We now have been journey running a blog for then previous 15 years, and most of these journeys have been accomplished backpacking type. However generally, we wish to commerce hostels for one thing a bit extra bougie — ideally on the excessive seas. As a result of, let’s face it, now and again, all of us deserve a bit 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 planet. 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 world cuisines, or stepping off the ship to discover a brand new port, cruising provides a hassle-free strategy to see extra whereas doing much less.
However happening 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 associates 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 severely leveled up through the years, changing into far more accessible and inexpensive. So no, you don’t want a belief fund to hitch the enjoyable.
In case you’re contemplating to strive cruising otherwise you’re simply curious, no cruise line is healthier to your high-seas debut than Royal Caribbean. They personal the highest seven largest cruise ships on the planet. 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 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 generally 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 case you do a fast search, you’ll discover that cruises with the very same itinerary (similar nights, similar stops) can have wildly completely different worth tags relying on when they sail. It’s mainly 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 affordable sailings for 3, 4, and 5 nights.
See? Snagging an inexpensive cruise is completely doable, particularly for those who’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 possibly even a greater cabin view!
In lots of instances, costs additionally are inclined to go cheaper when the crusing date is admittedly shut. Cruise firms would quite promote slots at a decrease charge than not promote in any respect.
However observe 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, probably the most inexpensive cabin is the Inside state room. I’ll break it down and clarify additional within the subsequent part.
The charges range relying on quite a few elements.
Once more, listed here are the most affordable 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 will go even decrease for those who’re touring with seniors, who are sometimes eligible for a considerable low cost.
I believe that’s a incredible deal contemplating that it’s inclusive of the next:
- 3-night lodging (inside)
- UNLIMITED meals
- leisure (theatre, films, and so on.)
- entry to facilities (swimming pools, some sights)
- cease in Jeju Island (tour not included)
- taxes
So for me, for those who’re in a position to snag a superb deal, happening a cruise is just about like your typical land journey budget-wise.
YES, more often than not! Senior visitors (55 years previous 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 scale back the cruise fare for third or 4th visitors who’re 12 years previous or beneath, staying in the identical room as the first visitors.
Nonetheless, these promos are usually 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 have to be settled by the visitors.
Royal Caribbean has a world web site. However for those who’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 increased. That’s as a result of Cruising already consists of the necessary gratuities. In case you ebook on the worldwide web site, this quantity is excluded however you’ll nonetheless should pay for it on board. With Cruising, you received’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 dwelling. 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 could 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 staff in your aspect 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. An area assist staff might help hold all these transferring elements in sync for a stress-free journey.
In case you ebook on the worldwide web site, you’re basically 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 accident 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 easy crusing!
And for those who use our promo code — WORTHIT — you’ll get an extra 5% DISCOUNT on the cruise fare! You should use 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 nearly at all times the identical (for those who take away the gratuities), we nonetheless encourage you to check. Generally, there are promos which are solely out there on the Cruising web site, and generally solely on the worldwide web site.
Spectrum of the Seas has 4 essential stateroom classes, however not all rooms are created equal. Every class has completely different configurations and sizes, so it’s not only a “one measurement suits all” deal. Right here’s a fast breakdown of what you possibly can count on in every class, from probably 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. toes. Some inside rooms have a digital balcony, which is mainly a display exhibiting some footage of the ocean.
- Ocean View Room. Larger, normally 182 sq. toes, and with a big window.
- Balcony Ocean View Room. Or just “balcony rooms”. Extra spacious, normally 198 sq. toes. The glass wall going through 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 most 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 most costly lodging. They arrive with plenty of perks, too. Some facilities are open solely to suite visitors. On Spectrum, listed here are the completely different suite varieties sorted by measurement 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 to your buck. The value distinction between reserving two rooms for 2 visitors every versus cramming 4 into one room is normally fairly small.
Why? As a result of whenever you ebook 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. Generally, 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!
Observe {that a} minor at all times has to share a room with an grownup. You can not ebook 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 at all times a stable decide. It provides you respiration area, every day dose of sunshine, and the proper spot to admire these countless blue horizons. In case you’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 simple to verify the climate earlier than heading out for a shore tour.
That mentioned, for those who’re on a price range, an inside stateroom isn’t a foul deal. I’ve stayed in a single a number of occasions earlier than and didn’t thoughts the shortage 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 a number of photographs 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 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 important compromise for the worth.
In case you’re eyeing an obstructed ocean view room, right here’s a tip: verify how a lot of the view is blocked. Whereas this data isn’t out there on the worldwide web site, cruising.com.ph makes it crystal clear. You possibly can even decide the room with the least obstruction on the similar worth. Right here’s an instance:
Evidently, for those who’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 could 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 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 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 possibly can 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% attainable to finish your cruise with out spending a single peso extra on meals.
However for those who’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 embody:
- Chops Grille, steakhouse
- Teppanyaki, Japanese meals ready and served by entertaining cooks
- Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver
- Wonderland, inventive and modern Alice-in-Wonderland-themed eating
- La Patisserie, pastries and desserts
- Chef’s Desk
- Izumi
- Sichuan Crimson
- 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 apart 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
In case you ebook with Cruising.com.ph, this will probably be included within the reserving (pre-paid), so that you don’t want to fret about this whenever you’re already crusing.
In case 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 wonderful, just like the eating, bar, and culinary employees, stateroom attendants, lodge companies, 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 gadgets. In case you’re treating your self to some pampering on the spa or salon, an automated 20% gratuity will probably be added to these purchases as properly.
So in idea, you don’t want to tip the crew members individually, however be happy to take action for those who acquired glorious service and also you need to present appreciation.
I requested a number of associates who’d by no means thought of cruising earlier than: “What do you assume occurs on board?” Unsurprisingly, most of them answered, “Eat, drink, and occasion.” And that’s it. To be truthful, years in the past, I assumed the very same factor!
However let me inform you, stepping onto a cruise ship is like coming into a completely completely different world. There’s a complete universe of actions to discover! With cruise strains in fierce competitors, they’re continually leveling up their recreation 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 sights and way of life areas. It’s mainly 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 for those who want one)
- Skypad, bungee trampoline with digital actuality headset (FREE)
- Mountaineering wall (FREE)
- Royal Theatre, the place musical and different entertaining performances are frequently staged (most reveals are FREE)
- SeaPlex, a sports activities complicated the place you possibly can journey bumper vehicles; play tennis, pingpong and basketball; strive archery; and extra! (FREE)
- North Star, a glass-enclosed remark pod and capsule journey that enables 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 nearly all the pieces on the listing and we actually had plenty 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 sights.
And oh, don’t overlook to catch at the very least 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 complicated, composed of recreation rooms and plenty of kid-friendly sights 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 youngsters can take pleasure in.
The Spectrum of the Seas additionally has a so-called Journey Ocean program, which is mainly a youth membership or day care, the place kids ages 3 to 11 can play with different youngsters. Dad and mom can drop off their youngsters right here.
YES, in fact. It’s no thriller why individuals typically assume cruising is only for retirees—it’s a journey type beloved by the aged! And actually, it’s simple to see why.
Regardless of the ship’s large measurement, getting round is a breeze. There are at the very 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, a lot of the ship’s key sights are only a brief 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 successful 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 all the pieces, 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? All the things you want is on board. Even for those who skip exploring the ports of name completely, 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 regular stops, known as ports of name, are normally 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 bought 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 handle all the pieces —- from port transfers to completely timed schedules. However consider, this comfort typically comes with a catch: a fairly mounted itinerary. So, for those who’re a “glide” kind, it’d really feel a bit too structured.
If freedom and adaptability are extra your type, exploring independently is the way in which to go! Simply be sure to control the clock. You completely have to be again on the ship earlier than the set departure time. Professional tip: you possibly can verify the ship’s arrival and departure occasions 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 businesses supply handy fly-and-cruise packages, however for those who’re planning all the pieces your self, you’ll have to ebook the flight individually.
In case you’re on a price range, goal for that candy spot the place each the cruise and flights align with decrease charges. Simpler mentioned than accomplished? Perhaps. However belief me, it’s doable, particularly for those who hold an eye fixed out for airline seat gross sales!
Right here’s how I normally do it: Begin by scanning for affordable flights. No have to ebook but; simply scout. As soon as you notice 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 vital right here. Double-check the cruise departure and arrival schedules earlier than locking in your flight.
Professional tip: Arrive in Shanghai at the very 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 ahead to 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 ebook by yourself.
In case you resolve to spend some nights in Shanghai, you’ll should handle independently. Don’t fear, there are many lodge choices in Shanghai. Select one in Huangpu, particularly the realm surrounding Folks’s Park, so you possibly can simply entry main vacationer sights which are FREE of cost.
Listed here are a few of the prime properties on-line as ranked by precise prospects:
Seek for extra Shanghai Motels!
That basically will depend on a bunch of things—room kind, journey dates, you title it. However let’s say you’re all about snagging the most affordable deal attainable: an inside stateroom on a cruise set for an off-peak month, booked months upfront. In case you’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 count on to spend. However it’s at all times clever so as to add some allowance for different attainable bills. You may 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 permit you to take pleasure in extra!
After all, for those who fail to seek out flights and sailings at these costs, you’ll find yourself with the next whole value, so plan your journey properly.
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 occasions earlier than, and in my sincere opinion, sponsored or not, a SPECTRUM OF THE SEAS cruise is value it! Particularly for those who’re in a position to snag promos and low costs!
It’s a journey expertise that I might advocate in a heartbeat for households, associates, and {couples} celebrating an important day. Once I was on board, I saved desirous about how a lot my sister and my senior mom would love the expertise.
Ebook 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.
You will get further 5% DISCOUNT whenever you use this promo code:.
By reserving on this web site, you will get simpler entry to buyer assist, which is extraordinarily worthwhile in case you’ll should make a change to your reserving otherwise you want additional assist.
And by utilizing this code, you’ll additionally assist us keep this web site as a result of we’ll get a bit one thing at NO EXTRA COST to you. So if this text or this weblog normally is ready that can assist you, use this promo code to point out your assist. Thanks a lot!
