Is Boracay Really Worth The Hype? Let’s See! | Norwegian Spirit, Christmas & New Years Cruise

[@MerCruisesSolo]

That dinner at Silk was sooooo good! 😋 Such a nice relaxing beach day in a beautiful place! 😊

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@MerCruisesSolo I love going to Silk! It’s a great option for something a bit different than the rest. Ohh the views were beautiful everywhere on the beach 🤩

[@pinoyislander4400]

Even my tunesian colleagues in Germany they went to Thailand to experience the Pleasure there. Most of my colleagues they talk Thailand but once they come to the Philippines they would be suprised the beauty of the nature here🇵🇭 our kindness and the language they never knew that english is our 2nd official language. Thanks and hope u enjoyed Philippines👍

[@aprilrich807]

My beloved daughter in law is Filipino (though born and raised in the U.S.), so I’ve always wanted to visit the Philippines! Such lovely people. Thank you for this, Ben!

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@aprilrich807 very very friendly people, April! Beautiful beaches too, definitely worth a visit if you can go! 😁

[@docriztigbauan7596]

You are welcome to visit Madam!you will definitely enjoy!no mistake!😊❤

[@bdesalis]

You are making us want to go to the Philippines. Need to look up Boracay and the beach!

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@bdesalis check it out if you get the chance, Bob!

[@matthewhildebrandt1901]

I've always heard good things about Boracay. Looks nice. I know a couple of people who live in the Philippines, so I'd like to visit someday. Thanks, Ben!

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@matthewhildebrandt1901 it’s on many people bucket list and I can see why! Very nice place, check it out if you ever get the chance! Cheers, Matthew!

[@MonicaTanAnLeng]

Hi, Ben! Haven’t been to Boracay in almost 30 years. Hahaha. First time I went,there was still no electricity though generators were turned on during night and 24/7 in the high end resorts. Can you imagine Boracay with no electricity but even more pristine back then? My sister, her friend and I also went to a bat cave. It was already crowded (at least for me) on the 2nd time there (almost 30 years ago). Glad you found Boracay to your liking. And I look forward to your video on Puerto Princesa and the remaining stops on your cruise. Thanks for all your good work and positive attitude.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@MonicaTanAnLeng wow, I’m sure a lot has changed in 30 years, Monica! No electricity is crazy, I can’t imagine it! I liked Boracay a lot, I’d love to go back! Next port coming soon 😁

[@docriztigbauan7596]

Nice to come back ,good luck Madam

[@DonaldYoung-b7x]

Thank you Ben, now we know to consider the Phillipines for a beach trip. On my cruise 3 months ago my friend was picked to play Deal or No Deal! She ended up with $75, and had a lot of fun.😊

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@DonaldYoung-b7x cheers, Donald! Philippines was great, extremely nice beaches! Deal or No Deal is so fun! The most I’ve seen anyone win is $200! Thank you for watching early! 😁

[@piacash5216]

Wow !!! Lovely guys 👍👍👍 Boracay Has the Pristine water 🙏💪👌👋

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@piacash5216 it was perfect! 🤩

[@Chris_Carini]

Great vlog. Looks like a brilliant cruise option. NCL works for me as a solo traveller.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@Chris_Carini cheers, Chris! Me too, NCL is the best cruise line for solo cruisers 👍

[@dr.ikeavina3761]

Looked like a fun time Ben! Thanks for sharing your adventures with us!!!!

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@dr.ikeavina3761 cheers, Dr Ike! It was a relaxing but fun day!

[@brendalogan6281]

I love traveling solo, and you are so right you meet so many people when you're traveling solo. or you can if you want to! Loved your green shoes!

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@brendalogan6281 I totally agree, Brenda! You’re much more likely to meet people if you’re alone but if you don’t want to meet anyone then you don’t have to! You travel however you want. I like my new shoes 😂

[@david1234lee]

Good afternoon, Ben ! The beach and water quality look better than those in Thailand . Enjoy !

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@david1234lee I agree, David! Much better!

[@LeoFlores-f6u]

Ben,thank you for your videos and being a straight man i love watching your videos once again welcome to the Philippines home of beautiful beaches around the world

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@LeoFlores-f6u thank you, Leo! I’m always honest 👍

[@planning-A1945]

Nice vlog 🥰 cruise ship experience to Philippines ❤

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@planning-A1945 thank you!

[@shimaosman6520]

Thanks 4 ur effort of sharing our beloved country the Philippines. Enjoy your time guys in my beautiful country Philippines. Explore more videos and go reach the country has 7,641 islands which has a blue crystals clear water and a views everywhere are amazing. So enjoy ur time and eating our delicious food and dessert with a cheap prices everywhere. Watching u from Cairo, Egypt originally from Davao City the Philippines. 🥰🇵🇭🇪🇬

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@shimaosman6520 thank you for watching 😁

[@cattimascha1985]

That was a nice beach😊❤

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@cattimascha1985 beautiful!

[@TennesseebredbutLouisianaishom]

Just discovered your channel recently and I am enjoying the content very much. Looks as if you are having a great cruise on the Norwegian Spirit. Look forward to your next trip. 😊

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@TennesseebredbutLouisianaishom thank you for watching! I’m glad you enjoy my videos 😁 this cruise on the Spirit was amazing! I loved it!

[@jimusikero]

summer season would be nice to visit in Boracay. March to May

[@ameliatongol9266]

New subscriber here from Seattle Washington thank you for visiting my beautiful country I love watching your vlog enjoy your stay mabuhay ❤

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@ameliatongol9266 thank you, Amelia! I’m glad you enjoy my videos 😁 Philippines is great! I enjoyed visiting very much!

[@akemim9434]

Hi Ben, Glad you are having fun. That beach was beautiful!

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@akemim9434 cheers, Akemi! I agree!

[@paulknowles8469]

Thanks for another great video, I always look forward to your travels! One day we will be able to compare Thailand with the Philippines - we have family from both countries. While visiting Thailand, we were fortunate enough to have family as our guides and they protected us from the bad areas and took us to some great beaches. We likely will visit the Philippines within the next few years and see for ourselves! Of course, our Filipino family tells us they have the best!

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@paulknowles8469 cheers, Paul! Some people don’t like comparing but I think it’s completely valid to compare. Very different places, having a guide will make a big difference! Thailand street food wins but Philippines wins in almost every other way 😂

[@wahoowahoo2341]

I agree ..Been both to Thailand and Philippines... More Beautiful in Philippines... Wayyy Beautiful ❤❤❤

[@DSDMDSDM]

wow welcoming you all from the cruise ship to Philippines ❤❤❤❤❤ A L S And Late Subscribers 😊✌

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@DSDMDSDM thank you! Philippines is great 😊

[@carolleiter6027]

Great video, Ben. Thank you.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@carolleiter6027 thank you, Carol! A very fun day, very relaxing 😁

[@rgruenhaus]

I mentioned on Meredith's channel that the Asian restaurant called Lotus Garden is now a Specialty Restaurant and it should be like MAS and you get 3 appetizers and entrée and up to 3 desserts, so the top two areas appetizers and Sushi rolls I was told are considered appetizers for the 3 of them from the list. The Lotus Garden only has 3 desserts and I think I only like one, but I was told I could get 3 of that one. No reservations ahead of boarding in that restaurant though.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@rgruenhaus sounds good, Robert! I’d love to try it 😁

[@EllHun]

I see there are still Christmas decorations up, which begs the question- do they keep them up the whole cruise and then take them down in record speed on debarkation day or do they take them down bit by bit during the cruise?

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@EllHun they disappear in a few days, Ellen!

[@David-Angela]

Hi Ben Hope you are well. Nice review👍. You are so happy, positive and love what you are doing, and informative 👏.. we really enjoy your reviews. What a nice beach and the water looked nice. Is the water cold? There’s certainly lots of people swimming. There’s so much to do! Your evening gear you were wearing looked cool 👍. Good selection of food in the evening at Silk. Nice interaction with Meredith. Your next days trip ‘puerto princess’ looks good👌 Thanks for a great video Ben. We really enjoyed it. Looking forward to your next journey. David & Angela x

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@David-Angela thank you, David & Angela! I’m glad you enjoy my videos and look forward to the next one 😁 White Beach was beautiful, the water was perfect, not cold at all! Silk dining room is a great option for Asian food, I like the food there very much! Puerto Princesa was a very different experience than Boracay 😂 coming soon!

[@David-Angela]

@@TravelWithBen121 Fantastic. Thanks for the reply 👍

[@betsyhertzog1454]

I saw it, a circular steps - great !

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@betsyhertzog1454 yes!

[@docriztigbauan7596]

😂Ben the dark waters is the same as the waters in the day..monsters will i think be found in the Mariana's Trench and not where u cruise 😅❤

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@docriztigbauan7596 but in the day, you can see the monsters 😂

[@stephencoutu2674]

How did you ever learn to find such joy in the little things, such as green sneakers, it is refreshing to see such a big smile. 😁 My puppy is the ownly creature that comes close to your level of contentment. 🐕

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@stephencoutu2674 new shoes is not a little thing! I love buying new shoes 😂 and I think my new green shoes are cool 😎 you gotta appreciate everything!

[@ronplourde7658]

Nice video. Looks like you had a great day. Where there a lot of peddlers that were trying to sell things? Earlier in your video, I saw those two men that were standing behind you like they were maybe trying to sell you something.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@ronplourde7658 thank you, Ron! There were some people trying to sell tours or tuk tuk rides but not many at all! Way less than previous ports. But no one was pushy, a simple ‘no’ and they moved on!

[@ronplourde7658]

Nice that is good. My God I have been at certain ports and just cannot get away from the peddlers. I do wish a simple no would work sometimes. 😂

[@TravelWithBen121]

@ me too, Ron! Some people can’t take no for an answer but in the Philippines, I noticed they move on when you say no.

[@samanthaghostlady]

Hi Ben, I’m going with ncl sun similar cruise but with 2 x Thailand stops and 2 x Philippine stops. But question I have is for Brunei. From what I gather (as a Brit) we fill out arrival card before we leave uk but the Bruhealth declaration is not straight forward with the text code and only 60 seconds to fill in and also if you need internet on board ship to do it. Please can you explain how you did that on the spirit? Many thanks

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@samanthaghostlady sounds like a fun itinerary, Samantha! I have a British passport too and we went to Brunei during this cruise. I didn’t need to do anything before hand! While I was on the ship, a few days before we got to Brunei, the ship gave every a website to go to and complete an online form, that’s it! Very easy.

[@samanthaghostlady]

@ that’s great ☺️ we have Malaysia and Singapore as well but rest does not look like you fill in anything which is fab

[@TravelWithBen121]

@ Mer has a US passport so she did have to do some visa stuff before the cruise but all the countries we went, I didn’t need a single visa and I didn’t need to do anything before hand. Good luck!

[@samanthaghostlady]

@ ☺️ thanks

[@DM-jn8sm]

Hi Ben how any suit luggage's do you have for such a long travel? Would like to know how you pack. I travel also solo on all ships. Enjoy your moments

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@DM-jn8sm I just had 1 suitcase which was about 20KG! I traveling to hot and cold countries before the cruise so I had to pack for all weather. I was already traveling for 6 weeks before the cruise started so I didn’t just pack for the cruise!

[@allblueberries]

Great video. What is the tipping culture on cruises?

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@allblueberries same as everywhere else. Your money, spend it however you want 😂

[@robertshaffery667]

Great video. Does your cruise package include all food and drinks ?

[@piacash5216]

The Food is included in the Package when you book a Cruise… the Drinks is 300 Dollars per Package if you a Couples.. you can’t buy a Drink package if you a single… That’s what I know here in the USA… I don’t know in the Philippines Cruises if it’s the same

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@piacash5216 I had the drinks package and I cruises solo 👍

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@robertshaffery667 some food is included Robert, there are complimentary and specialty restaurants which you pay extra for. You can pay per drink or you can buy the drinks package which includes as many drinks as you want.

[@brendalogan6281]

Ben, I was just wondering what you're thinking about all the information that is coming out now about ports, wanting to stop the cruise ships from coming there. Especially the heritage places and the smaller cities...even Barcelona, Amsterdam etc... I think the ships are getting too big and it's ridiculous how many people are getting off the ships in these places esp the smaller villages. I think ships with two and three thousand people on it are a lot when it comes to several docking at a time and everyone swarming into the cities...But when you start getting 6000 to 8000 passengers that just seems so ridiculous to me! what do you think from your experience? You've been out there a whole lot more than I have been.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@brendalogan6281 it’s a win/lose situation, Brenda. I can understand both sides but these places are so so reliant on tourism, they would struggle without tourists but that comes with a huge number of people visiting. For example, if Barcelona suddenly stopped all tourists from visiting, hotels, restaurants, stores, attractions, would all immediately close. Do they want that? Of course not. The only thing to do is limit the number of tourists but it’s impossible! Ports in the Philippines and smaller ports rely even more on cruise ships because they need the money even more! I agree that ships are getting too big but these places can’t turn down the money tourists and ships brings in. I understand both sides!

[@piacash5216]

@@TravelWithBen121very well said… This Country Rely on Tourism no Tourists no jobs I think She wants to Add more Homeless Peoples in the Streets…. Jobs nowadays is Hard to Come by

[@TravelWithBen121]

@ “the ship visitors spend very little money on shore”, this is not true at all 😂 you’re very wrong about that.

[@BCS2023]

Hi Ben, I have a theory for the Asian dancer that needs a cane while walking: his dance partner IS the cane. She provides the third (and fourth) “leg” for his stability. Alternate theory - he needs the cane to fight off the ladies that want to step out with him on the dance floor - haha. Great video. Thanks!

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@BCS2023 HAHAHA I believe both, Craig 😂

[@violetlight8138]

I've danced tango for many years. I have shoes that are really high and I can't walk in them hardly at all, but I can dance in them like nobody's business.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@violetlight8138 the science doesn’t make sense, Violet 😂 but I believe it!

[@liezelvevang5306]

The important things is they speak fluently English as a second language 😊in Philippines 🇵🇭 ❤

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@liezelvevang5306 it’s not that important, Liezel 😁 that doesn’t make or break a vacation!

[@betsyhertzog1454]

Does main pool have regular steps to get in ?

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@betsyhertzog1454 yes, Betsy!

[@johnchristie1550]

Nice 0:21

[@stephencoutu2674]

You know that you have truly reached the pinacle of a great society when traveling when you spot those glorious golden arches on the horizon! LOL The only thing even greater is a KFC sign. Nothing like real native cuisene!

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@stephencoutu2674 HAHA I feel like if there’s a McDonald’s somewhere then it must be a little bit developed 😂 but also very touristy! I agree, KFC wins!

[@ReyvenBergado-tf2sc]

Boracay is the world greatest beach . El NIdo is also the Best in the world for island hopping Better than Thailand .

[@cleofedeasis6774]

Nice Norwegian cruise tnx for coming here in the pilipines enjoy my friend god bless u always care❤❤❤

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@cleofedeasis6774 thank you, Cleofe!

[@JustShelby888]

I don’t understand how people work out at night. Working out gets me energized. I have to work out in the morning. I work out at night. I would never go to sleep. Plus I feel like I’m tired by the end of the day but maybe that’s cause I’m a morning person. But good on them for getting in the gym on their vacation. 😂 Also, I think a lot of people go to Thailand just because it’s safer, I actually I’ve been looking into the Philippines after I’ve been watching your videos and especially after Manila videos and it seems like it’s quite unsafe from everything you read online, especially as a solo traveler, but I mean, I’m sure there’s just certain parts that are like that but you don’t really hear too much about that in Thailand or other southeast Asian countries

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@JustShelby888 working out in the morning is much better, Shelby 👍 hmm I’m not sure if Thailand is safer than Philippines. I didn’t feel totally safe in either of them. Definitely depends which area but Thailand isn’t all that, in my opinion!

[@JustShelby888]

@ I don’t know personally, I haven’t been to either of them, so I’m looking forward to testing the theory, but I feel like there’s probably unsafe areas of all countries. They’re just seem to be a lot more warnings online about the Philippines, but you know if you research it, Thailand government spends big-time money on their tourism budget. I think like 50 years ago they kicked it in the hike gear. There’s actually a video somewhere on KZbin and it might be from Wendover productions, I believe, and it talks about how the Thai government even trains, all the restaurants around the world to cook Thai food that’s why no matter where you go. The Thai food taste the exact same. And they actually finance the opening of a lot of these restaurants and give them subsidiaries even here in America to promote Thailand. So that might have something to do with it.

[@JustShelby888]

I just looked it up. It’s the other channel from Sam half as interesting. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWGcgnaCotN2i7csi=GZRBn-r9cYcGZfg2

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@JustShelby888 you’re right about more warnings about The Philippines. I personally felt safer there than Thailand but I didn’t spend that much time in either to get the full experience!

[@MikeJones-uh7mt]

I live in Boracay and it is super safe. Used to live in Manila and you have to be careful but Manila is not a city for tourists. The warnings from the the US and UK governments put out are only for the far south part of the Philippines. The rest is perfectly safe. Philippines is all about the beaches and nature. Go to Boracay, Go to Palawan ( El Nideo and Coron), go to Bohol, and more tourist friendly locations in the Philippines. But please go to Thailand which is really a total tourist trap the Thai government has created. And by the way the Philippines is a democracy and Thailand is run by the military. Hope on your trip to Thailand you do not caught in the middle of a protect that the military puts down!

[@izabela1961]

0:13 No, please, no! You make me go to the fridge each time I see that food

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@izabela1961 HAHA cruise food is one of the best things! 😆

[@bw5911]

But do you ever “meet”☺️😉😛 someone?

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@bw5911 of course, plenty! You just never see them 😎

[@bw5911]

@ Bad boy!😛

[@doc2log]

If you do not want crowds, Boracay is not the place to be. There are other islands and beaches just as nice as Boracay in this country of 7, 600 islands. Just wondering why you stayed inCoron city when the islands around it are amazing. Wnite beach is sooo long and tourists are concentrated on Station 2 and 3...you can go to Station 1 at one end and practically little or no people there. Norweigian should just go straight to El Nido or Balaba island at its southern of Palawan which is considered the Maldives of the Philippines. Nothing much in Puerto Princesa. I urfe you to come back and experience the country mora than a few hours on each stop.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@doc2log I didn’t choose where the ship stopped, Deo 👍 I just got on the ship and it went there 😂 I would love to go back to the Philippines

[@docriztigbauan7596]

Yeah it's very clean because the last President Duterte had it closed and cleaned for 6months few years ago

[@GinoongBlue]

boracay was closed for 6 months by former president duterte for rehab, fixed roads and sewage, fixed easement to reclaim the beach area, etc

[@harrietdeluna583]

Philippines is a family vacation country Thailand is more for you young gentleman and business man that need to enjoy yourself no English needed .

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@harrietdeluna583 I don’t agree, Harriet 👍