Introduction
With a few weeks free, I grabbed the opportunity at the last minute to experience a luxury expedition cruise on a new cruise line launched in 2021 and not very well known in the U.S., Swan Hellenic Cruises. I was not able to persuade any of my friends to join me so I am now on my own, in a very comfortable balcony cabin, on a very beautiful ship, the SH Minerva. This is her maiden voyage in this part of Asia, from Manila, Philippines, traveling North to Kyushu, Japan, visiting a number of new places that I have always wanted to see. Come along with me as I post my adventures and enjoy what awaits.
Day 1: Manila to 100 Islands
Manila, the capital of the Philippines islands, is a juxtaposition of worlds. A dense urban center with all the chaos, grit, heavy traffic and pollution that comes with city life in the 21st century yet set among beautiful quiet south sea islands and rich agricultural lands. And with some of the most friendly, helpful people – seemingly raised to be polite and respectful, especially to their elders. It is no wonder that Filipinos dominate the staff of the cruising world and international call centers, being raised in English-medium schools.
After arriving non-stop from SFO in the late evening, I spent my only free morning in Manila walking around the Manila Bay Area, doing some last-minute shopping before taking a Grab (the main ride-hailing company in town) to the port to embark on my ship. Although there was a brief security check of my car upon entering the main terminal area, this was one of the most eerily relaxed unsupervised boardings I have experienced. I walked through a large cavernous building and after a few wrong turns and passing by a few lackadaisical immigration officers, I was directed outside where the SH Minerva was docked. Someone wearing a workers vest offered to help me carry my luggage up the gangway steps and onto the ship with no one checking my passport or ticket. Once onboard, I was warmly greeted and directed upstairs to reception where I was given my shipboard pass, shown my beautiful cabin and invited to lunch.
Everything about this cruise is more relaxed and friendlier than my past experiences. In part because there are only 48 guests on a ship that can hold 152 so I am getting to know many of my fellow passengers, with more Australians than other nationalities, more Canadians than Americans and only one young child who charms us all. This ship was designed for Antarctic travel and is a heavy-duty ice breaker, not needed for this cruise, for sure, but providing a strong sense of security.
We sail North in the morning, arriving after lunch to Philippine’s 100 Island National Park. Earlier that day there was a lecture about the local fish given in the large and comfortable observation lounge. I unfortunately was not able to attend as I was sitting outside on my private balcony enjoying my time to myself with my computer only to discover I was not able to open the very heavy door to get back into my cabin and had to wait until I hear a neighbor on their balcony and ask for help. I was comfortable and had the company of the world through the internet and was not concerned but did welcome my cabin steward’s entrance to release me back into the ships’ embracing hold. And an excellent lunch.
It is hot here and we are warned to bring water to drink as we climb into rubber zodiac boats to make a wet landing into ankle deep water onto one of the main islands where we are greeted with signs, necklaces and a whole band of local people to welcome us. These islands are a main day-time destination for locals for fun and relaxation, with some islands containing tourist facilities. We transfer to motorized boats with a local guide and take a guided cruise among the islands. Some of the islands are connected by pontoon bridges while some have specific recreation facilities, such as children’s areas, large tubes for water play, zip lines, and fast moving “banana boats” pulled by a speedboat through the fairly calm water. We stop at Pilgrimage Island and climb up 270 steps to the viewpoint, crowned with a large statue of Christ in this very Catholic country.
The weather is beautiful as we stop for snorkeling. I am not a true water-lover but I join the others and jump in for a short attempt at snorkeling – the water is my kind of temperature, like a warm bath – although the sea is stirred up by waves and is not clear enough for good sightings other than clams. At another location we stop at a beach for swimming. with special treats arranged by local people for us, fresh coconuts to drink, great platters of fried banana pieces and delicious mango slices. A wonderful break and a sample of the kind of unexpected treats provided on this cruise.
We are told by our guide that there are 5,000,000 tourists, local and international, that come here each year but it is hard to believe this as on this day we can certainly see hundreds of local families enjoying this Sunday outing but not thousands.
I will end this first post with a word about the truly excellent food I have been enjoying, made especially for me with my difficult diet restrictions, including very low salt. I am able to give my requests for the next day and the chefs are willing to prepare meals just for me, including such things as fried tofu, unsalted hummus, and unsalted grilled vegetables.
There is an endless sea outside the window and grey clouds outlined by the late afternoon sun as I prepare for tonights activities.
