We now have been journey running a blog for then previous 15 years, and most of these journeys had been performed backpacking model. However generally, we wish to commerce hostels for one thing slightly extra bougie — ideally on the excessive seas. As a result of, let’s face it, every so often, all of us deserve slightly 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 unimaginable spots on the planet. It’s excellent for households, {couples}, and even solo adventurers searching for a mixture of rest and exploration. Whether or not you’re lounging by the pool, savoring world cuisines, or stepping off the ship to discover a brand new port, cruising provides a hassle-free technique 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 pals 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 significantly leveled up through the years, turning into far more accessible and reasonably priced. So no, you don’t want a belief fund to affix the enjoyable.
In the event you’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 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, based mostly 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.
Not likely. 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 friends, and kind of cabin you e-book. In brief, it’s all about discovering the combo that works for you (and your pockets).
First up—journey dates. In the event you do a fast search, you’ll discover that cruises with the very same itinerary (identical nights, identical stops) can have wildly completely different worth tags relying on when they sail. It’s mainly like reserving a flight. The excellent news? Scoring budget-friendly dates isn’t tough.
I did a fast search and listed below are the most cost effective sailings for 3, 4, and 5 nights.
See? Snagging an reasonably priced cruise is completely doable, particularly when you’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 perfect offers—and perhaps even a greater cabin view!
In lots of circumstances, costs additionally are likely to go cheaper when the crusing date is absolutely shut. Cruise corporations would slightly promote slots at a decrease price than not promote in any respect.
However word that December and January are likely to have the steepest charges as a result of they’re round main holidays — Christmas, New Yr, and Chinese language New Yr! You’ll additionally discover the large 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 fluctuate relying on quite a lot of components.
Once more, listed below are the most cost effective 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 when you’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, motion pictures, and so on.)
- entry to facilities (swimming pools, some points of interest)
- cease in Jeju Island (tour not included)
- taxes
So for me, when you’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 friends (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 kind.
Royal Caribbean additionally has a number of KIDS SAIL FREE promos, which might scale back the cruise fare for third or 4th friends who’re 12 years outdated or beneath, staying in the identical room as the first friends.
Nonetheless, these promos aren’t accessible year-round and should not apply to sure dates. These reductions additionally cowl the CRUISE FARE solely. Taxes and different charges nonetheless must be settled by the friends.
Royal Caribbean has a global web site. However when you’re within the Philippines, think about 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 larger. That’s as a result of Cruising already contains the obligatory gratuities. In the event you e-book on the worldwide web site, this quantity is excluded however you’ll nonetheless should pay for it on board. With Cruising, you received’t want to fret about this as a result of it’s pre-paid.
One massive perk of reserving by www.cruising.com.ph is that you just get customer support proper right here at residence. Whether or not you made a reserving mistake, need to tweak your reservation, or need assistance with fee extensions, there’s somebody prepared to help. Most significantly, you might have a dependable contact in case of emergencies—a lifesaver, particularly today. The journey scene remains to be fairly unpredictable. Having an area workforce 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 record goes on. A neighborhood help workforce can assist preserve all these shifting elements in sync for a stress-free journey.
In the event you e-book on the worldwide web site, you’re basically flying solo. Any points? You’ll should name their U.S. hotline, which isn’t precisely handy. Working example: my aunt as soon as booked by the worldwide website and unintentionally 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 when you use our promo code — WORTHIT — you’ll get a further 5% DISCOUNT on the cruise fare! You need to 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 (when you 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 generally solely on the worldwide website.
Spectrum of the Seas has 4 important stateroom classes, however not all rooms are created equal. Every class has completely different configurations and sizes, so it’s not only a “one measurement matches all” deal. Right here’s a fast breakdown of what you possibly can anticipate 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. toes. Some inside rooms have a digital balcony, which is mainly a display exhibiting some footage of the ocean.
- Ocean View Room. Larger, often 182 sq. toes, and with a big window.
- Balcony Ocean View Room. Or just “balcony rooms”. Extra spacious, often 198 sq. toes. 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 most important, most luxurious, and most costly lodging. They arrive with lots of perks, too. Some facilities are open solely to suite friends. On Spectrum, listed below are the completely different suite sorts 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 friends—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 finest bang on your buck. The worth distinction between reserving two rooms for 2 friends every versus cramming 4 into one room is often fairly small.
Why? As a result of once 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. Typically, 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!
Observe {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 is dependent upon your private preferences and price range.
Something with an ocean view -— balcony or no balcony —- is all the time a strong choose. It offers you respiration area, every day dose of sunshine, and the right spot to admire these infinite blue horizons. In the event you’re into images, a balcony is a game-changer, particularly when the ship is docked at a picturesque port. Plus, having a window makes it tremendous straightforward to verify the climate earlier than heading out for a shore tour.
That mentioned, when you’re on a price range, 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 sincere, I barely used it apart from snapping a couple of images 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 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 looks like a fantastic compromise for the worth.
In the event you’re eyeing an obstructed ocean view room, right here’s a tip: verify 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, when 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 might have 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 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 Essential Eating Room and I like two dishes, I don’t even trouble selecting -— I simply get each. And guess what? It’s utterly allowed. You’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 unimaginable number of cuisines accessible at no additional price, it’s 100% doable to finish your cruise with out spending a single peso extra on meals.
However when you’re within the temper to deal with your self, there are additionally specialty eating places on board that include an additional cost. Excellent for once 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, inventive and revolutionary 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 apart from continental breakfast.
YES, gratuities are obligatory. Listed below are the charges:
- USD 18.50 per night time per visitor in any stateroom
- USD 21.00 per night time per visitor in any suite
In the event you e-book with Cruising.com.ph, this will probably be included within the reserving (pre-paid), so that you don’t want to fret about this once you’re already crusing.
In the event you 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 superb, just like the eating, bar, and culinary employees, stateroom attendants, lodge companies, and different hardworking of us behind the scenes.
As well as, an automated 18% gratuity is tacked onto all pre-cruise and onboard purchases for drinks (together with beverage packages), specialty eating, room service, and mini bar objects. In the event you’re treating your self to some pampering on the spa or salon, an automated 20% gratuity will probably be added to these purchases as effectively.
So in concept, you don’t want to tip the crew members individually, however be happy to take action when you acquired glorious service and also you need to present appreciation.
I requested a couple of pals who’d by no means considered cruising earlier than: “What do you suppose 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 wholly completely different world. There’s a complete universe of actions to discover! With cruise strains in fierce competitors, they’re continuously leveling up their recreation 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 points of interest 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 additional price)
- FlowRider, simulated browsing exercise (FREE, however teacher charges apply when 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 exhibits are FREE)
- SeaPlex, a sports activities complicated the place you possibly can trip bumper automobiles; play tennis, pingpong and basketball; attempt archery; and extra! (FREE)
- North Star, a glass-enclosed remark pod and capsule trip that enables a 360-degree view (with additional price)
- Swimming swimming pools and whirlpools (FREE)
- Music corridor, with band performances each night time (FREE)
- Star Second, karaoke! (FREE)
- Spas and health club (FREE)
- Online game arcade
We had been capable of attempt nearly every thing on the record and we actually had lots of enjoyable! We had been on the Music Corridor each night time 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 complicated, composed of recreation rooms and lots of kid-friendly points of interest 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 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, after all. It’s no thriller why individuals usually suppose 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 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 friends with mobility challenges, cabins close to the elevators are an possibility, and a few rooms are particularly designed with PWD friends 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 verify it in, the employees takes care of every thing, delivering it straight to your room. In your final night time, merely depart it within the hallway, they usually’ll deal with it once more. You’ll solely see it subsequent once you disembark. Zero problem, zero stress.
And the perfect half? Every part you want is on board. Even when 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 typical stops, known 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 received 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 deal with every thing —- from port transfers to completely timed schedules. However remember, this comfort usually comes with a catch: a fairly mounted itinerary. So, when you’re a “glide” kind, it’d really feel a bit too structured.
If freedom and suppleness are extra your model, exploring independently is the best way to go! Simply be certain to keep watch over the clock. You completely must be again on the ship earlier than the set departure time. Professional tip: you possibly can verify the ship’s arrival and departure occasions simply on the Royal Caribbean app. Lacking the boat isn’t precisely the type of journey you need!
No, it’s not included.
Some journey companies supply handy fly-and-cruise packages, however when you’re planning every thing your self, you’ll must e-book the flight individually.
In the event 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 performed? Possibly. However belief me, it’s doable, particularly when you preserve a watch out for airline seat gross sales!
Right here’s how I often do it: Begin by scanning for reasonable flights. No must e-book but; simply scout. As soon as you notice reasonably priced flights to Shanghai, verify 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 vital 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 forward to nobody, babe!
NO. The cruise reserving solely covers your ONBOARD lodging (plus meals and facilities).
Something that’s exterior once you’re not on the ship, you must e-book by yourself.
In the event you resolve to spend some nights in Shanghai, you’ll should deal with independently. Don’t fear, there are many lodge choices in Shanghai. Select one in Huangpu, particularly the world surrounding Individuals’s Park, so you possibly can simply entry main vacationer points of interest which might be FREE of cost.
Listed below are a number of the high properties on-line as ranked by precise prospects:
Seek for extra Shanghai Lodges!
That basically is dependent upon a bunch of things—room kind, journey dates, you identify it. However let’s say you’re all about snagging the most cost effective deal doable: an inside stateroom on a cruise set for an off-peak month, booked months prematurely. In the event you’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 night time at a lodge in Shanghai (P5000/night time 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. But it surely’s all the time sensible 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 take pleasure in extra!
In fact, when you fail to search out flights and sailings at these costs, you’ll find yourself with a better complete 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 sincere opinion, sponsored or not, a SPECTRUM OF THE SEAS cruise is price it! Particularly when you’re capable of snag promos and low costs!
It’s a journey expertise that I might advocate in a heartbeat for households, pals, and {couples} celebrating a special day. After I was on board, I saved enthusiastic 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.
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