Now we have been journey running a blog for then previous 15 years, and most of these journeys had been achieved backpacking fashion. However generally, we wish to commerce hostels for one thing a bit extra bougie — ideally on the excessive seas. As a result of, let’s face it, every so often, all of us deserve a bit pampering. And what screams “pampering” louder than a cruise? Floating buffets, gorgeous ocean views, and new vacation spot every day? We’re on board!
Cruising is the last word journey “hack” — unpack as soon as, feast like royalty, and let your floating resort-hotel take you to a number of the most unimaginable spots on the earth. It’s excellent for households, {couples}, and even solo adventurers on the lookout for a mixture of leisure and exploration. Whether or not you’re lounging by the pool, savoring international cuisines, or stepping off the ship to discover a brand new port, cruising gives a hassle-free 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. After we requested our associates 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 over time, turning into far more accessible and reasonably priced. So no, you don’t want a belief fund to hitch the enjoyable.
For those who’re contemplating to attempt 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, 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 visitors, and kind of cabin you guide. In brief, it’s all about discovering the combo that works for you (and your pockets).
First up—journey dates. For those who do a fast search, you’ll discover that cruises with the very same itinerary (similar nights, similar stops) can have wildly totally different value tags relying on when they sail. It’s principally like reserving a flight. The excellent news? Scoring budget-friendly dates isn’t tough.
I did a fast search and listed here are the most affordable 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 hen will get the perfect offers—and possibly even a greater cabin view!
In lots of circumstances, costs additionally are likely to go cheaper when the crusing date is basically shut. Cruise firms would somewhat promote slots at a decrease charge 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 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 plenty 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 when 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, when you’re capable of snag deal, occurring a cruise is just about like your typical land journey budget-wise.
YES, more often than not! Senior visitors (55 years outdated and above) can get a ten% low cost off the cruise fare. That is equal to round SGD 80 – 120 per room (USD 58-88), relying on cabin sort.
Royal Caribbean additionally has a number of KIDS SAIL FREE promos, which may 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 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 world web site. However when you’re within the Philippines, think about reserving by way of www.cruising.com.ph, which is managed by the official Royal Caribbean companions within the nation.
You would possibly discover that costs on Cruising.com.ph is barely greater. That’s as a result of Cruising already consists of the necessary gratuities. For those who guide 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 huge perk of reserving by way of www.cruising.com.ph is that you simply get customer support proper right here at house. 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 got 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 checklist goes on. An area assist group may help preserve all these transferring elements in sync for a stress-free journey.
For those who guide on the worldwide web site, you’re primarily flying solo. Any points? You’ll should name their U.S. hotline, which isn’t precisely handy. Working example: my aunt as soon as booked by way of 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 when you use our promo code — WORTHIT — you’ll get a further 5% DISCOUNT on the cruise fare! You should use this on prime of any current promos or reductions.
So it’s finest to guide 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. Typically, there are promos which can be solely accessible on the Cruising web site, and generally solely on the worldwide website.
Spectrum of the Seas has 4 essential stateroom classes, however not all rooms are created equal. Every class has totally different configurations and sizes, so it’s not only a “one dimension matches all” deal. Right here’s a fast breakdown of what you’ll be able to 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. toes. Some inside rooms have a digital balcony, which is principally a display screen exhibiting some footage of the ocean.
- Ocean View Room. Greater, 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 going through 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 a variety of perks, too. Some facilities are open solely to suite visitors. On Spectrum, listed here are the totally different suite varieties sorted by dimension and value.
– Silver junior suite
– Grand suite (1-bedroom)
– Proprietor’s suite
– Grand loft suite
– Final household suite (a two-level suite that has an indoor slide, an leisure room, and three bedrooms, good for 11 pax)
Most staterooms (excluding suites) can match as much as 4 visitors—although a number of Inside rooms max out at 2–3 individuals. However squeezing 4 individuals into one room doesn’t all the time provide the finest bang in your buck. The value distinction between reserving two rooms for 2 visitors every versus cramming 4 into one room is often fairly small.
Why? As a result of whenever you guide 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!
Notice {that a} minor all the time has to share a room with an grownup. You can not guide a stateroom for an unaccompanied minor.
That relies on your private preferences and finances.
Something with an ocean view -— balcony or no balcony —- is all the time a stable decide. It offers you respiratory house, each day dose of sunshine, and the right spot to admire these limitless blue horizons. For those who’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 verify the climate earlier than heading out for a shore tour.
That stated, when you’re on a finances, an inside stateroom isn’t a nasty deal. I’ve stayed in a single a number of instances 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 except for snapping a number of images 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 looks like an amazing compromise for the value.
For those who’re eyeing an obstructed ocean view room, right here’s a tip: verify 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 possibly can even decide the room with the least obstruction on the similar value. Right here’s an instance:
Evidently, when you’re going for an obstructed ocean view room, decide one with the least view blockage.
YES. Every reserving comes with complimentary eating.
On Spectrum of the Seas, you’ve got entry to 6 (6) inclusive eating places and meals spots.
- Fundamental 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 Fundamental 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 possibly can 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 value, it’s 100% potential 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. Good for whenever you’re feeling fancy or simply wish 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 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 apart 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
For those who guide with Cruising.com.ph, this will likely be included within the reserving (pre-paid), so that you don’t want to fret about this whenever you’re already crusing.
For those who guide on the worldwide website, you’ll should settle this earlier than you try.
Gratuities on board are shared with the crew members who make your cruise expertise wonderful, just like the eating, bar, and culinary employees, stateroom attendants, lodge 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 gadgets. For those who’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 idea, you don’t want to tip the crew members individually, however be at liberty to take action when you obtained glorious service and also you wish to present appreciation.
I requested a number of associates who’d by no means considered 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 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 wholly totally different world. There’s an entire 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 consultants 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 principally a floating journey park!
Listed here are a few of them:
- RipCord by iFly, simulated skydiving expertise (with additional value)
- 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 often staged (most reveals are FREE)
- SeaPlex, a sports activities complicated the place you’ll be able to trip bumper vehicles; 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 value)
- Swimming swimming pools and whirlpools (FREE)
- Music corridor, with band performances each evening (FREE)
- Star Second, karaoke! (FREE)
- Spas and fitness center (FREE)
- Online game arcade
We had been capable of attempt nearly every little thing on the checklist and we actually had a variety of enjoyable! We had 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 neglect 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 complicated, composed of sport rooms and a variety 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 take pleasure in.
The Spectrum of the Seas additionally has a so-called Journey Ocean program, which is principally a youth membership or day care, the place youngsters ages 3 to 11 can play with different youngsters. Mother and father can drop off their youngsters right here.
YES, after all. It’s no thriller why individuals typically assume cruising is only for retirees—it’s a journey fashion beloved by the aged! And actually, it’s simple to see why.
Regardless of the ship’s huge dimension, getting round is a breeze. There are at the very least 16 visitor elevators: 10 between the aft (that’s cruise communicate 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 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. Visitors are pampered from begin to end. Take your baggage, for instance: when you verify it in, the employees takes care of every little 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 whenever you disembark. Zero problem, zero stress.
And the perfect half? Every little thing 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 ordinary stops, known as ports of name, are often in South Korea or Japan. Listed here are a few of them:
- 3 NIGHTS
• Shanghai – Jeju Island (Seogwipo) – Shanghai - 4 NIGHTS
• Shanghai – Okinawa (Naha) – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Ishigaki – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Nagasaki – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Fukuoka – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Kagoshima – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Sasebo (Uragashira) – Shanghai - 5 NIGHTS
• Shanghai – Okinawa (Naha) – Ishigaki – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Kumamoto – Nagasaki – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Nagasaki – Fukuoka – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Jeju – Fukuoka – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Busan – Fukuoka – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Fukuoka – Kumamoto – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Kagoshima – Nagasaki – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Kagoshima – Okinawa – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Sasebo (Uragashira) – Kagoshima – Shanghai - 7 NIGHTS
• Shanghai – Kobe – Osaka – Tokyo – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Osaka – Kobe – Tokyo – Shanghai - 8 NIGHTS
• Shanghái – Jeju – Maizuru – Niigata – Hakodate – Shanghái
You’ve received two choices for exploring your vacation spot: guide a guided Shore Tour (or SHOREX) with Royal Caribbean or go full DIY and discover by yourself.
The great thing about a SHOREX? They handle every little thing —- from port transfers to completely timed schedules. However bear in mind, this comfort typically comes with a catch: a fairly mounted itinerary. So, when you’re a “float” sort, it’d really feel a bit too structured.
If freedom and adaptability are extra your fashion, exploring independently is the best way to go! Simply make certain to regulate the clock. You completely should be again on the ship earlier than the set departure time. Professional tip: you’ll be able to verify 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 when you’re planning every little thing your self, you’ll must guide the flight individually.
For those who’re on a finances, purpose for that candy spot the place each the cruise and flights align with decrease charges. Simpler stated than achieved? 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 guide but; simply scout. As soon as you see reasonably priced flights to Shanghai, verify for cruises that match these dates. If the celebrities align and also you discover a whole lot for each, guide 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 look ahead to nobody, babe!
NO. The cruise reserving solely covers your ONBOARD lodging (plus meals and facilities).
Something that’s exterior whenever you’re not on the ship, it’s a must to guide by yourself.
For those who determine to spend some nights in Shanghai, you’ll should handle independently. Don’t fear, there are many lodge choices in Shanghai. Select one in Huangpu, particularly the world surrounding Individuals’s Park, so you’ll be able to simply entry main vacationer sights which can be FREE of cost.
Listed here are a number of the prime properties on-line as ranked by precise prospects:
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. For those who’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’ll be able to count on to spend. Nevertheless it’s all the time clever so as to add some allowance for different potential 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 assist you to take pleasure in extra!
After all, when you fail to search out flights and sailings at these costs, you’ll find yourself with the next complete value, so plan your journey effectively.
Okay, earlier than the rest, 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 when you’re capable of snag promos and low costs!
It’s a journey expertise that I may suggest in a heartbeat for households, associates, and {couples} celebrating a special day. Once 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.
You may get additional 5% DISCOUNT whenever you use this promo code:.
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