Cebu, Philippines cruises
Cebu offers an alluring mix of attractions, including the historic spots where Spanish settlers first landed and incredible marine parks positively teeming with tropical sea life.
Cebu is a large city located on the island of the same name, boasting a range of cultural and historical attractions, as well as great shopping and a fine dining scene. In addition to this, you will encounter some marvellous natural sites during your Cebu cruise, including wonderful white, sandy beaches.
The city as it is known today originally grew from the Spanish colonisation which began in 1565. The San Pedro Fort was built a few years later and the colony began to flourish. By 1569 the Spanish settlement had become a significant port for ships from Mexico, as well as serving as a departure point for ventures around other islands in the area.
For over 300 years the city and port evolved in the hands of the Spanish before an uprising in 1898 saw the Spanish eventually leave the island, after which the USA moved in a year later. WWII brought Japanese occupation to Cebu before finally being liberated in 1945. Since then the city has continued to grow and thrive, resulting in modern development in the 1990s and the emergence of diverse business districts.
The island of Cebu is located at the heart of the Philippines, sandwiched between Bohol and Negros in the Visayas island group. Its proximity to several other islands makes it the perfect place for exploring a larger quantity of the country, though Cebu and Cebu City are in themselves among the most popular attractions in the whole of the Philippines.
Cebu has an intriguing mixture of colonial architecture, Chinese heritage, fascinating museums, superb shopping and glorious beaches ensuring all cruises to Cebu are met with an endless list of attractions. Add to that the tasty street food culture in Cebu city, with the famed roasted suckling pig dish ‘lechon’ a particular favourite, and the result is one of the most complete tourist destinations in the country.
Begin your exploration of Cebu City at the beautiful Basilica of Santo Nino, a large church based on the convent of Santo Nino de Cebu established in 1565. San Pedro Fort provides another step back in time, marking the beginning of the Spanish colonisation, today located in a beautifully-scenic area of the city. Meanwhile, the Taoist Temple, with its impressive roof décor, reflects a more modern era in Cebu, that of Chinese culture and influence.
The American era is best encountered along Colon Street, recognised as the oldest street in the Philippines. Here there are several classic buildings, while by night a market is erected, transforming the area into an atmosphere of hustle and bustle. If you would like to gain more information about the history of Cebu, the Cebu Provincial Museum, located across stunning Spanish-era buildings, will shed light on the city’s heritage.
For a different sort of experience in Cebu, head to nearby Moalboal for a relaxing beach break. The soft sands here are perfect for soaking up the sun, or if you prefer, head out on a scuba diving or snorkelling trip for some exploration beneath the waves.