Now we have been journey running a blog for then previous 15 years, and most of these journeys have been carried out backpacking fashion. However generally, we prefer to commerce hostels for one thing a little bit extra bougie — ideally on the excessive seas. As a result of, let’s face it, once in a while, all of us deserve a little bit 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 a number of the most unimaginable spots on the earth. It’s excellent 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 international cuisines, or stepping off the ship to discover a brand new port, cruising gives a hassle-free technique 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 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 significantly leveled up through the years, changing into far more accessible and reasonably priced. So no, you don’t want a belief fund to affix the enjoyable.
If you happen to’re contemplating to attempt cruising otherwise you’re simply curious, no cruise line is best 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 generally 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 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 (similar nights, similar 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 below are the most affordable sailings for 3, 4, and 5 nights.
See? Snagging an reasonably priced 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 right time to dive in. Early chicken will get the most effective offers—and perhaps even a greater cabin view!
In lots of circumstances, costs additionally are likely to go cheaper when the crusing date is de facto shut. Cruise corporations would quite promote slots at a decrease price than not promote in any respect.
However notice 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 massive distinction between room sorts.
Talking of room sorts, 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 quite a few elements.
Once more, listed below are the most affordable sailings.
A 3-night cruise that makes a cease in Jeju Island can price as little as USD 331 (PHP 19,400) per individual (inside room, excluding gratuities) for an October 2025 crusing. This may 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 implausible 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 sights)
- 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 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 under, staying in the identical room as the first visitors.
Nevertheless, these promos are usually not out there 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 if you happen to’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 contains the obligatory gratuities. If you happen to e-book 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 via 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’ve gotten a dependable contact in case of emergencies—a lifesaver, particularly nowadays. The journey scene continues 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 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 group might help hold all these transferring elements in sync for a stress-free journey.
If you happen to e-book 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. Working example: my aunt as soon as booked via the worldwide website and by accident 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 easy crusing!
And if you happen to use our promo code — WORTHIT — you’ll get a further 5% DISCOUNT on the cruise fare! You should 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 all the time the identical (if you happen to take away the gratuities), we nonetheless encourage you to match. Typically, there are promos which are solely out there on the Cruising web site, and generally solely on the worldwide website.
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 measurement suits all” deal. Right here’s a fast breakdown of what you’ll be able to 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. Normally 166 sq. ft. Some inside rooms have a digital balcony, which is principally a display displaying 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 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 loads of perks, too. Some facilities are open solely to suite visitors. On Spectrum, listed below are the totally different suite sorts sorted by measurement 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 a number of Inside rooms max out at 2–3 individuals. However squeezing 4 individuals into one room doesn’t all the time provide the finest bang on 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 whenever you e-book 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, irrespective of what number of you’re bunking with!
Notice {that a} minor all the time has to share a room with an grownup. You can not e-book 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 all the time a stable choose. It offers you respiration house, every day dose of sunshine, and the right spot to admire these countless blue horizons. If you happen to’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 examine the climate earlier than heading out for a shore tour.
That mentioned, if you happen to’re on a price range, an inside stateroom isn’t a foul deal. I’ve stayed in a single a number of instances 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 trustworthy, I barely used it other than 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 like the right 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 seems like an ideal compromise for the worth.
If you happen to’re eyeing an obstructed ocean view room, right here’s a tip: examine 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 may even choose the room with the least obstruction on the similar value. 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 gotten 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’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 Primary 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 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 unimaginable number of cuisines out there at no additional price, it’s 100% attainable 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 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 obligatory. 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
If you happen to e-book with Cruising.com.ph, this might 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 website, 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 providers, and different hardworking of us behind the scenes.
As well as, an computerized 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 computerized 20% gratuity might be added to these purchases as nicely.
So in idea, you don’t want to tip the crew members individually, however be at liberty to take action if you happen to obtained wonderful service and also you need to present appreciation.
I requested a number of buddies who’d by no means considered 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 believed the very same factor!
However let me inform you, stepping onto a cruise ship is like coming into a wholly totally different world. There’s a complete universe of actions to discover! With cruise strains 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 consultants at packing their ships with enjoyable and thrilling facilities. Working example: Spectrum of the Seas, which is bursting with thrilling sights and way of life areas. It’s principally a floating journey park!
Listed here are a few of them:
- RipCord by iFly, simulated skydiving expertise (with additional price)
- 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 frequently staged (most exhibits are FREE)
- SeaPlex, a sports activities advanced the place you’ll be able to experience bumper automobiles; play tennis, pingpong and basketball; attempt archery; and extra! (FREE)
- North Star, a glass-enclosed remark pod and capsule experience that enables 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 health club (FREE)
- Online game arcade
We have been in a position to attempt nearly all the pieces on the listing and we actually had loads of enjoyable! We have been on the Music Corridor each evening and would spend our high-seas day attempting many of the rides and sights.
And oh, don’t overlook to catch at the very least 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 advanced, composed of sport rooms and loads of kid-friendly sights like an arcade, online game rooms, archery room, bumper automobiles, 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 typically assume cruising is only for retirees—it’s a journey fashion beloved by the aged! And truthfully, 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 converse for the again) and midship, and one other 6 towards the ahead part. From right here, many 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 a success with senior vacationers. Company are pampered from begin to end. Take your baggage, for instance: when you examine it in, the employees takes care of all the pieces, delivering it straight to your room. In your final evening, merely go away it within the hallway, they usually’ll deal with it once more. You’ll solely see it subsequent whenever you disembark. Zero problem, zero stress.
And the most effective half? Every little thing you want is on board. Even if you happen to 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 nearly all the time begins and ends in Shanghai. However the typical stops, known 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 obtained 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 maintain all the pieces —- from port transfers to completely timed schedules. However take into account, this comfort typically comes with a catch: a fairly mounted itinerary. So, if you happen to’re a “glide” sort, it would really feel a bit too structured.
If freedom and suppleness are extra your fashion, exploring independently is the best way to go! Simply make certain 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 examine the ship’s arrival and departure instances simply on the Royal Caribbean app. Lacking the boat isn’t precisely the sort 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 pieces your self, you’ll must e-book the flight individually.
If you happen to’re on a price range, intention for that candy spot the place each the cruise and flights align with decrease charges. Simpler mentioned than carried out? Possibly. 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 affordable flights. No must e-book but; simply scout. As soon as you see reasonably priced flights to Shanghai, examine 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 essential 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 e-book by yourself.
If you happen to resolve to spend some nights in Shanghai, you’ll should maintain independently. Don’t fear, there are many lodge choices in Shanghai. Select one in Huangpu, particularly the realm surrounding Individuals’s Park, so you’ll be able to simply entry main vacationer sights which are FREE of cost.
Listed here are a number of the high properties on-line as ranked by precise clients:
Seek for extra Shanghai Motels!
That basically relies on a bunch of things—room sort, journey dates, you identify 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. If you happen to’re a pair flying out from Manila, right here’s a ballpark of what you’re more likely 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’ll be able to count on to spend. However it’s all the time clever so as to add some allowance for different attainable 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 help you take pleasure in extra!
In fact, if you happen to fail to search 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 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 advocate in a heartbeat for households, buddies, and {couples} celebrating a special day. Once I was on board, I saved excited 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 additional 5% DISCOUNT whenever you use this promo code:.
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