We’ve got been journey running a blog for then previous 15 years, and most of these journeys had been performed backpacking model. However typically, we wish to commerce hostels for one thing somewhat extra bougie — ideally on the excessive seas. As a result of, let’s face it, every so often, all of us deserve somewhat pampering. And what screams “pampering” louder than a cruise? Floating buffets, beautiful 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 a few of the most unimaginable spots on the earth. It’s good for households, {couples}, and even solo adventurers in search of a mixture of leisure 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 gives 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 associates what they thought cruises had been like earlier than they really tried one, the solutions had 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, turning into far more accessible and inexpensive. So no, you don’t want a belief fund to affix the enjoyable.
In the event you’re contemplating to attempt cruising otherwise you’re simply curious, no cruise line is healthier on 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, primarily based 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 yr, 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 visitors, and sort of cabin you ebook. In brief, it’s all about discovering the combo that works for you (and your pockets).
First up—journey dates. In the event you 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 here are the most cost effective sailings for 3, 4, and 5 nights.
See? Snagging an inexpensive cruise is completely doable, particularly in case you’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 chicken will get one of the best offers—and possibly even a greater cabin view!
In lots of circumstances, costs additionally are inclined to go cheaper when the crusing date is basically shut. Cruise corporations would fairly promote slots at a decrease fee than not promote in any respect.
However notice that December and January are inclined 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 massive distinction between room varieties.
Talking of room varieties, 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 lot of elements.
Once more, listed here are the most cost effective sailings.
A 3-night cruise that makes a cease in Jeju Island can price as little as USD 331 (PHP 19,400) per particular person (inside room, excluding gratuities) for an October 2025 crusing. This could go even decrease in case you’re touring with seniors, who are sometimes eligible for a considerable low cost.
I believe that’s a implausible deal contemplating that it’s inclusive of the next:
- 3-night lodging (inside)
- UNLIMITED meals
- leisure (theatre, motion pictures, and so forth.)
- entry to facilities (swimming pools, some points of interest)
- cease in Jeju Island (tour not included)
- taxes
So for me, in case you’re in a position to snag a great deal, occurring a cruise is just about like your typical land journey budget-wise.
YES, more often than not! Senior visitors (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 kind.
Royal Caribbean additionally has a number of KIDS SAIL FREE promos, which might cut back the cruise fare for third or 4th visitors who’re 12 years outdated or beneath, staying in the identical room as the first visitors.
Nonetheless, these promos will not be obtainable year-round and should not apply to sure dates. These reductions additionally cowl the CRUISE FARE solely. Taxes and different charges nonetheless should be settled by the visitors.
Royal Caribbean has a world web site. However in case you’re within the Philippines, think about reserving by way of 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 greater. That’s as a result of Cruising already consists of the necessary gratuities. In the event you ebook on the worldwide web site, this quantity is excluded however you’ll nonetheless should pay for it on board. With Cruising, you gained’t want to fret about this as a result of it’s pre-paid.
One large perk of reserving by way of www.cruising.com.ph is that you simply 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 may have a dependable contact in case of emergencies—a lifesaver, particularly as of late. The journey scene continues to be fairly unpredictable. Having an area crew in your facet could make all of the distinction in navigating any last-minute surprises.
Plus, cruising isn’t as simple 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 listing goes on. A neighborhood assist crew will help maintain all these shifting elements in sync for a stress-free journey.
In the event you ebook on the worldwide web site, you’re primarily flying solo. Any points? You’ll should 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 alternative finish of the ship from her companions. Fixing it meant coping with time zones and worldwide calls. Not precisely clean crusing!
And in case you use our promo code — WORTHIT — you’ll get a further 5% DISCOUNT on the cruise fare! You should utilize this on prime of any current promos or reductions.
So it’s finest to ebook at www.cruising.com.ph!
Though costs on each websites are virtually at all times the identical (in case you take away the gratuities), we nonetheless encourage you to match. Typically, there are promos which can be solely obtainable on the Cruising web site, and typically solely on the worldwide web site.
Spectrum of the Seas has 4 principal 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 suits all” deal. Right here’s a fast breakdown of what you possibly can count on 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. Greater, 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 dealing with 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 biggest, most luxurious, and costliest lodging. They arrive with a whole lot of perks, too. Some facilities are open solely to suite visitors. On Spectrum, listed here are the completely different suite varieties 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 visitors—although a number of Inside rooms max out at 2–3 individuals. However squeezing 4 individuals into one room doesn’t at all times provide the finest bang on your buck. The worth distinction between reserving two rooms for 2 visitors every versus cramming 4 into one room is often fairly small.
Why? As a result of if you ebook 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. Usually, cruise pricing works on a per-person foundation, not per room—so everybody will get a chunk of the motion, regardless 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 ebook a stateroom for an unaccompanied minor.
That relies on your private preferences and price range.
Something with an ocean view -— balcony or no balcony —- is at all times a stable choose. It provides you respiratory house, day by day dose of sunshine, and the proper spot to admire these countless blue horizons. In the event you’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 simple to verify the climate earlier than heading out for a shore tour.
That stated, in case you’re on a price range, an inside stateroom isn’t a nasty deal. I’ve stayed in a single a number of 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 sincere, I barely used it apart from snapping a number of pictures the coast.
Which brings me to a different nice choice: 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 appears like an excellent compromise for the worth.
In the event you’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 obtainable on the worldwide web site, cruising.com.ph makes it crystal clear. You may even choose the room with the least obstruction on the identical worth. Right here’s an instance:
For sure, in case you’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 may have entry to 6 (6) inclusive eating places and meals spots.
- Primary 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 canine!
Eating at any of those spots? Completely FREE —- and sure, you possibly can eat to your coronary heart’s content material. If I fall in love with a dish, I shamelessly order seconds (or thirds). On the Primary Eating Room and I like two dishes, I don’t even trouble selecting -— I simply get each. And guess what? It’s utterly allowed. You may 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 obtainable at no additional price, it’s 100% doable to finish your cruise with out spending a single peso extra on meals.
However in case you’re within the temper to deal with your self, there are additionally specialty eating places on board that include an additional cost. Excellent for if you’re feeling fancy or simply need to spice issues up a bit!
On Spectrum of the Seas, these embody:
- Chops Grille, steakhouse
- Teppanyaki, Japanese meals ready and served by entertaining cooks
- Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver
- Wonderland, artistic and progressive Alice-in-Wonderland-themed eating
- La Patisserie, pastries and desserts
- Chef’s Desk
- Izumi
- Sichuan Crimson
- The Sizzling Pot
- Vintages
- Leaf & Bean cafe
Room service can also be obtainable 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
In the event you ebook with Cruising.com.ph, this shall be included within the reserving (pre-paid), so that you don’t want to fret about this if you’re already crusing.
In the event you ebook on the worldwide web site, you’ll should settle this earlier than you try.
Gratuities on board are shared with the crew members who make your cruise expertise superb, just like the eating, bar, and culinary employees, stateroom attendants, resort providers, and different hardworking people 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. In the event you’re treating your self to some pampering on the spa or salon, an automated 20% gratuity shall be added to these purchases as nicely.
So in idea, you don’t want to tip the crew members individually, however be happy to take action in case you acquired wonderful service and also you need to present appreciation.
I requested a number of associates who’d by no means considered cruising earlier than: “What do you assume occurs on board?” Unsurprisingly, most of them answered, “Eat, drink, and celebration.” And that’s it. To be truthful, years in the past, I assumed the very same factor!
However let me let you know, stepping onto a cruise ship is like coming into a completely completely different world. There’s an entire universe of actions to discover! With cruise traces in fierce competitors, they’re always leveling up their sport with new options to cater to their audiences. Take Royal Caribbean, for instance—they’re specialists 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 additional price)
- FlowRider, simulated browsing exercise (FREE, however teacher charges apply in case you want one)
- Skypad, bungee trampoline with digital actuality headset (FREE)
- Mountaineering wall (FREE)
- Royal Theatre, the place musical and different entertaining performances are usually staged (most reveals are FREE)
- SeaPlex, a sports activities advanced the place you possibly can 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 additional price)
- Swimming swimming pools and whirlpools (FREE)
- Music corridor, with band performances each evening (FREE)
- Star Second, karaoke! (FREE)
- Spas and gymnasium (FREE)
- Online game arcade
We had been in a position to attempt virtually the whole lot on the listing and we actually had a whole lot of enjoyable! We had 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 overlook to catch not less than one of many superior reveals on the Royal Theatre and the Two70!
YES. Youngsters have their very own swimming space, full with water slides.
The SeaPlex, a sports activities advanced, composed of sport rooms and a whole lot of kid-friendly points of interest like an arcade, online game rooms, archery room, bumper vehicles, and claw machines.
Some of the reveals on the Royal Theatre are additionally healthful, which children 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 kids ages 3 to 11 can play with different children. Dad and mom can drop off their children right here.
YES, in fact. It’s no thriller why individuals typically assume cruising is only for retirees—it’s a journey model beloved by the aged! And actually, it’s simple to see why.
Regardless of the ship’s huge dimension, getting round is a breeze. There are not less than 16 visitor elevators: 10 between the aft (that’s cruise communicate 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 quick stroll away.
For visitors with mobility challenges, cabins close to the elevators are an choice, and a few rooms are particularly designed with PWD visitors in thoughts. Speak about accessibility!
The comfort is what makes cruising such a success with senior vacationers. Company are pampered from begin to end. Take your baggage, for instance: when you verify it in, the employees takes care of the whole lot, delivering it straight to your room. In your final evening, merely go away it within the hallway, and so they’ll deal with it once more. You’ll solely see it subsequent if you disembark. Zero problem, zero stress.
And one of the best half? The whole lot you want is on board. Even in case you 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 virtually 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 obtained two choices for exploring your vacation spot: ebook a guided Shore Tour (or SHOREX) with Royal Caribbean or go full DIY and discover by yourself.
The great thing about a SHOREX? They deal with the whole lot —- from port transfers to completely timed schedules. However bear in mind, this comfort typically comes with a catch: a fairly fastened itinerary. So, in case you’re a “waft” kind, it’d really feel a bit too structured.
If freedom and suppleness are extra your model, exploring independently is the way in which to go! Simply be certain to regulate the clock. You completely should be again on the ship earlier than the set departure time. Professional tip: you possibly can verify the ship’s arrival and departure instances simply on the Royal Caribbean app. Lacking the boat isn’t precisely the type of journey you need!
No, it’s not included.
Some journey companies provide handy fly-and-cruise packages, however in case you’re planning the whole lot your self, you’ll have to ebook the flight individually.
In the event you’re on a price range, intention for that candy spot the place each the cruise and flights align with decrease charges. Simpler stated than performed? Possibly. However belief me, it’s doable, particularly in case you maintain 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 ebook but; simply scout. As soon as you see inexpensive flights to Shanghai, verify for cruises that match these dates. If the celebrities align and also you discover a whole lot for each, ebook them ASAP. Timing is essential 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 look ahead to nobody, babe!
NO. The cruise reserving solely covers your ONBOARD lodging (plus meals and facilities).
Something that’s exterior if you’re not on the ship, you must ebook by yourself.
In the event you determine to spend some nights in Shanghai, you’ll should deal with independently. Don’t fear, there are many resort choices in Shanghai. Select one in Huangpu, particularly the realm surrounding Folks’s Park, so you possibly can simply entry main vacationer points of interest which can be FREE of cost.
Listed below are a few of the prime properties on-line as ranked by precise prospects:
Seek for extra Shanghai Inns!
That actually relies on a bunch of things—room kind, journey dates, you title 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 upfront. In the event you’re a pair flying out from Manila, right here’s a ballpark of what you’re more likely 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 possibly can count on to spend. However it’s at all times sensible 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 assist you to take pleasure in extra!
In fact, in case you fail to seek out flights and sailings at these costs, you’ll find yourself with the next whole price, 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 a number of instances earlier than, and in my sincere opinion, sponsored or not, a SPECTRUM OF THE SEAS cruise is price it! Particularly in case you’re in a position to snag promos and low costs!
It’s a journey expertise that I might suggest in a heartbeat for households, associates, and {couples} celebrating an important day. After I was on board, I saved excited 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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