We now have been journey running a blog for then previous 15 years, and most of these journeys have been finished backpacking fashion. However typically, we wish to commerce hostels for one thing just a little extra bougie — ideally on the excessive seas. As a result of, let’s face it, once in a while, all of us deserve just a little 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 unbelievable spots on this planet. It’s good 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 presents a hassle-free method 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 connected 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 critically leveled up over time, 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 this 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 be set to return to Asia later this 12 months, changing Anthem in Singapore.
However on this article, we’ll be specializing in Spectrum of the Seas.
Probably not. Not on a regular basis. It can be costly typically however it may be 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 ebook. In brief, it’s all about discovering the combo that works for you (and your pockets).
First up—journey dates. If you happen to do a fast search, you’ll discover that cruises with the very same itinerary (identical nights, identical stops) can have wildly totally different worth tags relying on when they sail. It’s mainly 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 for those who’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 hen will get the most effective offers—and possibly even a greater cabin view!
In lots of instances, costs additionally are likely to go cheaper when the crusing date is actually shut. Cruise corporations would reasonably promote slots at a decrease price than not promote in any respect.
However observe that December and January are likely to have the steepest charges as a result of they’re round main holidays — Christmas, New 12 months, and Chinese language New 12 months! You’ll additionally discover the large distinction between room varieties.
Talking of room varieties, probably 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 particular person (inside room, excluding gratuities) for an October 2025 crusing. This may 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 many others.)
- entry to facilities (swimming pools, some points of interest)
- cease in Jeju Island (tour not included)
- taxes
So for me, for those who’re capable of 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 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.
Nevertheless, these promos are usually not accessible year-round and will 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 for those who’re within the Philippines, contemplate reserving through www.cruising.com.ph, which is managed by the official Royal Caribbean companions within the nation.
You may discover that costs on Cruising.com.ph is barely greater. That’s as a result of Cruising already contains the obligatory gratuities. If you happen to ebook on the worldwide web site, this quantity is excluded however you’ll nonetheless need to 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 www.cruising.com.ph is that you simply get customer support proper right here at dwelling. Whether or not you made a reserving mistake, wish 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 today. The journey scene remains to be fairly unpredictable. Having a neighborhood staff 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 staff will help hold all these shifting components in sync for a stress-free journey.
If you happen to ebook on the worldwide web site, you’re primarily flying solo. Any points? You’ll need to name their U.S. hotline, which isn’t precisely handy. Living proof: my aunt as soon as booked by the worldwide website 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 easy crusing!
And for those who use our promo code — WORTHIT — you’ll get an extra 5% DISCOUNT on the cruise fare! You need to use this on high of any current promos or reductions.
So it’s greatest to ebook at www.cruising.com.ph!
Though costs on each websites are nearly all the time the identical (for those who take away the gratuities), we nonetheless encourage you to check. Typically, there are promos which might be solely accessible on the Cruising web site, and typically solely on the worldwide website.
Spectrum of the Seas has 4 most important 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 possibly can anticipate 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. ft. Some inside rooms have a digital balcony, which is mainly a display screen displaying some footage of the ocean.
- Ocean View Room. Larger, often 182 sq. ft, and with a big window.
- Balcony Ocean View Room. Or just “balcony rooms”. Extra spacious, often 198 sq. ft. The glass wall going through the ocean additionally makes it look greater. With a spacious balcony.
– You’ll additionally discover rooms tagged “Obstructed Ocean View Balcony“, which refers to these rooms which have a balcony however the view is partially blocked by one thing. For instance, on Spectrum, Deck 6 is the place the smaller boats are positioned, obstructing the view of lots of the rooms right here. Due to this, obstructed balcony rooms are sometimes cheaper than non-balcony ocean view rooms. - Suites. The biggest, most luxurious, and most costly lodging. They arrive with a number of perks, too. Some facilities are open solely to suite visitors. On Spectrum, listed below are the totally 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 couple of Inside rooms max out at 2–3 individuals. However squeezing 4 individuals into one room doesn’t all the time provide the greatest 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 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, irrespective of what number of you’re bunking with!
Observe {that a} minor all the time 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 funds.
Something with an ocean view -— balcony or no balcony —- is all the time a stable choose. It offers you respiration area, 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 straightforward to test the climate earlier than heading out for a shore tour.
That mentioned, for those who’re on a funds, an inside stateroom isn’t a foul deal. I’ve stayed in a single a couple of 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 trustworthy, I barely used it apart from snapping a couple 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 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 value.
If you happen to’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’ll be able to even choose the room with the least obstruction on the identical worth. Right here’s an instance:
Evidently, for those who’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.
- Essential 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 Essential Eating Room and I like two dishes, I don’t even trouble selecting -— I simply get each. And guess what? It’s fully allowed. You’ll be able to even go rogue and ask for one thing that’s not on the menu. Living proof: I all the time request a cheese platter, menu be damned (LOL).
With the unbelievable number of cuisines accessible at no further price, it’s 100% potential 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. Excellent for if you’re feeling fancy or simply wish 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, inventive and progressive Alice-in-Wonderland-themed eating
- La Patisserie, pastries and desserts
- Chef’s Desk
- Izumi
- Sichuan Purple
- 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 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 ebook with Cruising.com.ph, this will likely be included within the reserving (pre-paid), so that you don’t want to fret about this if you’re already crusing.
If you happen to ebook on the worldwide website, you’ll need to settle this earlier than you take a look at.
Gratuities on board are shared with the crew members who make your cruise expertise wonderful, just like the eating, bar, and culinary employees, stateroom attendants, lodge providers, and different hardworking of us behind the scenes.
As well as, an automated 18% gratuity is tacked onto all pre-cruise and onboard purchases for drinks (together with beverage packages), specialty eating, room service, and mini bar gadgets. If you happen to’re treating your self to some pampering on the spa or salon, an automated 20% gratuity will likely be added to these purchases as effectively.
So in concept, you don’t want to tip the crew members individually, however be at liberty to take action for those who obtained glorious service and also you wish to present appreciation.
I requested a couple 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 get together.” And that’s it. To be honest, years in the past, I believed the very same factor!
However let me let you know, stepping onto a cruise ship is like coming into a wholly totally different world. There’s a complete universe of actions to discover! With cruise strains in fierce competitors, they’re continually 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. Living proof: Spectrum of the Seas, which is bursting with thrilling points of interest 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 price)
- 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 exhibits are FREE)
- SeaPlex, a sports activities advanced the place you possibly can experience bumper vehicles; play tennis, pingpong and basketball; attempt archery; and extra! (FREE)
- North Star, a glass-enclosed commentary pod and capsule experience that permits a 360-degree view (with further 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 have been capable of attempt nearly all the pieces on the listing and we actually had a number of enjoyable! We have been on the Music Corridor each evening and would spend our high-seas day making an attempt a lot of the rides and points of interest.
And oh, don’t overlook to catch a minimum of 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 advanced, composed of sport rooms and a number of kid-friendly points of interest like an arcade, online game rooms, archery room, bumper vehicles, and claw machines.
Some of the exhibits on the Royal Theatre are additionally healthful, which children 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 children. Mother and father can drop off their children right here.
YES, in fact. It’s no thriller why individuals usually assume cruising is only for retirees—it’s a journey fashion beloved by the aged! And truthfully, it’s straightforward to see why.
Regardless of the ship’s large measurement, getting round is a breeze. There are a minimum of 16 visitor elevators: 10 between the aft (that’s cruise converse for the again) and midship, and one other 6 towards the ahead part. From right here, a lot of the ship’s key points of interest are only a brief stroll away.
For visitors with mobility challenges, cabins close to the elevators are an choice, 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. Company are pampered from begin to end. Take your baggage, for instance: when you test 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 if you disembark. Zero problem, zero stress.
And the most effective half? All the pieces you want is on board. Even for those who skip exploring the ports of name totally, you’ll nonetheless have an incredible time absorbing all of the ship has to supply!
This season, the journey nearly 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: 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 care for all the pieces —- from port transfers to completely timed schedules. However have in mind, this comfort usually comes with a catch: a reasonably fastened itinerary. So, for those who’re a “drift” sort, it’d really feel a bit too structured.
If freedom and adaptability are extra your fashion, exploring independently is the way in which to go! Simply ensure to regulate the clock. You completely should 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 businesses supply handy fly-and-cruise packages, however for those who’re planning all the pieces your self, you’ll must ebook the flight individually.
If you happen to’re on a funds, purpose for that candy spot the place each the cruise and flights align with decrease charges. Simpler mentioned than finished? Perhaps. However belief me, it’s doable, particularly for those who 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 ebook but; simply scout. As soon as you notice reasonably priced flights to Shanghai, test for cruises that match these dates. If the celebs 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 a minimum of 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 outdoors if you’re not on the ship, it’s important to ebook by yourself.
If you happen to resolve to spend some nights in Shanghai, you’ll need to care for 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 points of interest which might be FREE of cost.
Listed here are a number of the high properties on-line as ranked by precise clients:
Seek for extra Shanghai Lodges!
That actually 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 potential: an inside stateroom on a cruise set for an off-peak month, booked months prematurely. If you happen to’re a pair flying out from Manila, right here’s a ballpark of what you’re prone to spend per particular person:
- P12,775 – roundtrip Manila-Shanghai flight
- P1,620 – Philippine journey tax
- P3,448 – China visa (double entry)
- P24,620 – 4-night Shanghai-Okinawa Cruise (inclusive of meals)
- P4,335 – Cruise gratuities
- P1,700 – Port charges
- P2,500 – 1 evening at a 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. Nevertheless it’s all the time smart so as to add some allowance for different potential 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 can help you take pleasure in extra!
In fact, for those who fail to seek out flights and sailings at these costs, you’ll find yourself with a better whole price, so plan your journey effectively.
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 a couple of occasions earlier than, and in my trustworthy opinion, sponsored or not, a SPECTRUM OF THE SEAS cruise is price it! Particularly for those who’re capable of snag promos and low costs!
It’s a journey expertise that I might suggest in a heartbeat for households, associates, and {couples} celebrating a special day. Once I was on board, I stored fascinated about 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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