We’ve got been journey running a blog for then previous 15 years, and most of these journeys have been executed backpacking type. However typically, we prefer to commerce hostels for one thing somewhat extra bougie — ideally on the excessive seas. As a result of, let’s face it, now and again, all of us deserve somewhat 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 final word journey “hack” — unpack as soon as, feast like royalty, and let your floating resort-hotel take you to a few of the most unbelievable spots on the earth. It’s excellent for households, {couples}, and even solo adventurers searching for a mixture of rest and exploration. Whether or not you’re lounging by the pool, savoring international cuisines, or stepping off the ship to discover a brand new port, cruising gives a hassle-free option 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 hooked up to it. Once we requested our mates 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 significantly leveled up through the years, turning into far more accessible and reasonably priced. So no, you don’t want a belief fund to hitch the enjoyable.
For those who’re contemplating to strive cruising otherwise you’re simply curious, no cruise line is healthier in 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 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.
Not likely. Not on a regular basis. It can be costly typically however it may be reasonably priced, 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 guide. In brief, it’s all about discovering the combo that works for you (and your pockets).
First up—journey dates. For those who do a fast search, you’ll discover that cruises with the very same itinerary (identical nights, identical stops) can have wildly totally different value tags relying on when they sail. It’s principally like reserving a flight. The excellent news? Scoring budget-friendly dates isn’t troublesome.
I did a fast search and listed here are the most cost effective sailings for 3, 4, and 5 nights.
See? Snagging an reasonably priced 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 chook will get the very best offers—and perhaps 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 somewhat promote slots at a decrease fee than not promote in any respect.
However word that December and January are inclined to have the steepest charges as a result of they’re round main holidays — Christmas, New Yr, and Chinese language New Yr! You’ll additionally discover the large distinction between room varieties.
Talking of room varieties, essentially the most reasonably priced cabin is the Inside state room. I’ll break it down and clarify additional within the subsequent part.
The charges range relying on various elements.
Once more, listed here 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 individual (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 an excellent 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 sort.
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 should not accessible year-round and will not apply to sure dates. These reductions additionally cowl the CRUISE FARE solely. Taxes and different charges nonetheless must be settled by the visitors.
Royal Caribbean has a global web site. However in case you’re within the Philippines, contemplate reserving through www.cruising.com.ph, which is managed by the official Royal Caribbean companions within the nation.
You would possibly discover that costs on Cruising.com.ph is barely larger. That’s as a result of Cruising already consists of the necessary gratuities. For those who guide on the worldwide web site, this quantity is excluded however you’ll nonetheless need to pay for it on board. With Cruising, you gained’t want to fret about this as a result of it’s pre-paid.
One huge perk of reserving by means of www.cruising.com.ph is that you simply get customer support proper right here at residence. 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 might have a dependable contact in case of emergencies—a lifesaver, particularly as of late. The journey scene continues to be fairly unpredictable. Having a neighborhood group in your facet 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 record goes on. A neighborhood assist group may also help preserve all these shifting elements in sync for a stress-free journey.
For those who guide on the worldwide web site, you’re basically flying solo. Any points? You’ll need to name their U.S. hotline, which isn’t precisely handy. Working example: my aunt as soon as booked by means 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 in case you 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 current promos or reductions.
So it’s finest to guide at www.cruising.com.ph!
Though costs on each websites are virtually all the time the identical (in case you take away the gratuities), we nonetheless encourage you to match. Generally, there are promos which can be solely accessible on the Cruising web site, and typically solely on the worldwide web site.
Spectrum of the Seas has 4 foremost stateroom classes, however not all rooms are created equal. Every class has totally different configurations and sizes, so it’s not only a “one dimension matches all” deal. Right here’s a fast breakdown of what you possibly can 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. Normally 166 sq. ft. Some inside rooms have a digital balcony, which is principally a display screen 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 dealing with the ocean additionally makes it look larger. 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 costliest lodging. They arrive with numerous perks, too. Some facilities are open solely to suite visitors. On Spectrum, listed here are the totally different suite varieties sorted by dimension and value.
– 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 just a few Inside rooms max out at 2–3 individuals. However squeezing 4 individuals into one room doesn’t all the time provide the finest bang in your buck. The value distinction between reserving two rooms for 2 visitors every versus cramming 4 into one room is often fairly small.
Why? As a result of while you guide a cruise, you’re not simply paying for a mattress to sleep in. You’re additionally having 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 all the time has to share a room with an grownup. You can not guide a stateroom for an unaccompanied minor.
That will depend on your private preferences and price range.
Something with an ocean view -— balcony or no balcony —- is all the time a strong decide. It provides you respiration area, each day dose of sunshine, and the proper spot to admire these infinite blue horizons. For those who’re into images, 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 test the climate earlier than heading out for a shore tour.
That mentioned, in case you’re on a price range, an inside stateroom isn’t a nasty deal. I’ve stayed in a single just a few occasions 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 except for 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 like the proper center floor —- spacious like a balcony room however priced nearer to an everyday ocean view. Since I don’t thoughts a barely blocked view, it appears like an incredible compromise for the value.
For those who’re eyeing an obstructed ocean view room, right here’s a tip: test how a lot of the view is blocked. Whereas this information isn’t accessible on the worldwide web site, cruising.com.ph makes it crystal clear. You may even decide the room with the least obstruction on the identical value. Right here’s an instance:
For sure, in case you’re going for an obstructed ocean view room, decide one with the least view blockage.
YES. Every reserving comes with complimentary eating.
On Spectrum of the Seas, you might have 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 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 Principal Eating Room and I like two dishes, I don’t even hassle 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. Working example: I all the time request a cheese platter, menu be damned (LOL).
With the unbelievable number of cuisines accessible at no further value, it’s 100% attainable 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 while 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, inventive and revolutionary 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 be accessible however a US$7.95 service cost + 18% gratuity applies per stateroom order aside from continental breakfast.
YES, gratuities are necessary. Listed here are the charges:
- USD 18.50 per evening per visitor in any stateroom
- USD 21.00 per evening per visitor in any suite
For those who guide with Cruising.com.ph, this can be included within the reserving (pre-paid), so that you don’t want to fret about this while you’re already crusing.
For those who guide on the worldwide web site, you’ll need to 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, lodge 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. For those who’re treating your self to some pampering on the spa or salon, an automated 20% gratuity can be added to these purchases as properly.
So in principle, you don’t want to tip the crew members individually, however be at liberty to take action in case you obtained wonderful service and also you need to present appreciation.
I requested just a few mates who’d by no means considered cruising earlier than: “What do you suppose occurs on board?” Unsurprisingly, most of them answered, “Eat, drink, and social gathering.” 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 getting into a completely totally different world. There’s a complete universe of actions to discover! With cruise traces 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. Working example: Spectrum of the Seas, which is bursting with thrilling points of interest and life-style areas. It’s principally a floating journey park!
Listed here are a few of them:
- RipCord by iFly, simulated skydiving expertise (with further value)
- FlowRider, simulated browsing exercise (FREE, however teacher charges apply in case you want one)
- Skypad, bungee trampoline with digital actuality headset (FREE)
- Mountain climbing wall (FREE)
- Royal Theatre, the place musical and different entertaining performances are usually staged (most exhibits are FREE)
- SeaPlex, a sports activities complicated the place you possibly can trip bumper vehicles; play tennis, pingpong and basketball; strive archery; and extra! (FREE)
- North Star, a glass-enclosed statement pod and capsule trip 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 fitness center (FREE)
- Online game arcade
We have been in a position to strive virtually every little thing on the record and we actually had numerous enjoyable! We have been on the Music Corridor each evening and would spend our high-seas day attempting many of the rides and points of interest.
And oh, don’t overlook to catch at the least one of many superior exhibits on the Royal Theatre and the Two70!
YES. Youngsters have their very own swimming space, full with water slides.
The SeaPlex, a sports activities complicated, composed of recreation rooms and numerous 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 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. Mother and father can drop off their children right here.
YES, in fact. It’s no thriller why individuals usually suppose cruising is only for retirees—it’s a journey type 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 at the least 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, many 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 possibility, and a few rooms are particularly designed with PWD visitors in thoughts. Discuss accessibility!
The comfort is what makes cruising such successful with senior vacationers. Visitors are pampered from begin to end. Take your baggage, for instance: when you test it in, the employees takes care of every little thing, 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 while you disembark. Zero problem, zero stress.
And the very best half? All the things you want is on board. Even in case you skip exploring the ports of name totally, you’ll nonetheless have a tremendous time absorbing all of the ship has to supply!
This season, the journey virtually all the time begins and ends in Shanghai. However the ordinary stops, referred to as ports of name, are often in South Korea or Japan. Listed here 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 acquired two choices for exploring your vacation spot: guide a guided Shore Tour (or SHOREX) with Royal Caribbean or go full DIY and discover by yourself.
The great thing about a SHOREX? They handle every little thing —- from port transfers to completely timed schedules. However take into account, this comfort usually comes with a catch: a fairly fastened itinerary. So, in case you’re a “flow” sort, it would really feel a bit too structured.
If freedom and adaptability are extra your type, exploring independently is the best way to go! Simply ensure that to keep watch over the clock. You completely must be again on the ship earlier than the set departure time. Professional tip: you possibly can test the ship’s arrival and departure occasions 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 provide handy fly-and-cruise packages, however in case you’re planning every little thing your self, you’ll must guide the flight individually.
For those who’re on a price range, goal for that candy spot the place each the cruise and flights align with decrease charges. Simpler mentioned than executed? Perhaps. However belief me, it’s doable, particularly in case you preserve an eye fixed out for airline seat gross sales!
Right here’s how I often do it: Begin by scanning for affordable flights. No must guide but; simply scout. As soon as you notice reasonably priced flights to Shanghai, test for cruises that match these dates. If the celebrities align and also you discover a whole lot for each, guide 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 at the least 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 forward to nobody, babe!
NO. The cruise reserving solely covers your ONBOARD lodging (plus meals and facilities).
Something that’s exterior while you’re not on the ship, you need to guide by yourself.
For those who resolve to spend some nights in Shanghai, you’ll need to handle independently. Don’t fear, there are many lodge choices in Shanghai. Select one in Huangpu, particularly the world surrounding Individuals’s Park, so you possibly can simply entry main vacationer points of interest which can be FREE of cost.
Listed here are a few of the high properties on-line as ranked by precise clients:
Seek for extra Shanghai Motels!
That actually will depend on 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 attainable: an inside stateroom on a cruise set for an off-peak month, booked months upfront. For those who’re a pair flying out from Manila, right here’s a ballpark of what you’re prone to spend per individual:
- 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 lodge 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 anticipate to spend. However it’s all the time sensible so as to add some allowance for different attainable bills. You would possibly end up wanting a drink, purchase a memento, strive a specialty restaurant or go to an attraction in your free time in Shanghai. Having a wiggle room would mean you can take pleasure in extra!
After all, in case you fail to search out flights and sailings at these costs, you’ll find yourself with the next complete value, so plan your journey properly.
Okay, earlier than anything, full disclosure: Our most up-to-date cruise was sponsored by Royal Caribbean, so I’ll have biases. However I’ve booked with Royal Caribbean at my very own expense just a few occasions 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 advocate in a heartbeat for households, mates, and {couples} celebrating an important day. Once I was on board, I saved occupied with how a lot my sister and my senior mom would love the expertise.
Guide 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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