Cruising from Keelung, Taiwan, to Okinawa, Japan, has become a popular travel trend. It offers passengers the thrill of life at sea and the opportunity to explore the exotic allure of Okinawa. One of the top choices for this journey is the Italian-flagged Costa Serena cruise ship, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and well-curated itineraries.
Watch the following video on the Costa Cruise from Keelung to Okinawa for more interesting images.
Referred to as “The Italian Castle of the Seas,” Costa Serena offers a variety of itineraries tailored to different travel interests. Onboard, guests can enjoy a diverse range of dining experiences, watch live entertainment, and participate in activities suitable for all ages, making for a fun and memorable experience.
About the cruise ship
Costa Serena is an Italian-flagged cruise ship operated by the Italian cruise line Costa Crociere (Costa Cruises). Built by Fincantieri in Genoa, Italy, the ship was officially inaugurated on May 19, 2007.
Costa Serena can accommodate up to 3,780 passengers across 1,500 cabins, including 914 outside cabins (500 with balconies), 586 inside cabins, and 28 accessible cabins for passengers with disabilities. With a crew of approximately 1,100, the ship maintains a crew-to-passenger ratio of 1:3.1, ensuring a high level of attentive service.
The vessel features 17 decks, with 13 of them open to passengers. Each deck is named after a character from Greek mythology or a zodiac sign. Costa Serena has a cruising speed of 21.5 knots and a maximum speed of 23 knots. The ship measures 292 meters (958 feet) in length, 36 meters (118 feet) in beam, and has a draft of 8.3 meters (27.2 feet). It has a gross tonnage of approximately 114,500 tons, making it a spacious and well-equipped vessel for extended voyages.
The ship also offers a well-equipped fitness center, sports courts, and a variety of organized activities. Families will appreciate the dedicated children’s areas and engaging programs designed to entertain younger guests, ensuring a fun-filled experience for all ages. With its elegant design and comprehensive amenities, Costa Serena delivers an unforgettable cruise adventure.
One of the most striking features of Costa Serena is the Pantheon Atrium (神殿中庭), which soars nine decks high and serves as the ship’s architectural centerpiece. The ship also boasts a 170m² (1,830 square foot) outdoor jogging track, a sports hall, casino, disco, library, a giant outdoor movie screen located on the pool deck, a golf simulator, shopping center, video arcade, the Squok Club for young children, a kids’ splash pool area, and a dedicated teens’ club equipped with flat-screen TVs, games, and a jukebox.
The atrium is adorned with statues of Roman and Greek gods, and many public spaces on board are named after classical deities — such as the Grand Bar Apollo, Mercury Salon, and the Jupiter Theatre, a three-deck-high venue that hosts a wide range of performances and entertainment.
Features of the cruise ship
The ship was named Serena to symbolize harmony and serenity. With Greek and Roman mythology as its central theme, Costa Serena is a magnificent cruise ship that blends luxury with comfort, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking a memorable maritime experience.
Guests can enjoy a diverse range of dining experiences across five onboard restaurants, from gourmet cuisine at specialty venues to more casual meals at relaxed eateries. The ship also features 13 bars and some lounges, providing the perfect settings for socializing and unwinding after a day of exploration.
In addition to its exceptional dining and entertainment options, Costa Serena features a wide range of recreational facilities. These include four swimming pools — two with retractable glass roofs (magrodomes), one with a water chute, a dedicated children’s pool, and five Jacuzzi hot tubs.
A particularly memorable highlight is the surprise flash mob dances performed by the cruise staff during dinner service at Costa Serena’s Vesta Restaurant.
Adding to its unique charm, Costa Serena was featured as the setting for the 2007 Italian film Natale in Crociera, and in 2009, it was the subject of a six-episode National Geographic Channel documentary series, Cruise Ship Diaries.
Shore excursions of the cruise ship
Costa Serena offers a variety of shore excursions to exotic destinations, allowing passengers to explore local art, culture, cuisine, and the natural environment. At each stop, guests are accompanied by a knowledgeable guide or a Costa escort to enrich their experience.
During the 5-day cruise adventure from Taiwan to Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture, passengers can participate in curated shore excursions organized by the cruise line. Highlights include a scenic tour of Ishigaki Island, a glass-bottom boat cruise in the crystal-clear waters of Kabira Bay, and visits to Oganzaki Cape, the Ishigaki Island Stalactite Cave, and Yaimamura Village. Travelers can also enjoy the world-renowned Churaumi Aquarium, immerse themselves in traditional culture at Ryukyu Mura, and take in the stunning coastal views from Manzamou Cape.
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