Showing posts with label cruise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cruise. Show all posts

August 14, 2026

Our Disney Adventure Cruise Stateroom: A Look Inside Our Deluxe Inside Room

Going on a Disney cruise had been on my bucket list for the longest time. I remember dreaming about it when my son was still in grade school, imagining what it would be like for our family to experience a Disney cruise together.

But for us, it always felt like a faraway dream.

Coming from the Philippines, a Disney cruise meant more than just paying for the cruise itself. We had to consider the airfare, visa requirements, port fees, and all the other travel expenses that came with getting to the cruise port. With everything added up, it simply wasn't a budget-friendly vacation for our family.

Then, somehow, the opportunity I had been praying for came.

When Disney Cruise Line announced the Disney Adventure, their newest ship set to sail in Asia, I knew this could finally be our chance. The ship hadn't even had its maiden voyage yet when I started looking into it, but I was already excited about the possibility of experiencing a Disney cruise much closer to home.


And before I knew it, I booked it!

After dreaming about a Disney cruise for so many years, I was finally going to experience one with my family. It felt a little surreal because, for the longest time, I thought this was something that would remain on my bucket list.

Finally, Our Disney Cruise Adventure

Last year, I decided to make the trip part of our wedding anniversary celebration. I initially booked a 3-night cruise because of our limited time and budget.

But then, our original sailing was canceled.

When we had the opportunity to rebook, I decided to change our trip to 4 nights. Looking back, I'm actually glad we did because it gave us a little more time to enjoy the ship and experience everything the Disney Adventure had to offer.

Before this, my only experience staying overnight on an international ship was our trip from Oslo to Copenhagen via DFDS. It's primarily a ferry serving as a transportation link between the two cities. Still, it also offers cabins, restaurants, entertainment, and other amenities that make it feel like a mini cruise.

For that trip, I booked a cabin with bunk beds and a small window. So when it came to our Disney cruise, I knew I wanted a different kind of room.

Choosing Our Disney Adventure Stateroom

I didn't want bunk beds this time, so I chose a Deluxe Inside Stateroom.

It had no window, but I wasn't too concerned about that. I already knew that we wouldn't be spending much time in our room. With everything happening around the ship, I expected that we'd mostly use our stateroom for sleeping and getting ready.

And that's exactly what happened.

We mostly stayed in our room only to sleep, shower, change clothes, and get ready for the next activity. We were usually out exploring the ship, watching shows, eating, joining activities, or simply enjoying our Disney cruise adventure.

In fact, we were so busy that we never even tried ordering a meal through room service!

That turned out to be one of the reasons why I was happy with our decision to book an inside stateroom.

Our Disney Adventure Stateroom

Since the Disney Adventure was a brand-new ship when we sailed, our stateroom still felt fresh and new. It was exciting to finally see the room in person after booking the cruise when the ship was still awaiting its maiden voyage.

Our Deluxe Inside Stateroom measured approximately 169 to 209 square feet, depending on the stateroom configuration, and can accommodate up to four guests.


The room included Disney Cruise Line's signature split-bathroom layout, a queen-size bed, a convertible sofa bed, and a privacy curtain.





One thing that surprised me was how spacious the room felt. In fact, as I mentioned in one of my posts, our Disney cruise room was much bigger than our hotel room in Singapore!

For us, the lack of a window wasn't really a problem. Since we spent most of our time outside the room, I didn't feel like we were missing out. If you're also the type of traveler who plans to spend most of your cruise exploring the ship, an inside stateroom can be a practical option.

Bathroom and Toiletries

The bathroom came with the basic toiletries we needed, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, liquid soap, and body lotion.




There were also enough bath towels and hand towels for four guests, even though there were only three of us.

There were, however, a few things that I noticed were not provided in our room, including a dental kit, bedroom slippers, and a laundry bag.

I also didn't see a room-service breakfast order form in the room. I requested one, but unfortunately, I wasn't able to use it. 

There was only one extra pillow for the additional person sleeping on the sofa bed.

These weren't really a problem for us, but I think they're useful little details to know if you're preparing for your first Disney cruise.

Decorating Our Disney Cruise Door

Even though this was my first Disney cruise, I had already learned about one of the fun traditions among Disney cruisers: decorating the stateroom door.

Of course, I couldn't resist! I prepared our own cruise-door designs before the trip and brought them with us. I had actually written about our DIY Disney cruise magnets in one of my posts, so if you're planning your own cruise and want to decorate your door, you can check that post as well.


Seeing our decorated door every time we returned to our room made the experience feel even more special.

Was the Inside Stateroom the Right Choice for Us?

Looking back, I'm happy with our decision to book a Deluxe Inside Stateroom.

Would I have loved to have a balcony or ocean view? Of course! But considering our budget and the fact that we spent very little time in the room, the inside stateroom worked perfectly for our family.

For us, the room was mainly a place to sleep, shower, change, and recharge. The real Disney adventure was happening outside our door.

And after dreaming about a Disney cruise for so many years, simply being there, on a brand-new Disney ship sailing in Asia, already felt like a dream come true.
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August 07, 2026

9 Days in Singapore, Batam & Disney Cruise Adventure: How a Canceled Cruise Turned Into an Even Better Trip

I previously shared our experience at the Marhaba Lounge before our flight to Singapore, so now it's time to begin a new travel series featuring our 9 Days in Singapore, Batam, Indonesia, and Disney Cruise Adventure.


This trip was originally planned to celebrate our wedding anniversary. However, things didn't go exactly as planned. Disney Cruise Adventure moved its Maiden Voyage sailing date to March, which meant our original booking was canceled and we had to rebook our cruise.

I was honestly disappointed at first. It was supposed to be our very first cruise experience and our anniversary celebration, so receiving that cancellation email wasn't exactly the news we wanted. Looking back, though, everything worked out for the better.

Thankfully, I hadn't booked our flights yet, so only the cruise dates had to be changed. Disney Cruise also offered a 50% discount for affected guests who rebooked, and because I booked through a travel agency, the entire rebooking process was smooth and hassle-free.

The unexpected discount even allowed us to extend our vacation to nine days instead of our original plan. The only downside was that my son had to miss a few days of school after their academic calendar was extended. Fortunately, we arrived home just in time for his final exams.

Sometimes, travel plans don't go as expected, but they can still turn into something even better.

Our Planned Itinerary

Day 1
· Manila to Singapore
· Check in at Robertson Quay Hotel
· Dinner at Lau Pa Sat

Day 2
· Singapore to Batam, Indonesia
· Check in at Radisson Golf & Convention Center Batam

Day 3
· Batam Private Tour
· Return to Singapore
· Check in at Robertson Quay Hotel

Day 4
· Skyline Luge Singapore
· Universal Studios Singapore

Day 5
· Fort Canning Park
· Disney Cruise Adventure Embarkation

Day 6–8
· Disney Cruise Adventure

Day 9
· Disney Cruise Adventure Disembarkation
· Gardens by the Bay
· Flight back to Manila

Planned vs. Reality

As with most trips, not everything went according to plan.

We skipped our dinner at Lau Pa Sat after receiving a complimentary one-night upgrade to Siloso Beach Resort in Sentosa. Instead of heading to the hawker center, we decided to make the most of our unexpected beach stay.

We also missed Fort Canning Park because my son needed to attend his morning online classes. On our last day, we decided to skip Gardens by the Bay and head straight to Changi Airport, hoping we could change to an earlier flight. Unfortunately, all flights were already fully booked, so we simply enjoyed exploring the airport instead.

Despite these changes, our trip was still packed with wonderful experiences and unforgettable memories.

After eight months of waiting, our Singapore adventure had finally arrived.

Before leaving the Philippines, we made sure everything was ready, including our Singapore Arrival Card, eTravel registration, Singapore Airlines online check-in, and our Park N Fly reservation.

It had been years since my son and I last visited Singapore, so we were excited to experience the city again as a family. We booked our flights with Singapore Airlines during one of their travel sales the previous year, which gave us a great airfare deal.


Since travel tax wasn't included in our ticket, we paid it at the airport before check-in. We also exchanged some cash for both Singapore and Indonesia before relaxing at the Marhaba Lounge while waiting for our flight.

Our flight landed ahead of schedule, and we took a taxi from Changi Airport to Robertson Quay Hotel, where I had originally booked three nights. To our surprise, the hotel staff offered us a complimentary one-night upgrade to Siloso Beach Resort in Sentosa. Of course, we couldn't say no!

Because of the last-minute change, we skipped our planned dinner at Lau Pa Sat and headed straight to Sentosa instead. It was a bit of a shame because we arrived in Singapore late in the day, and our ferry to Batam was scheduled early the next morning, leaving us very little time to enjoy the resort.

Still, I was grateful for the opportunity to experience staying in Sentosa, something we hadn't originally planned.


Since we've already visited Singapore several times, we thought it would be fun to add a side trip to Batam, Indonesia.

The ferry ride takes only about an hour, making Batam an easy day trip from Singapore. However, because ferry tickets aren't exactly cheap, we decided to stay overnight instead.


Preparing for this part of the trip required a bit more work since we had to arrange our Indonesia visa along with the arrival cards for both Indonesia and Singapore.

There are several Batam tours available through Klook, but I chose a private tour so we could visit only the places we were interested in.


Interestingly, I changed our itinerary the night before. Instead of squeezing in as many tourist spots as possible, I decided I would rather spend more time shopping and relaxing.

Our final itinerary included:

· Barelang Bridge
· Welcome to Batam Sign
· A local temple
· A souvenir shop
· Nagoya Mall

Our driver even joked that our itinerary was one of the easiest he'd ever handled.

The private tour usually lasted up to ten hours, but since we visited only a few attractions, we reached Nagoya Mall after just two hours. We spent around three hours shopping before our driver picked us up and brought us back to the hotel.

After resting for a while in the hotel lobby, we headed to the ferry terminal for our trip back to Singapore.

Day 4: Skyline Luge Singapore & Universal Studios Singapore

Since Universal Studios Singapore isn't very large, I knew we wouldn't need an entire day inside the park. To maximize our time, I added Skyline Luge Singapore to our itinerary.

We rode the luge first before spending the rest of the day enjoying the rides and attractions at Universal Studios Singapore.



Finally, it was time for the highlight of our entire trip, Disney Cruise Adventure.


This cruise had been on my travel bucket list for years, so finally experiencing it felt surreal. I never imagined Disney Cruise would become accessible from Asia. With no visa required, reasonably priced flights to Singapore, and shorter cruise itineraries, it has become much easier for families in our region to experience a Disney cruise.

We booked the 5-day, 4-night sailing. Honestly? Even after five days, it still wasn't enough. There were so many activities, shows, character experiences, and dining options that we couldn't fit everything into one sailing.

Our first cruise exceeded our expectations, and I can already tell this won't be our last.

Day 9: Singapore to Manila

After disembarking from the cruise, we originally planned to visit Gardens by the Bay before our flight home. Instead, we headed straight to Changi Airport and tried to move to an earlier flight. Unfortunately, every flight was already full.


Since there wasn't much we could do, we simply made the most of our remaining time by exploring one of our favorite airports in the world before flying back to Manila.

Looking back, this trip didn't go exactly according to plan, and that's perfectly okay. Some attractions were skipped, our anniversary cruise was postponed, and our itinerary changed more than once. Yet somehow, everything still came together into one unforgettable family adventure.

Sometimes the best trips aren't the ones that go perfectly; they're the ones filled with unexpected moments that become your favorite memories.

This is just the beginning of my travel series. In the next posts, I'll be sharing detailed guides, hotel reviews, Batam travel tips, and, of course, our complete Disney Cruise Adventure experience.
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July 22, 2026

Loboc River Cruise Buffet: A Relaxing Lunch Experience in Bohol

The Loboc River Cruise Buffet was included in the Bohol Countryside Tour that we booked. It was our fourth stop of the day, following our visits to the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, Chocolate Hills, and the Bilar Man-Made Forest.

By the time we arrived, it was already past 12:00 noon, making it the perfect time to enjoy a relaxing lunch while cruising along the scenic Loboc River.

This was actually my husband and my second visit, with our first trip being 17 years ago. This time, however, our experience was even more special because we were joined by our son and two senior citizens in our family. It was wonderful to revisit one of Bohol's most popular attractions together and create new memories across three generations.




I was pleasantly surprised by how much the place has improved over the years. The waiting area is now much larger and more organized, with several convenient facilities, including food stalls, comfortable seating areas, clean comfort rooms, a pasalubong shop, and a photo booth where you can purchase souvenir photos taken during the cruise.

Once aboard, we enjoyed a buffet featuring a variety of Filipino dishes while taking in the lush greenery and peaceful surroundings of the river. It was wonderful to experience the relaxing atmosphere once again. One of the highlights of the cruise was the live cultural performance, where local performers showcased traditional Filipino music and dances, making the experience even more memorable because you could participate. The cruise was also senior-friendly, allowing our elderly companions to comfortably enjoy the sights, delicious food, and entertainment at a leisurely pace.





The river cruise lasted for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving us plenty of time to enjoy our meal, admire the beautiful scenery, and simply unwind.





After the cruise, we stopped by the photo booth to claim our souvenir pictures. The photos cost around ₱150 each. There was quite a long queue since each photo was printed upon request, but it was worth the wait to have a keepsake from our visit.


Overall, the Loboc River Cruise Buffet remains one of the must-try experiences in Bohol. Whether it's your first visit or you're returning after many years like we did, it's a relaxing way to enjoy delicious Filipino cuisine, beautiful river views, and a glimpse of the province's rich culture. It's also an activity that families of all ages, from young children to senior citizens, can enjoy together.

After our delightful lunch cruise, we continued our Bohol Countryside Tour and headed to our next destination, the Mirror of the World.
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July 20, 2026

Day 2: Bohol Countryside Tour + Mirror of the World: Revisiting a Timeless Destination After 17 Years

 "Some places change over the years, while others simply remind you why you fell in love with them in the first place."
 
Seventeen years ago, my husband and I visited Bohol for the first time. It was one of those trips that stayed with us because of the island's natural beauty, rich history, and laid-back charm. Back then, we rented a car for only PHP 2,000 and explored the countryside at our own pace.
 
Fast forward 17 years, and we returned to Bohol, this time with our son and two senior citizens. Revisiting the island while creating new memories with family made the trip even more special. Since we'd already taken the classic countryside tour, we decided to add Mirror of the World, a newer attraction that wasn't around during our first visit.

Initially, I wanted to book our tour through Klook, but when I was planning this trip a couple of years ago, Klook had only limited options for the Bohol Countryside Tour, so I ended up booking through a local travel agency. It worked out well for our family, especially since we were traveling with two senior citizens and wanted the flexibility of a private tour.

As of this writing, Klook now offers several Bohol tour packages, giving travelers more choices depending on their budget and preferred itinerary. Some of the available options include:

If you're planning your trip, it's worth comparing these packages with offers from local travel agencies to find the one that best suits your travel style, group size, and itinerary.

For our group of five, we paid PHP 2,290 per person, which included:
 
Private air-conditioned vehicle with fuel
Tourist driver
Entrance fees
Buffet lunch at the Loboc River Floating Restaurant
Pick-up and drop-off anywhere in Tagbilaran City or Panglao Island
 
Since Mirror of the World isn't part of the standard countryside tour, we paid an additional PHP 1,000 for the van plus PHP 170 per person for the daytime entrance fee (or PHP 190 for the night tour).
 
Total: PHP13,300
 
Starting Our Day
 
Since we booked the morning tour, we made sure to have an early breakfast at The Bellevue Resort before heading out.


 
Our assigned tourist driver picked us up at exactly 8:30 AM from the resort. The day before the tour, the travel agency had already sent us the driver's details, making everything organized and hassle-free.

 
The entire countryside tour lasted for around eight hours, allowing us to visit all the attractions at a comfortable pace.
 
Our Bohol Countryside Tour Itinerary
 
1. Tarsier Sanctuary


 
Our first stop was the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary.
 
This was actually one of the biggest differences I noticed compared to our first visit 17 years ago. Back then, we visited what felt like a private garden where visitors simply gave a donation to see the tarsiers.
 
Today, the sanctuary is much more organized. It has designated walking paths, educational displays, and even museum-like exhibits where visitors can learn more about the Philippine tarsier before seeing them in their natural habitat.
 
These tiny primates remain one of Bohol's most iconic attractions. Visitors are reminded to keep their voices low, avoid using flash photography, and never touch the tarsiers since they are extremely sensitive to stress.
 
2. Chocolate Hills




Next, we headed to the iconic Chocolate Hills.
 
After 17 years, I was surprised by how much the area has improved. There are now more facilities and several dedicated photo spots for visitors.
 
While I appreciate all the improvements, I still have a soft spot for our first visit. Back then, there were fewer barriers, and we were even able to take those classic "flying broomstick" and jump shots with the Chocolate Hills stretching behind us. Those photos remain some of my favorite travel memories.
 
Since we visited during the summer, there were significantly more tourists, which meant longer lines at the different photo spots. If you're planning to visit during peak season, expect to wait a bit if you want to take photos at the most popular viewpoints.
 
3. Bilar Man-Made Forest
 
From Chocolate Hills, we passed through the famous Bilar Man-Made Forest.


Even after all these years, driving beneath the towering mahogany trees still feels magical. The cool shade provides a refreshing break from the tropical heat, making it one of the most scenic stretches of the countryside tour.
 
Although it's usually just a quick stop, it's definitely worth taking a few photos.
 
4. Loboc River Cruise with Buffet Lunch
 
By lunchtime, we arrived at the Loboc River Cruise.
 
This remains one of my favorite parts of the countryside tour because you get to enjoy a relaxing river cruise while having a buffet lunch featuring Filipino dishes.



One thing I noticed that's new is the onboard photography service. Staff members take souvenir photos of guests during the cruise, and after the trip, you can choose to purchase digital copies, printed photos, or both if you'd like a keepsake of your experience.
 
As always, the live music, cultural performances, and peaceful scenery along the Loboc River made the experience enjoyable.
 
5. Mirror of the World
 
Since this was a revisit, we wanted to include something we hadn't experienced before, Mirror of the World.
 
This attraction features miniature replicas of famous landmarks from different countries, making it a fun place to explore and take photos.



 
Because we visited in the afternoon, it was quite hot. If you're planning to include Mirror of the World in your itinerary, you may want to bring an umbrella, wear comfortable clothing, and stay hydrated. Visiting later in the afternoon or during the night tour might also be more comfortable.
 
Despite the heat, it was a nice addition to our itinerary and gave us something new to experience after revisiting Bohol's classic attractions.
 
6. Baclayon Church



Our next stop was the historic Baclayon Church.
 
One of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines, it continues to impress with its centuries-old architecture and peaceful atmosphere. Having survived earthquakes and undergone restoration, it remains an important historical and religious landmark in Bohol.
 
7. Blood Compact Shrine


Our final tourist stop was the Blood Compact Shrine.
 
The monument commemorates the historic Sandugo or blood compact between Datu Sikatuna and Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi in 1565, symbolizing friendship between the Filipinos and Spaniards.
 
It's a quick stop, but it's a nice way to end the countryside tour while appreciating a significant chapter in Philippine history.
 
Back to The Bellevue Resort
 
After around eight hours of sightseeing, our driver brought us back to The Bellevue Resort.
 
After spending the entire day exploring Bohol, we took some time to rest before ending the day with a relaxing night swim at the resort. It was the perfect way to unwind after a full day of sightseeing.



 
Final Thoughts
 
Revisiting Bohol after 17 years reminded me that while destinations naturally evolve, the memories they create remain timeless.
 
The Chocolate Hills now have better facilities, the Tarsier Sanctuary has become more educational and organized, and attractions like Mirror of the World give returning visitors something new to experience.
 
Whether it's your first trip or your second (or even third!), The Bohol Countryside Tour continues to be one of the best ways to experience the island's history, culture, wildlife, and natural beauty in a single day. Traveling with our son and two senior citizens also proved that it's a family-friendly itinerary that's enjoyable for travelers of all ages.
 
Travel Tips for the Bohol Countryside Tour
 
Here are a few things to keep in mind before your countryside tour:
 
Dress comfortably. Wear light, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes, especially if you're visiting during the summer months. Some attractions require a bit of walking, and it can get quite hot in the afternoon.
 
Bring extra clothes if you're doing the ATV adventure. If you plan to add an ATV ride at Chocolate Hills, expect to get dusty or muddy depending on the weather. A change of clothes and washable footwear will come in handy.
 
Dress appropriately for church visits. Since the itinerary includes historic churches like Baclayon Church, it's a good idea to wear modest clothing. If you're wearing shorts, a short skirt, or a sleeveless top, bring a shawl or light cover-up out of respect for the church's dress guidelines.
 
Baclayon Church is closed on Tuesdays. If your tour falls on a Tuesday, most tour operators substitute another historic stone church instead. You can still stop by Baclayon Church to admire its exterior and take photos of the grounds.
 
Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun. We visited Mirror of the World in the afternoon, and it was quite hot. Bringing a reusable water bottle, umbrella or cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen will make your tour much more comfortable.
 
Expect a full day of sightseeing. Our countryside tour lasted around eight hours, so it's best to have a hearty breakfast before your 8:30 AM pickup and keep some light snacks on hand, especially if you're traveling with children or senior citizens.

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