We have now 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 somewhat extra bougie — ideally on the excessive seas. As a result of, let’s face it, every so often, all of us deserve somewhat 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 number of the most unbelievable spots on this planet. It’s excellent for households, {couples}, and even solo adventurers in search of 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 presents a hassle-free method 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 severely leveled up over time, changing into far more accessible and inexpensive. 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 in 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 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 inexpensive, too.
Cruise costs can swing wildly relying on the vacation spot, journey dates, size of the cruise, variety of company, 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 value 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 here are the most affordable sailings for 3, 4, and 5 nights.
See? Snagging an inexpensive cruise is completely doable, particularly in case you’re forward of the sport. Royal Caribbean simply rolled out their 2025 and 2026 schedules, so now’s the proper time to dive in. Early chook will get one of the best 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 firms would moderately promote slots at a decrease charge 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 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 fluctuate relying on a lot of 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 particular person (inside room, excluding gratuities) for an October 2025 crusing. This could go even decrease in case you’re touring with seniors, who are sometimes eligible for a considerable low cost.
I believe that’s a improbable 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 sights)
- cease in Jeju Island (tour not included)
- taxes
So for me, in case you’re in a position to snag a great deal, occurring a cruise is just about like your typical land journey budget-wise.
YES, more often than not! Senior company (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 scale back the cruise fare for third or 4th company who’re 12 years outdated or beneath, staying in the identical room as the first company.
Nonetheless, these promos should not accessible 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 company.
Royal Caribbean has a global web site. However in case you’re within the Philippines, take into account reserving through www.cruising.com.ph, which is managed by the official Royal Caribbean companions within the nation.
You would possibly discover that costs on Cruising.com.ph is barely increased. That’s as a result of Cruising already consists of the necessary gratuities. If you happen to ebook on the worldwide web site, this quantity is excluded however you’ll nonetheless must 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 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, wish to tweak your reservation, or need assistance with fee extensions, there’s somebody prepared to help. Most significantly, you may have 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 easy as your typical land tour. There’s a ton to juggle—flight schedules, cruise timings, journey necessities, check-ins, boarding processes, exercise and eating reservations, shore excursions… the listing goes on. A neighborhood assist group may also help preserve all these transferring 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 must name their U.S. hotline, which isn’t precisely handy. Working example: my aunt as soon as booked via 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 clean crusing!
And in case you use our promo code — WORTHIT — you’ll get an extra 5% DISCOUNT on the cruise fare! You should use this on high of any present 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 (in case you take away the gratuities), we nonetheless encourage you to check. Typically, there are promos which can be solely accessible on the Cruising web site, and generally solely on the worldwide web site.
Spectrum of the Seas has 4 fundamental 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 matches 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. ft. Some inside rooms have a digital balcony, which is mainly a display displaying some footage of the ocean.
- Ocean View Room. Greater, normally 182 sq. ft, and with a big window.
- Balcony Ocean View Room. Or just “balcony rooms”. Extra spacious, normally 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 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 costliest lodging. They arrive with lots of perks, too. Some facilities are open solely to suite company. On Spectrum, listed here 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 company—although just a few Inside rooms max out at 2–3 individuals. However squeezing 4 individuals into one room doesn’t all the time provide the greatest bang in your buck. The worth distinction between reserving two rooms for 2 company every versus cramming 4 into one room is normally 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!
Word {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 is determined by your private preferences and funds.
Something with an ocean view -— balcony or no balcony —- is all the time a strong choose. It provides you respiration house, every day dose of sunshine, and the proper spot to admire these countless blue horizons. If you happen to’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 simple to examine the climate earlier than heading out for a shore tour.
That mentioned, in case you’re on a funds, an inside stateroom isn’t a foul deal. I’ve stayed in a single just a few 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 except for snapping just a few photographs the coast.
Which brings me to a different nice possibility: the obstructed ocean view balcony room. Whereas I haven’t tried it but, it looks as if 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 appears like an excellent compromise for the value.
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 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:
Evidently, in case you’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 may have entry to 6 (6) inclusive eating places and meals spots.
- Predominant 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 scorching 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 Predominant Eating Room and I like two dishes, I don’t even hassle selecting -— I simply get each. And guess what? It’s utterly allowed. You’ll be able to even go rogue and ask for one thing that’s not on the menu. Working example: I all the time request a cheese platter, menu be damned (LOL).
With the unbelievable number of cuisines accessible at no further value, it’s 100% doable to finish your cruise with out spending a single peso extra on meals.
However in case you’re within the temper to deal with your self, there are additionally specialty eating places on board that include an additional cost. Good 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, artistic and progressive Alice-in-Wonderland-themed eating
- La Patisserie, pastries and desserts
- Chef’s Desk
- Izumi
- Sichuan Pink
- The Scorching Pot
- Vintages
- Leaf & Bean cafe
Room service can be accessible however a US$7.95 service cost + 18% gratuity applies per stateroom order aside from continental breakfast.
YES, gratuities are necessary. Listed here are the charges:
- USD 18.50 per evening per visitor in any stateroom
- USD 21.00 per evening per visitor in any suite
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 web site, 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 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 objects. 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 nicely.
So in idea, you don’t want to tip the crew members individually, however be at liberty to take action in case you obtained wonderful service and also you wish to present appreciation.
I requested just a few 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 celebration.” And that’s it. To be truthful, years in the past, I assumed the very same factor!
However let me let you know, stepping onto a cruise ship is like getting into a completely totally different world. There’s a complete universe of actions to discover! With cruise traces in fierce competitors, they’re consistently leveling up their sport 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 here are a few of them:
- RipCord by iFly, simulated skydiving expertise (with further value)
- FlowRider, simulated browsing exercise (FREE, however teacher charges apply in case you want one)
- Skypad, bungee trampoline with digital actuality headset (FREE)
- Mountain climbing wall (FREE)
- Royal Theatre, the place musical and different entertaining performances are usually staged (most reveals are FREE)
- SeaPlex, a sports activities complicated the place you possibly can trip bumper vehicles; play tennis, pingpong and basketball; attempt archery; and extra! (FREE)
- North Star, a glass-enclosed commentary pod and capsule trip 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 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 lots 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 sights.
And oh, don’t overlook to catch not less than 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 complicated, composed of sport rooms and lots 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 get pleasure from.
The Spectrum of the Seas additionally has a so-called Journey Ocean program, which is mainly a youth membership or day care, the place youngsters ages 3 to 11 can play with different youngsters. Mother and father 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 truthfully, it’s simple to see why.
Regardless of the ship’s large measurement, getting round is a breeze. There are not less than 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 sights are only a brief stroll away.
For company with mobility challenges, cabins close to the elevators are an possibility, and a few rooms are particularly designed with PWD company in thoughts. Discuss accessibility!
The comfort is what makes cruising such successful with senior vacationers. Friends 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 if you disembark. Zero problem, zero stress.
And one of the best half? Every part you want is on board. Even in case you 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 nearly all the time begins and ends in Shanghai. However the normal 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 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 deal with all the pieces —- from port transfers to completely timed schedules. However bear in mind, this comfort typically comes with a catch: a reasonably mounted itinerary. So, in case you’re a “glide” sort, it would really feel a bit too structured.
If freedom and adaptability are extra your type, exploring independently is the way in which to go! Simply ensure to control the clock. You completely have to be again on the ship earlier than the set departure time. Professional tip: you possibly can 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 provide handy fly-and-cruise packages, however in case you’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 accomplished? Perhaps. However belief me, it’s doable, particularly in case you preserve an eye fixed out for airline seat gross sales!
Right here’s how I normally do it: Begin by scanning for affordable flights. No must ebook but; simply scout. As soon as you see inexpensive flights to Shanghai, examine for cruises that match these dates. If the celebs 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 not less than 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 anticipate nobody, babe!
NO. The cruise reserving solely covers your ONBOARD lodging (plus meals and facilities).
Something that’s exterior 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 must deal with independently. Don’t fear, there are many resort choices in Shanghai. Select one in Huangpu, particularly the world surrounding Individuals’s Park, so you possibly can simply entry main vacationer sights which can be FREE of cost.
Listed here are a number of the high properties on-line as ranked by precise prospects:
Seek for extra Shanghai Resorts!
That actually is determined by a bunch of things—room sort, journey dates, you identify it. However let’s say you’re all about snagging the most affordable deal doable: 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 more likely 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 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 possibly can count on to spend. However it’s all the time clever so as to add some allowance for different doable bills. You would possibly 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 will let you get pleasure from extra!
After all, in case you fail to seek out flights and sailings at these costs, you’ll find yourself with a better complete value, so plan your journey nicely.
Okay, earlier than anything, 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 just a few instances earlier than, and in my trustworthy opinion, sponsored or not, a SPECTRUM OF THE SEAS cruise is price it! Particularly in case you’re in a position to snag promos and low costs!
It’s a journey expertise that I might suggest in a heartbeat for households, buddies, and {couples} celebrating an important day. After I was on board, I saved serious about how a lot my sister and my senior mom would love the expertise.
E-book 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 if you use this promo code:.
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