We have now been journey running a blog for then previous 15 years, and most of these journeys had been completed backpacking model. 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 among the most unbelievable spots on the earth. 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 hooked up to it. After we requested our buddies what they thought cruises had been like earlier than they really tried one, the solutions had been hilariously predictable. It may be summed as much as this: “It’s an extreme trip for wealthy retirees who spend their days lounging, sipping cocktails, and partying prefer it’s their second 20s.” I had the identical misconceptions earlier than, too. Blame Hollywood.
However cruising has severely leveled up through the years, changing into far more accessible and reasonably priced. So no, you don’t want a belief fund to hitch the enjoyable.
Should you’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 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.
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 kind of cabin you e-book. Briefly, it’s all about discovering the combo that works for you (and your pockets).
First up—journey dates. Should you 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 mainly like reserving a flight. The excellent news? Scoring budget-friendly dates isn’t tough.
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 proper 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 inclined to go cheaper when the crusing date is actually shut. Cruise firms would slightly promote slots at a decrease charge than not promote in any respect.
However notice that December and January are inclined to have the steepest charges as a result of they’re round main holidays — Christmas, New 12 months, and Chinese language New 12 months! You’ll additionally discover the massive distinction between room varieties.
Talking of room varieties, 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 a variety of 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 will 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 improbable 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, if you happen to’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 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 sort.
Royal Caribbean additionally has a number of KIDS SAIL FREE promos, which may cut 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.
Nevertheless, 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 should be settled by the visitors.
Royal Caribbean has a global web site. However if you happen to’re within the Philippines, contemplate 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 larger. That’s as a result of Cruising already contains the obligatory gratuities. Should you e-book on the worldwide web site, this quantity is excluded however you’ll nonetheless must 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 via www.cruising.com.ph is that you just 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 remains to be fairly unpredictable. Having an area group 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 help group can assist preserve all these transferring components in sync for a stress-free journey.
Should you e-book on the worldwide web site, you’re primarily flying solo. Any points? You’ll must name their U.S. hotline, which isn’t precisely handy. Working example: my aunt as soon as booked via 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 clean 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 greatest to e-book at www.cruising.com.ph!
Though costs on each websites are virtually at all times the identical (if you happen to take away the gratuities), we nonetheless encourage you to match. Generally, 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 primary 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 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 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 biggest, most luxurious, and costliest lodging. They arrive with quite a lot 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 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 folks. However squeezing 4 folks into one room doesn’t at all times provide the greatest bang in 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 e-book a cruise, you’re not simply paying for a mattress to sleep in. You’re additionally gaining access to an all-you-can-eat feast, tons of facilities, and nonstop leisure. Usually, cruise pricing works on a per-person foundation, not per room—so everybody will get a bit of the motion, irrespective of what number of you’re bunking with!
Notice {that a} minor at all times has to share a room with an grownup. You can not e-book a stateroom for an unaccompanied minor.
That is dependent upon your private preferences and price range.
Something with an ocean view -— balcony or no balcony —- is at all times a strong choose. It provides you respiration area, each day dose of sunshine, and the proper spot to admire these limitless blue horizons. Should you’re into pictures, a balcony is a game-changer, particularly when the ship is docked at a picturesque port. Plus, having a window makes it tremendous straightforward 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 sincere, I barely used it other than 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 a daily ocean view. Since I don’t thoughts a barely blocked view, it seems like an important compromise for the value.
Should you’re eyeing an obstructed ocean view room, right here’s a tip: examine how a lot of the view is blocked. Whereas this data 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 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.
- Major 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’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 Major 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’ll be able to even go rogue and ask for one thing that’s not on the menu. Working example: I at all times request a cheese platter, menu be damned (LOL).
With the unbelievable number of cuisines accessible at no further 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 if you’re feeling fancy or simply need to spice issues up a bit!
On Spectrum of the Seas, these embody:
- Chops Grille, steakhouse
- Teppanyaki, Japanese meals ready and served by entertaining cooks
- Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver
- Wonderland, inventive and revolutionary Alice-in-Wonderland-themed eating
- La Patisserie, pastries and desserts
- Chef’s Desk
- Izumi
- Sichuan Purple
- The Scorching Pot
- Vintages
- Leaf & Bean cafe
Room service can also be accessible however a US$7.95 service cost + 18% gratuity applies per stateroom order aside from continental breakfast.
YES, gratuities are obligatory. Listed below are the charges:
- USD 18.50 per evening per visitor in any stateroom
- USD 21.00 per evening per visitor in any suite
Should you 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 if you’re already crusing.
Should you e-book on the worldwide website, you’ll must 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, resort 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 gadgets. Should you’re treating your self to some pampering on the spa or salon, an computerized 20% gratuity might 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 if you happen to acquired wonderful service and also you need to present appreciation.
I requested a number of buddies 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 honest, 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 completely totally different world. There’s a complete universe of actions to discover! With cruise traces in fierce competitors, they’re consistently 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. Working example: Spectrum of the Seas, which is bursting with thrilling sights and life-style areas. It’s mainly a floating journey park!
Listed below are a few of them:
- RipCord by iFly, simulated skydiving expertise (with further price)
- FlowRider, simulated browsing exercise (FREE, however teacher charges apply if you happen to 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 reveals are FREE)
- SeaPlex, a sports activities advanced the place you’ll be able to trip bumper automobiles; play tennis, pingpong and basketball; strive archery; and extra! (FREE)
- North Star, a glass-enclosed statement pod and capsule trip that enables 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 had been capable of strive virtually every thing on the listing and we actually had quite a lot of enjoyable! We had 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 reveals 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 recreation rooms and quite a lot of kid-friendly sights like an arcade, online game rooms, archery room, bumper automobiles, and claw machines.
Some of the reveals on the Royal Theatre are additionally healthful, which children can take pleasure in.
The Spectrum of the Seas additionally has a so-called Journey Ocean program, which is 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 folks typically assume cruising is only for retirees—it’s a journey model beloved by the aged! And truthfully, it’s straightforward to see why.
Regardless of the ship’s huge 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 quick stroll away.
For visitors with mobility challenges, cabins close to the elevators are an choice, and a few rooms are particularly designed with PWD visitors in thoughts. Discuss 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 every thing, delivering it straight to your room. In your final evening, merely go away it within the hallway, and so they’ll deal with it once more. You’ll solely see it subsequent if you disembark. Zero trouble, zero stress.
And the most effective half? All the things you want is on board. Even if you happen to skip exploring the ports of name solely, you’ll nonetheless have an incredible time absorbing all of the ship has to supply!
This season, the journey virtually at all times begins and ends in Shanghai. However the normal stops, referred to as ports of name, are often in South Korea or Japan. Listed below are a few of them:
- 3 NIGHTS
• Shanghai – Jeju Island (Seogwipo) – Shanghai - 4 NIGHTS
• Shanghai – Okinawa (Naha) – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Ishigaki – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Nagasaki – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Fukuoka – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Kagoshima – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Sasebo (Uragashira) – Shanghai - 5 NIGHTS
• Shanghai – Okinawa (Naha) – Ishigaki – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Kumamoto – Nagasaki – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Nagasaki – Fukuoka – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Jeju – Fukuoka – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Busan – Fukuoka – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Fukuoka – Kumamoto – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Kagoshima – Nagasaki – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Kagoshima – Okinawa – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Sasebo (Uragashira) – Kagoshima – Shanghai - 7 NIGHTS
• Shanghai – Kobe – Osaka – Tokyo – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Osaka – Kobe – Tokyo – Shanghai - 8 NIGHTS
• Shanghái – Jeju – Maizuru – Niigata – Hakodate – Shanghái
You’ve obtained two choices for exploring your vacation spot: 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 care for every thing —- from port transfers to completely timed schedules. However have in mind, this comfort typically comes with a catch: a fairly fastened itinerary. So, if you happen to’re a “float” sort, it would really feel a bit too structured.
If freedom and suppleness are extra your model, exploring independently is the way in which to go! Simply make certain to keep watch over the clock. You completely should 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 type of journey you need!
No, it’s not included.
Some journey businesses provide handy fly-and-cruise packages, however if you happen to’re planning every thing your self, you’ll have to e-book the flight individually.
Should you’re on a price range, purpose for that candy spot the place each the cruise and flights align with decrease charges. Simpler mentioned than completed? Possibly. However belief me, it’s doable, particularly if you happen to 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 have to e-book but; simply scout. As soon as you notice reasonably priced flights to Shanghai, examine for cruises that match these dates. If the celebrities align and also you discover a whole lot for each, e-book 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 watch for 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, you need to e-book by yourself.
Should you resolve to spend some nights in Shanghai, you’ll must care for independently. Don’t fear, there are many resort choices in Shanghai. Select one in Huangpu, particularly the realm surrounding Folks’s Park, so you’ll be able to simply entry main vacationer sights which might be FREE of cost.
Listed below are among the high properties on-line as ranked by precise prospects:
Seek for extra Shanghai Inns!
That basically is dependent upon a bunch of things—room sort, 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. Should 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 resort in Shanghai (P5000/evening divided by 2 pax)
- P5,000 – transportation and incidental bills
- P1,000 – meals in Shanghai
- P56,998 – TOTAL
Let’s spherical it off to a clear P57,000.
That is the minimal you’ll be able to anticipate to spend. Nevertheless it’s at all times sensible 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 let 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 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 a number of instances earlier than, and in my sincere opinion, sponsored or not, a SPECTRUM OF THE SEAS cruise is value it! Particularly if you happen to’re capable of snag promos and low costs!
It’s a journey expertise that I may advocate in a heartbeat for households, buddies, and {couples} celebrating a special day. Once I was on board, I stored serious 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 may get further 5% DISCOUNT if you use this promo code:.
By reserving on this website, you will get simpler entry to buyer help, which is extraordinarily invaluable in case you’ll must make a change to your reserving otherwise you want additional assist.
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