (Rhapsody of the Seas): 7 Nights Southern Caribbean Cruise November 26 to December 06, 2022

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 6: Day Trip in Roseau, Dominica

Saint Lucia is a Commonwealth country that is an island in the Caribbean, off the coast of Central America. It lies between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago. The twin Pitons (Gros Piton and Petit Piton) are striking cone-shaped peaks south of Soufriere that are one of the scenic natural highlights of the Caribbean.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Saint_Lucia

Important Note: Wearing camouflage and/or military apparel is illegal. Clothing of this nature will be confiscated if worn in port, and the wearer may be charged by local authorities.

Day 7: December 03, 2022 Saturday CASTRIES, ST. LUCIA (My 132nd Country)

0600H Morning walk and workout / Buffet Breakfast

0800H ETA Castries UTC -0400H

Castries city view point, La Toc beach, Vigie beach, Constitution Park

1130H Back to ship, Buffet Lunch

1300H Back ashore, stroll around random walk / Fridge magnets 15 XCD

1500H Back to ship / watch FIFA match at pool

1800H ETD Castries UTC -0400H / Fine dining / outside movie at the pool

2100H Sleep rest

Total: USD 0

Currency Exchange Rate as of Nov. 2022: 1 USD = 2.7 XCD  

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SAINT LUCIA

timezone - UTC -0400H   capital - Castries    language - English    currency - Dollar (XCD)

visa - Philippine passport holders are visa upon arrival (free of charge). However, cruise ship passengers staying for less than 24 hours and not staying on the island overnight do not require a visa.

1. First country to be named after a woman and gained independence from Britain in 1979

2. St. Lucia has the world’s only drive-in volcano

3. The country is 70% covered in rainforest

4. St. Lucia has more Nobel Prize Laureate’s than anywhere else

5. It enjoys a year-round temperature of 27°

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 7: Day Trip in Castries, St. Lucia

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 6: Day Trip in Roseau, Dominica

Royal Caribbean (Rhapsody of the Seas): 7 Nights Southern Caribbean Cruise November 26 to December 06, 2022

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 5: Day Trip in Kingstown, St. Vincent

Dominica is a Caribbean island country between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, about one-half of the way from Puerto Rico to Trinidad and Tobago. It is often known as "The Nature Island of the Caribbean" due to its spectacular, lush, and varied flora and fauna, which are protected by an extensive natural park system. The most mountainous island of the Lesser Antilles, its volcanic peaks are cones of lava craters and include Boiling Lake, the second-largest thermally active lake in the world. Should not be confused with the Caribbean nation of the Dominican Republic.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Dominica

Important Note: Wearing camouflage and/or military apparel is illegal. Clothing of this nature will be confiscated if worn in port, and the wearer may be charged by local authorities.

Day 6: December 02, 2022 Friday ROSEAU, DOMINICA (My 131st Country)

0600H Morning walk and workout / Buffet Breakfast

0800H ETA Roseau UTC -0400H

Botanical Garden, Morne Bruce hiking via Jack's walk trail

1130H Back to ship, Buffet Lunch

1300H Back ashore, stroll around random walk / Fridge magnet 5 XCD

1500H Back to ship / watch FIFA match at pool

1800H ETD Roseau UTC -0400H / Fine dining / outside movie at the pool

2100H Sleep rest

Total: USD 0

Currency Exchange Rate as of Nov. 2022: 1 USD = 2.7 XCD  

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT DOMINICA

timezone - UTC -0400H   capital - Roseau    language - English    currency - Dollar (XCD)

visa - Philippine passport holders are visa upon arrival (free of charge). However, cruise ship passengers staying for less than 24 hours and not staying on the island overnight do not require a visa.

1. It’s definitely not the Dominican Republic.

2. There are nine volcanoes.

3. Sulfur springs and black-sand beaches surround the capital city of Roseau.

4. Dominica has the second-largest boiling lake in the world.

5. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest was filmed here.

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 6: Day Trip in Roseau, Dominica

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 5: Day Trip in Kingstown, St. Vincent

Royal Caribbean (Rhapsody of the Seas): 7 Nights Southern Caribbean Cruise November 26 to December 06, 2022

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 4: Day Trip in St. George's, Grenada

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an island nation in the Caribbean, north of Trinidad and Tobago. The main island of Saint Vincent has most of the land area and population of just over 100,000. The many small islands and islets of the Grenadines trail in a curve spanning more than 60km to the south, where the southernmost Grenadines are part of the independent island nation of Grenada.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Saint_Vincent_and_the_Grenadines

Important Note: Wearing camouflage and/or military apparel is illegal. Clothing of this nature will be confiscated if worn in port, and the wearer may be charged by local authorities.

Day 5: December 01, 2022 Thursday KINGSTOWN, ST. VINCENT (My 130th Country)

0600H Morning walk and workout / Buffet Breakfast

0800H ETA Kingstown UTC -0400H

Fort Charlotte (6km distance with 200m elevation gain), Botanical Garden

1130H Back to ship, Buffet Lunch

1300H Back ashore, stroll around random walk / Fridge magnet 10 XCD

1500H Back to ship / watch FIFA match at pool

1800H ETD Kingstown UTC -0400H / Fine dining / outside movie at the pool

2100H Sleep rest

Total: USD 0

Currency Exchange Rate as of Nov. 2022: 1 USD = 2.7 XCD  

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SAINT VINCENT AND GRENADINES

timezone - UTC -0400H   capital - Kingstown    language - English    currency - Dollar (XCD)

visa - Philippine passport holders are visa upon arrival (free of charge). However, cruise ship passengers staying for less than 24 hours and not staying on the island overnight do not require a visa.

1. While the country is made up of 32 islands and cays, only 9 of them are actually inhabited.

2. The country is home to the oldest botanical gardens in the Western Hemisphere which were formed back in 1765

3. Kingstown is actually referred to as the “City of Arches” because the city’s buildings have approximately 400 arches!

4. The hit franchise Pirates of the Caribbean actually shot multiple scenes from their first 3 instalments in this country!

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 5: Day Trip in Kingstown, St. Vincent

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 4: Day Trip in St. George's, Grenada

Royal Caribbean (Rhapsody of the Seas): 7 Nights Southern Caribbean Cruise November 26 to December 06, 2022

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 3: Day Trip in Port of Spain, Trinidad

Grenada is a group of three larger islands (Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique) and several tiny islands in the Caribbean, or West Indies. It lies just northeast of Trinidad and Tobago, and southwest of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. It is famous for spices and is known as the "Spice Isle", being a major source of nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, and cocoa.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Grenada

Important Note: Wearing camouflage and/or military apparel is illegal. Clothing of this nature will be confiscated if worn in port, and the wearer may be charged by local authorities.

Day 4: November 30, 2022 Wednesday ST. GEORGE'S, GRENADA (My 129th Country)

0600H Morning walk and workout / Buffet Breakfast

0800H ETA St. George's UTC -0400H

Fort George, Christ of the Abyss, Lagoon / Exchange 15 USD = 40 XCD (2.7) / Fridge magnet 5 XCD

1130H Back to ship, Buffet Lunch

1300H Back ashore, stroll around random walk

1500H Back to ship / watch FIFA match at pool

1800H ETD St. George's UTC -0400H / Fine dining / outside movie at the pool

2100H Sleep rest

Total: USD 15

Currency Exchange Rate as of Nov. 2022: 1 USD = 2.7 XCD  

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT GRENADA

timezone - UTC -0400H   capital - St. George's    language - English    currency - Dollar (XCD)

visa - Philippine passport holders need to apply visa before arrival. However, cruise ship passengers staying for less than 24 hours and not staying on the island overnight do not require a visa.

1. Christopher Columbus discovered the island in 1498 and named it Concepcion. A year after that, another bunch of explorers passed by the island and changed the name to Mayo . When the French came, they changed it to “Le Grenade” and finally when the British took over, they called it Grenada.

2. Grenada produces many spices and therefore is also called “Island of Spice”.

3. Grenada boasts of having the world’s first underwater sculpture park

4. Civilians in the country can’t wear camouflage in any form. The camouflage is reserved for the army only.

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 4: Day Trip in St. George's, Grenada

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 3: Day Trip in Port of Spain, Trinidad

Royal Caribbean (Rhapsody of the Seas): 7 Nights Southern Caribbean Cruise November 26 to December 06, 2022

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 2: Day Trip in Scarborough, Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago is a nation consisting primarily of two Caribbean islands just off the northeastern coast of Venezuela. The country is the most industrialised and one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean. Overall, tourism is not a major industry (though the island of Tobago has proportionally more), leaving the islands replete with natural unspoiled beauty not found in most other Caribbean countries.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Trinidad_and_Tobago

Important Note: Wearing camouflage and/or military apparel is illegal. Clothing of this nature will be confiscated if worn in port, and the wearer may be charged by local authorities.

Day 3: November 29, 2022 Tuesday PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD (My 128th Country)

0600H Morning walk and workout / Buffet Breakfast 

0800H ETA Port of Spain UTC -0400H

The Red House, Trinity Cathedral, Queen's Park, National Museum, Stollmeyer's Castle, White Hall, Archbishop House

1130H Back to ship, Buffet Lunch 

1300H Back ashore, stroll around random walk

1500H Back to ship / watch FIFA match at pool

1800H ETD Port of Spain UTC -0400H / Fine dining / outside movie at the pool

2100H Sleep rest

Total: USD 0

Currency Exchange Rate as of Nov. 2022: 1 USD = 6.7 TTD 

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

timezone - UTC -0400H   capital - Port of Spain    language - English    currency - Dollar (TTD)

visa - Philippine passport holders are eligible for 90 days visa application upon arrival for TT$400. However, cruise ship passengers staying for less than 24 hours and not staying on the island overnight do not require a visa regardless of nationality. 

1. Trinidad and Tobago has the biggest celebration of Divali (Festival of Light) in the Western Part.

2. Tobago has the Largest Brain Coral in the World.

3. Pitch Lake (Trinidad) is the largest natural deposit of asphalt in the in the world.

4. Trinidad (Queen’s Park Savannah) has the Largest Roundabout in the World

5. T&T is the Happiest Country in the Caribbean.

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 3: Day Trip in Port of Spain, Trinidad

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 2: Day Trip in Scarborough, Tobago

Royal Caribbean (Rhapsody of the Seas): 7 Nights Southern Caribbean Cruise November 26 to December 06, 2022

7 Nights Southern Caribbean Cruise Preparation, Whole Itinerary and Day 1

Trinidad and Tobago is a nation consisting primarily of two Caribbean islands just off the northeastern coast of Venezuela. The country is the most industrialised and one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean. Overall, tourism is not a major industry (though the island of Tobago has proportionally more), leaving the islands replete with natural unspoiled beauty not found in most other Caribbean countries.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Trinidad_and_Tobago

Important Note: Wearing camouflage and/or military apparel is illegal. Clothing of this nature will be confiscated if worn in port, and the wearer may be charged by local authorities.

Day 2: November 28, 2022 Monday SCARBOROUGH, TOBAGO (My 128th Country)

0600H Morning walk and workout / Buffet Breakfast 

0900H ETA Scarborough UTC -0400H

Botanical Garden, Fort King George, Tobago sign; Souvenir Currency and Fridge Magnet $3 

1130H Back to ship, Buffet Lunch 

1300H Back ashore, stroll around random walk

1500H Back to ship / watch FIFA match at pool

1800H ETD Scarborough UTC -0400H / Fine dining / outside movie at the pool

2100H Sleep rest

Total: USD 3

Currency Exchange Rate as of Nov. 2022: 1 USD = 6.7 TTD 

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

timezone - UTC -0400H   capital - Port of Spain    language - English    currency - Dollar (TTD)

visa - Philippine passport holders are eligible for 90 days visa application upon arrival for TT$400. However, cruise ship passengers staying for less than 24 hours and not staying on the island overnight do not require a visa regardless of nationality. 

1. Trinidad and Tobago has the biggest celebration of Divali (Festival of Light) in the Western Part.

2. Tobago has the Largest Brain Coral in the World.

3. Pitch Lake (Trinidad) is the largest natural deposit of asphalt in the in the world.

4. Trinidad (Queen’s Park Savannah) has the Largest Roundabout in the World

5. T&T is the Happiest Country in the Caribbean.

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 2: Day Trip in Scarborough, Tobago

Royal Caribbean (Rhapsody of the Seas): 7 Nights Southern Caribbean Cruise

continuation of my quest to go beyond #lakbay100 despite the odds... November 26 to December 06, 2022

"Dance with the waves, move with the sea. Let the rhythm of the water set your soul free." - Christy Martine

My 106th solo backpacking trip and trying some usual budget do-it-yourself (DIY) itinerary from arrival to departure. Yes, you read it right, backpacking despite the very laidback type of journey. It is due to some of my flights have no check-in luggage included just to avail the cheapest flight. This trip served also as my Second visit in Caribbean following the Hispaniola Island (Haiti - Dominican Republic) solo trip (Oct. 2020) and Second Cruise Adventure following the Antarctica voyage (Nov. 2019). 

The islands of the Caribbean Sea or West Indies are an extensive archipelago in the far west of the Atlantic Ocean, mostly strung between North and South America. They've long been known as a resort vacation destination for honeymooners and retirees, but a small movement toward eco-tourism and backpacking has started to open up the Caribbean to more independent travel.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Caribbean

Rhapsody of the Seas is a midsize Vision-class cruise ship owned by Royal Caribbean International built in 1995. Rhapsody doesn't have all the snazzy high-tech features included on newer cruise ships. But, guests will enjoy superior service, smaller crowds, and a more intimate cruise experience.

https://cruiseline.com/ship/rhapsody-of-the-seas

My reasons why I chose this cruise are (1) the itinerary voyage consist of all the 6 Caribbean island countries that I did not visited yet, (2) Rhapsody of the Seas is the only ship that offers the item (1) in a compressed itinerary and (3) luckily I got the cheapest cruise package and flights from / to Philippines (MNL).

My Objective Why I still pushed this Adventure despite of what happened on my 2022:

1. It's my dream to experience the Caribbean cruise.

2. I got a huge discount luckily to flights and the cruise itself.

3. Continue my journey to go beyond #lakbay100 (visiting countries I've never been).

4. I need a diversion and new beginning of what just 2022 offered me.

Visa Requirements for Caribbean Cruise:

Cruise ship passengers staying for less than 24 hours and not staying on the island overnight do not require a visa (most of the caribbean islands). 

Budget Travel Tips on this Caribbean Cruise as Filipino Solo Backpacker

Royal Caribbean (Rhapsody of the Seas): 7 Nights Southern Caribbean Cruise

9 Days Ship Expedition in Summer Antarctica via Ushuaia

Seventh Continent on my Bucket List completing the #lakbaySevenContinents
November 22 to 30, 2019

“Antarctica is otherworldly, like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Stark, cold, beautiful desolation.” — Mark Hoppus

My 85th solo backpacking trip and the 7th continent that completed the Seven Continents of the World on my Bucket List. I did not research that much for this continent due also on limited time and laziness.

Antarctica is a land of extremes: it is the coldest and driest continent on Earth and has the highest average elevation. As the fifth largest continent in the world, Antarctica is also the most Southern, overlying the "South Pole". Scarcely touched by humans, the frozen land boasts breathtaking scenery, broken by only a handful of scientific bases and a "permanent" population of scientists numbering only a few thousand.
https://wikitravel.org/en/Antarctica

9 Days Ship Expedition in Summer Antarctica via Ushuaia