Now we have been journey running a blog for then previous 15 years, and most of these journeys have been executed backpacking model. However typically, we wish to commerce hostels for one thing a bit of extra bougie — ideally on the excessive seas. As a result of, let’s face it, every so often, all of us deserve a bit of pampering. And what screams “pampering” louder than a cruise? Floating buffets, gorgeous ocean views, and new vacation spot every day? We’re on board!
Cruising is the last word journey “hack” — unpack as soon as, feast like royalty, and let your floating resort-hotel take you to among the most unimaginable spots on the earth. It’s good for households, {couples}, and even solo adventurers on the lookout for a mixture of rest and exploration. Whether or not you’re lounging by the pool, savoring world cuisines, or stepping off the ship to discover a brand new port, cruising provides a hassle-free approach to see extra whereas doing much less.
However occurring a cruise isn’t precisely top-of-mind for many vacationers. And we get it. Cruising has some fairly wild stereotypes connected to it. Once we requested our buddies what they thought cruises have been like earlier than they really tried one, the solutions have been hilariously predictable. It may be summed as much as this: “It’s an extreme trip for wealthy retirees who spend their days lounging, sipping cocktails, and partying prefer it’s their second 20s.” I had the identical misconceptions earlier than, too. Blame Hollywood.
However cruising has critically leveled up over time, changing into far more accessible and inexpensive. So no, you don’t want a belief fund to hitch the enjoyable.
If you happen to’re contemplating to attempt cruising otherwise you’re simply curious, no cruise line is best to your high-seas debut than Royal Caribbean. They personal the highest seven largest cruise ships on the earth. Proper now, they function two ships in Asia:
- Spectrum of the Seas, homeporting in Shanghai, crusing to Japan (Okinawa, Nagasaki, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Osaka, Tokyo, Kobe) and South Korea (Busan and Jeju Island).
- Anthem of the Seas, based mostly in Singapore, crusing to Malaysia (Port Kland/Kuala Lumpur and Penang), Thailand (Phuket), and Indonesia (Bali and Lombok).
Ovation of the Seas can also be set to return to Asia later this 12 months, changing Anthem in Singapore.
However on this article, we’ll be specializing in Spectrum of the Seas.
Probably not. Not on a regular basis. It can be costly typically however it may be inexpensive, too.
Cruise costs can swing wildly relying on the vacation spot, journey dates, size of the cruise, variety of friends, and kind of cabin you e-book. Briefly, it’s all about discovering the combo that works for you (and your pockets).
First up—journey dates. If you happen to do a fast search, you’ll discover that cruises with the very same itinerary (identical nights, identical stops) can have wildly completely different worth tags relying on when they sail. It’s principally like reserving a flight. The excellent news? Scoring budget-friendly dates isn’t tough.
I did a fast search and listed below are the most cost effective sailings for 3, 4, and 5 nights.
See? Snagging an inexpensive cruise is completely doable, particularly if you happen to’re forward of the sport. Royal Caribbean simply rolled out their 2025 and 2026 schedules, so now’s the proper time to dive in. Early fowl will get the most effective offers—and perhaps even a greater cabin view!
In lots of instances, costs additionally are likely to go cheaper when the crusing date is absolutely shut. Cruise corporations would somewhat promote slots at a decrease fee than not promote in any respect.
However observe that December and January are likely to have the steepest charges as a result of they’re round main holidays — Christmas, New 12 months, and Chinese language New 12 months! You’ll additionally discover the large distinction between room sorts.
Talking of room sorts, essentially the most inexpensive cabin is the Inside state room. I’ll break it down and clarify additional within the subsequent part.
The charges differ relying on quite a few elements.
Once more, listed below are the most cost effective sailings.
A 3-night cruise that makes a cease in Jeju Island can value as little as USD 331 (PHP 19,400) per particular person (inside room, excluding gratuities) for an October 2025 crusing. This will go even decrease if you happen to’re touring with seniors, who are sometimes eligible for a considerable low cost.
I feel that’s a incredible deal contemplating that it’s inclusive of the next:
- 3-night lodging (inside)
- UNLIMITED meals
- leisure (theatre, films, and so forth.)
- entry to facilities (swimming pools, some points of interest)
- cease in Jeju Island (tour not included)
- taxes
So for me, if you happen to’re in a position to snag a superb deal, occurring a cruise is just about like your typical land journey budget-wise.
YES, more often than not! Senior friends (55 years outdated and above) can get a ten% low cost off the cruise fare. That is equal to round SGD 80 – 120 per room (USD 58-88), relying on cabin sort.
Royal Caribbean additionally has a number of KIDS SAIL FREE promos, which might cut back the cruise fare for third or 4th friends who’re 12 years outdated or under, staying in the identical room as the first friends.
Nonetheless, these promos should not out there year-round and should not apply to sure dates. These reductions additionally cowl the CRUISE FARE solely. Taxes and different charges nonetheless must be settled by the friends.
Royal Caribbean has a world web site. However if you happen to’re within the Philippines, think about reserving through www.cruising.com.ph, which is managed by the official Royal Caribbean companions within the nation.
You may discover that costs on Cruising.com.ph is barely increased. That’s as a result of Cruising already contains the necessary gratuities. If you happen to e-book on the worldwide web site, this quantity is excluded however you’ll nonetheless must pay for it on board. With Cruising, you received’t want to fret about this as a result of it’s pre-paid.
One massive perk of reserving by way of www.cruising.com.ph is that you just get customer support proper right here at house. Whether or not you made a reserving mistake, need to tweak your reservation, or need assistance with cost extensions, there’s somebody prepared to help. Most significantly, you’ve got a dependable contact in case of emergencies—a lifesaver, particularly lately. The journey scene remains to be fairly unpredictable. Having an area group in your aspect could make all of the distinction in navigating any last-minute surprises.
Plus, cruising isn’t as easy as your typical land tour. There’s a ton to juggle—flight schedules, cruise timings, journey necessities, check-ins, boarding processes, exercise and eating reservations, shore excursions… the checklist goes on. An area assist group may help hold all these shifting components in sync for a stress-free journey.
If you happen to e-book on the worldwide web site, you’re basically flying solo. Any points? You’ll must name their U.S. hotline, which isn’t precisely handy. Living proof: my aunt as soon as booked by way of the worldwide web site and by chance ended up with a cabin on the other finish of the ship from her companions. Fixing it meant coping with time zones and worldwide calls. Not precisely clean crusing!
And if you happen to use our promo code — WORTHIT — you’ll get a further 5% DISCOUNT on the cruise fare! You need to use this on high of any present promos or reductions.
So it’s finest to e-book at www.cruising.com.ph!
Though costs on each websites are nearly at all times the identical (if you happen to take away the gratuities), we nonetheless encourage you to check. Generally, there are promos which might be solely out there on the Cruising web site, and typically solely on the worldwide web site.
Spectrum of the Seas has 4 primary stateroom classes, however not all rooms are created equal. Every class has completely different configurations and sizes, so it’s not only a “one dimension matches all” deal. Right here’s a fast breakdown of what you’ll be able to anticipate in every class, from essentially the most budget-friendly to the splurge-worthy suites, and what makes them stand out from one another.
- Inside Room. No home windows. Often 166 sq. ft. Some inside rooms have a digital balcony, which is principally a display exhibiting some footage of the ocean.
- Ocean View Room. Larger, often 182 sq. ft, and with a big window.
- Balcony Ocean View Room. Or just “balcony rooms”. Extra spacious, often 198 sq. ft. The glass wall going through the ocean additionally makes it look greater. With a spacious balcony.
– You’ll additionally discover rooms tagged “Obstructed Ocean View Balcony“, which refers to these rooms which have a balcony however the view is partially blocked by one thing. For instance, on Spectrum, Deck 6 is the place the smaller boats are positioned, obstructing the view of lots of the rooms right here. Due to this, obstructed balcony rooms are sometimes cheaper than non-balcony ocean view rooms. - Suites. The most important, most luxurious, and most costly lodging. They arrive with a variety of perks, too. Some facilities are open solely to suite friends. On Spectrum, listed below are the completely different suite sorts sorted by dimension and worth.
– Silver junior suite
– Grand suite (1-bedroom)
– Proprietor’s suite
– Grand loft suite
– Final household suite (a two-level suite that has an indoor slide, an leisure room, and three bedrooms, good for 11 pax)
Most staterooms (excluding suites) can match as much as 4 friends—although just a few Inside rooms max out at 2–3 individuals. However squeezing 4 individuals into one room doesn’t at all times provide the finest bang to your buck. The value distinction between reserving two rooms for 2 friends every versus cramming 4 into one room is often fairly small.
Why? As a result of whenever you e-book a cruise, you’re not simply paying for a mattress to sleep in. You’re additionally gaining access to an all-you-can-eat feast, tons of facilities, and nonstop leisure. Generally, cruise pricing works on a per-person foundation, not per room—so everybody will get a chunk of the motion, irrespective of what number of you’re bunking with!
Word {that a} minor at all times has to share a room with an grownup. You can’t e-book a stateroom for an unaccompanied minor.
That depends upon your private preferences and finances.
Something with an ocean view -— balcony or no balcony —- is at all times a stable choose. It provides you respiration house, day by day dose of sunshine, and the proper spot to admire these infinite blue horizons. If you happen to’re into pictures, a balcony is a game-changer, particularly when the ship is docked at a picturesque port. Plus, having a window makes it tremendous straightforward to verify the climate earlier than heading out for a shore tour.
That stated, if you happen to’re on a finances, an inside stateroom isn’t a foul deal. I’ve stayed in a single just a few instances earlier than and didn’t thoughts the dearth of a view. I used to be out exploring the ship more often than not anyway. On our final cruise, we had a balcony room, however to be trustworthy, I barely used it apart from snapping just a few photographs the coast.
Which brings me to a different nice possibility: the obstructed ocean view balcony room. Whereas I haven’t tried it but, it looks as if the proper center floor —- spacious like a balcony room however priced nearer to a daily ocean view. Since I don’t thoughts a barely blocked view, it seems like a terrific compromise for the value.
If you happen to’re eyeing an obstructed ocean view room, right here’s a tip: verify how a lot of the view is blocked. Whereas this information isn’t out there on the worldwide web site, cruising.com.ph makes it crystal clear. You’ll be able to even choose the room with the least obstruction on the identical worth. Right here’s an instance:
For sure, if you happen to’re going for an obstructed ocean view room, choose one with the least view blockage.
YES. Every reserving comes with complimentary eating.
On Spectrum of the Seas, you’ve got entry to 6 (6) inclusive eating places and meals spots.
- Principal Eating Room, a correct restaurant
- Windjammer Market, buffet-style
- Noodle Bar
- Splashaway Café
- Sorrento’s – Genuine New York Pizzeria
- The Café @Two70®
- SeaPlex Canine Home, a “meals truck” serving tasty sizzling canines!
Eating at any of those spots? Completely FREE —- and sure, you’ll be able to eat to your coronary heart’s content material. If I fall in love with a dish, I shamelessly order seconds (or thirds). On the Principal Eating Room and I like two dishes, I don’t even hassle selecting -— I simply get each. And guess what? It’s fully allowed. You’ll be able to even go rogue and ask for one thing that’s not on the menu. Living proof: I at all times request a cheese platter, menu be damned (LOL).
With the unimaginable number of cuisines out there at no further value, it’s 100% doable to finish your cruise with out spending a single peso extra on meals.
However if you happen to’re within the temper to deal with your self, there are additionally specialty eating places on board that include an additional cost. Good for whenever you’re feeling fancy or simply need to spice issues up a bit!
On Spectrum of the Seas, these embrace:
- Chops Grille, steakhouse
- Teppanyaki, Japanese meals ready and served by entertaining cooks
- Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver
- Wonderland, artistic and revolutionary Alice-in-Wonderland-themed eating
- La Patisserie, pastries and desserts
- Chef’s Desk
- Izumi
- Sichuan Purple
- The Scorching Pot
- Vintages
- Leaf & Bean cafe
Room service can also be out there however a US$7.95 service cost + 18% gratuity applies per stateroom order aside from continental breakfast.
YES, gratuities are necessary. Listed below are the charges:
- USD 18.50 per evening per visitor in any stateroom
- USD 21.00 per evening per visitor in any suite
If you happen to e-book with Cruising.com.ph, this can be included within the reserving (pre-paid), so that you don’t want to fret about this whenever you’re already crusing.
If you happen to e-book on the worldwide web site, you’ll must settle this earlier than you take a look at.
Gratuities on board are shared with the crew members who make your cruise expertise wonderful, just like the eating, bar, and culinary employees, stateroom attendants, resort providers, and different hardworking of us behind the scenes.
As well as, an automated 18% gratuity is tacked onto all pre-cruise and onboard purchases for drinks (together with beverage packages), specialty eating, room service, and mini bar objects. If you happen to’re treating your self to some pampering on the spa or salon, an automated 20% gratuity can be added to these purchases as nicely.
So in principle, you don’t want to tip the crew members individually, however be at liberty to take action if you happen to acquired glorious service and also you need to present appreciation.
I requested just a few buddies who’d by no means thought of cruising earlier than: “What do you suppose occurs on board?” Unsurprisingly, most of them answered, “Eat, drink, and celebration.” And that’s it. To be honest, years in the past, I believed the very same factor!
However let me let you know, stepping onto a cruise ship is like getting into a completely completely different world. There’s an entire universe of actions to discover! With cruise strains in fierce competitors, they’re continuously leveling up their recreation with new options to cater to their audiences. Take Royal Caribbean, for instance—they’re consultants at packing their ships with enjoyable and thrilling facilities. Living proof: Spectrum of the Seas, which is bursting with thrilling points of interest and life-style areas. It’s principally a floating journey park!
Listed below are a few of them:
- RipCord by iFly, simulated skydiving expertise (with further value)
- FlowRider, simulated browsing exercise (FREE, however teacher charges apply if you happen to want one)
- Skypad, bungee trampoline with digital actuality headset (FREE)
- Mountaineering wall (FREE)
- Royal Theatre, the place musical and different entertaining performances are recurrently staged (most exhibits are FREE)
- SeaPlex, a sports activities complicated the place you’ll be able to journey bumper vehicles; play tennis, pingpong and basketball; attempt archery; and extra! (FREE)
- North Star, a glass-enclosed remark pod and capsule journey that permits a 360-degree view (with further value)
- Swimming swimming pools and whirlpools (FREE)
- Music corridor, with band performances each evening (FREE)
- Star Second, karaoke! (FREE)
- Spas and health club (FREE)
- Online game arcade
We have been in a position to attempt nearly all the things on the checklist and we actually had a variety of enjoyable! We have been on the Music Corridor each evening and would spend our high-seas day attempting a lot of the rides and points of interest.
And oh, don’t neglect to catch not less than one of many superior exhibits on the Royal Theatre and the Two70!
YES. Kids have their very own swimming space, full with water slides.
The SeaPlex, a sports activities complicated, composed of recreation rooms and a variety of kid-friendly points of interest like an arcade, online game rooms, archery room, bumper vehicles, and claw machines.
Some of the exhibits on the Royal Theatre are additionally healthful, which youngsters can take pleasure in.
The Spectrum of the Seas additionally has a so-called Journey Ocean program, which is principally a youth membership or day care, the place youngsters ages 3 to 11 can play with different youngsters. Mother and father can drop off their youngsters right here.
YES, in fact. It’s no thriller why individuals typically suppose cruising is only for retirees—it’s a journey model beloved by the aged! And truthfully, it’s straightforward to see why.
Regardless of the ship’s large dimension, getting round is a breeze. There are not less than 16 visitor elevators: 10 between the aft (that’s cruise converse for the again) and midship, and one other 6 towards the ahead part. From right here, a lot of the ship’s key points of interest are only a brief stroll away.
For friends with mobility challenges, cabins close to the elevators are an possibility, and a few rooms are particularly designed with PWD friends in thoughts. Speak about accessibility!
The comfort is what makes cruising such a success with senior vacationers. Visitors are pampered from begin to end. Take your baggage, for instance: when you verify it in, the employees takes care of all the things, delivering it straight to your room. In your final evening, merely depart it within the hallway, they usually’ll deal with it once more. You’ll solely see it subsequent whenever you disembark. Zero trouble, zero stress.
And the most effective half? The whole lot you want is on board. Even if you happen to skip exploring the ports of name totally, you’ll nonetheless have an incredible time absorbing all of the ship has to supply!
This season, the journey nearly at all times begins and ends in Shanghai. However the common stops, known as ports of name, are often in South Korea or Japan. Listed below are a few of them:
- 3 NIGHTS
• Shanghai – Jeju Island (Seogwipo) – Shanghai - 4 NIGHTS
• Shanghai – Okinawa (Naha) – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Ishigaki – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Nagasaki – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Fukuoka – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Kagoshima – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Sasebo (Uragashira) – Shanghai - 5 NIGHTS
• Shanghai – Okinawa (Naha) – Ishigaki – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Kumamoto – Nagasaki – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Nagasaki – Fukuoka – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Jeju – Fukuoka – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Busan – Fukuoka – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Fukuoka – Kumamoto – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Kagoshima – Nagasaki – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Kagoshima – Okinawa – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Sasebo (Uragashira) – Kagoshima – Shanghai - 7 NIGHTS
• Shanghai – Kobe – Osaka – Tokyo – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Osaka – Kobe – Tokyo – Shanghai - 8 NIGHTS
• Shanghái – Jeju – Maizuru – Niigata – Hakodate – Shanghái
You’ve received two choices for exploring your vacation spot: e-book a guided Shore Tour (or SHOREX) with Royal Caribbean or go full DIY and discover by yourself.
The fantastic thing about a SHOREX? They handle all the things —- from port transfers to completely timed schedules. However bear in mind, this comfort typically comes with a catch: a fairly mounted itinerary. So, if you happen to’re a “glide” sort, it’d really feel a bit too structured.
If freedom and suppleness are extra your model, exploring independently is the best way to go! Simply be sure that to keep watch over the clock. You completely must be again on the ship earlier than the set departure time. Professional tip: you’ll be able to verify the ship’s arrival and departure instances simply on the Royal Caribbean app. Lacking the boat isn’t precisely the form of journey you need!
No, it’s not included.
Some journey companies supply handy fly-and-cruise packages, however if you happen to’re planning all the things your self, you’ll have to e-book the flight individually.
If you happen to’re on a finances, goal for that candy spot the place each the cruise and flights align with decrease charges. Simpler stated than executed? Perhaps. However belief me, it’s doable, particularly if you happen to hold a watch out for airline seat gross sales!
Right here’s how I often do it: Begin by scanning for reasonable flights. No have to e-book but; simply scout. As soon as you notice inexpensive flights to Shanghai, verify for cruises that match these dates. If the celebs align and also you discover a whole lot for each, e-book them ASAP. Timing is vital right here. Double-check the cruise departure and arrival schedules earlier than locking in your flight.
Professional tip: Arrive in Shanghai not less than a day earlier than your cruise begins. Reserving a same-day flight is dangerous enterprise. One delay and your ship will sail off with out you. Ships anticipate nobody, babe!
NO. The cruise reserving solely covers your ONBOARD lodging (plus meals and facilities).
Something that’s exterior whenever you’re not on the ship, it’s important to e-book by yourself.
If you happen to determine to spend some nights in Shanghai, you’ll must handle independently. Don’t fear, there are many resort choices in Shanghai. Select one in Huangpu, particularly the world surrounding Folks’s Park, so you’ll be able to simply entry main vacationer points of interest which might be FREE of cost.
Listed below are among the high properties on-line as ranked by precise clients:
Seek for extra Shanghai Accommodations!
That basically depends upon a bunch of things—room sort, journey dates, you identify it. However let’s say you’re all about snagging the most cost effective deal doable: an inside stateroom on a cruise set for an off-peak month, booked months prematurely. If you happen to’re a pair flying out from Manila, right here’s a ballpark of what you’re prone to spend per particular person:
- P12,775 – roundtrip Manila-Shanghai flight
- P1,620 – Philippine journey tax
- P3,448 – China visa (double entry)
- P24,620 – 4-night Shanghai-Okinawa Cruise (inclusive of meals)
- P4,335 – Cruise gratuities
- P1,700 – Port charges
- P2,500 – 1 evening at a resort in Shanghai (P5000/evening divided by 2 pax)
- P5,000 – transportation and incidental bills
- P1,000 – meals in Shanghai
- P56,998 – TOTAL
Let’s spherical it off to a clear P57,000.
That is the minimal you’ll be able to anticipate to spend. Nevertheless it’s at all times smart so as to add some allowance for different doable bills. You may end up wanting a drink, purchase a memento, attempt a specialty restaurant or go to an attraction in your free time in Shanghai. Having a wiggle room would let you take pleasure in extra!
In fact, if you happen to fail to seek out flights and sailings at these costs, you’ll find yourself with the next whole value, so plan your journey nicely.
Okay, earlier than the rest, full disclosure: Our most up-to-date cruise was sponsored by Royal Caribbean, so I could have biases. However I’ve booked with Royal Caribbean at my very own expense just a few instances earlier than, and in my trustworthy opinion, sponsored or not, a SPECTRUM OF THE SEAS cruise is price it! Particularly if you happen to’re in a position to snag promos and low costs!
It’s a journey expertise that I might suggest in a heartbeat for households, buddies, and {couples} celebrating a special day. After I was on board, I saved desirous about how a lot my sister and my senior mom would love the expertise.
E-book at www.cruising.com.ph, the official web site of Royal Caribbean Philippines, managed by Arpan Air, the official representatives of Royal Caribbean within the Philippines.
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