We now have been journey running a blog for then previous 15 years, and most of these journeys had been carried out backpacking model. However typically, we prefer to commerce hostels for one thing slightly extra bougie — ideally on the excessive seas. As a result of, let’s face it, from time to time, all of us deserve slightly 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 among the most unimaginable 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 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 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 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 critically leveled up through the years, turning into far more accessible and inexpensive. 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 to 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 also be set to return to Asia later this 12 months, changing Anthem in Singapore.
However on this article, we’ll be specializing in Spectrum of the Seas.
Not likely. Not on a regular basis. It can be costly typically 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 e-book. Briefly, 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 (similar nights, similar 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 inexpensive 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 fowl will get the perfect offers—and possibly even a greater cabin view!
In lots of instances, costs additionally are likely to go cheaper when the crusing date is basically shut. Cruise firms would quite promote slots at a decrease price than not promote in any respect.
However be aware that December and January are likely to have the steepest charges as a result of they’re round main holidays — Christmas, New 12 months, and Chinese language New 12 months! You’ll additionally discover the large distinction between room varieties.
Talking of room varieties, probably the most 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 below 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 may go even decrease when you’re touring with seniors, who are sometimes eligible for a considerable low cost.
I believe that’s a implausible deal contemplating that it’s inclusive of the next:
- 3-night lodging (inside)
- UNLIMITED meals
- leisure (theatre, motion pictures, 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 a very good deal, happening 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 cut back the cruise fare for third or 4th company who’re 12 years outdated or under, staying in the identical room as the first company.
Nevertheless, 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 should be settled by the company.
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 increased. 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 need to pay for it on board. With Cruising, you received’t want to fret about this as a result of it’s pre-paid.
One huge perk of reserving by means of 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 cost extensions, there’s somebody prepared to help. Most significantly, you will have a dependable contact in case of emergencies—a lifesaver, particularly nowadays. The journey scene remains to be fairly unpredictable. Having an area crew 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 help crew may also help preserve all these shifting components in sync for a stress-free journey.
In the event you e-book on the worldwide web site, you’re primarily flying solo. Any points? You’ll need to name their U.S. hotline, which isn’t precisely handy. Working example: my aunt as soon as booked by means of the worldwide web site and by accident 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 should utilize this on prime 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 all the time the identical (when you take away the gratuities), we nonetheless encourage you to check. Generally, there are promos which can be solely accessible on the Cruising web site, and typically solely on the worldwide web site.
Spectrum of the Seas has 4 foremost 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 may 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. 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 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 most important, most luxurious, and costliest lodging. They arrive with quite a lot of perks, too. Some facilities are open solely to suite company. 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 company—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 greatest bang to your buck. The value distinction between reserving two rooms for 2 company 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. 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!
Be aware {that a} minor all the time has to share a room with an grownup. You can’t e-book a stateroom for an unaccompanied minor.
That will depend on your private preferences and finances.
Something with an ocean view -— balcony or no balcony —- is all the time a strong decide. It offers you respiratory 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 examine 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 other than 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 a daily ocean view. Since I don’t thoughts a barely blocked view, it appears like a terrific compromise for the worth.
In the event you’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 may even decide the room with the least obstruction on the similar value. Right here’s an instance:
For sure, 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 will have entry to 6 (6) inclusive eating places and meals spots.
- Most important 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 canine!
Eating at any of those spots? Completely FREE —- and sure, you may eat to your coronary heart’s content material. If I fall in love with a dish, I shamelessly order seconds (or thirds). On the Most important 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 may 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 further 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 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, artistic and revolutionary Alice-in-Wonderland-themed eating
- La Patisserie, pastries and desserts
- Chef’s Desk
- Izumi
- Sichuan Crimson
- The Sizzling Pot
- Vintages
- Leaf & Bean cafe
Room service can also be accessible however a US$7.95 service cost + 18% gratuity applies per stateroom order apart from continental breakfast.
YES, gratuities are obligatory. Listed here 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 web site, you’ll need to settle this earlier than you take a look at.
Gratuities on board are shared with the crew members who make your cruise expertise 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 gadgets. 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 idea, you don’t want to tip the crew members individually, however be at liberty to take action when you acquired glorious service and also you need to present appreciation.
I requested a number of pals who’d by no means thought of cruising earlier than: “What do you suppose occurs on board?” Unsurprisingly, most of them answered, “Eat, drink, and get together.” And that’s it. To be honest, years in the past, I 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 an entire universe of actions to discover! With cruise traces in fierce competitors, they’re always 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 when you want one)
- Skypad, bungee trampoline with digital actuality headset (FREE)
- Mountaineering wall (FREE)
- Royal Theatre, the place musical and different entertaining performances are frequently staged (most exhibits are FREE)
- SeaPlex, a sports activities complicated the place you may 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 night time (FREE)
- Star Second, karaoke! (FREE)
- Spas and gymnasium (FREE)
- Online game arcade
We had been capable of attempt virtually every little thing on the listing and we actually had quite a lot of enjoyable! We had been on the Music Corridor each night time and would spend our high-seas day attempting many of the rides and sights.
And oh, don’t neglect to catch at the very least one of many superior exhibits 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 quite a lot of kid-friendly sights like an arcade, online game rooms, archery room, bumper vehicles, and claw machines.
Some of the exhibits on the Royal Theatre are additionally healthful, which children can 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 children. Dad and mom can drop off their children right here.
YES, after all. It’s no thriller why individuals typically 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 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 brief stroll away.
For company with mobility challenges, cabins close to the elevators are an choice, and a few rooms are particularly designed with PWD company in thoughts. Speak about 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 examine it in, the employees takes care of every little thing, delivering it straight to your room. In your final night time, merely depart it within the hallway, and so they’ll deal with it once more. You’ll solely see it subsequent once you disembark. Zero trouble, zero stress.
And the perfect half? All the things you want is on board. Even when you skip exploring the ports of name totally, you’ll nonetheless have a tremendous time absorbing all of the ship has to supply!
This season, the journey virtually all the time begins and ends in Shanghai. However the normal stops, referred to as ports of name, are often in South Korea or Japan. Listed here are a few of them:
- 3 NIGHTS
• Shanghai – Jeju Island (Seogwipo) – Shanghai - 4 NIGHTS
• Shanghai – Okinawa (Naha) – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Ishigaki – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Nagasaki – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Fukuoka – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Kagoshima – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Sasebo (Uragashira) – Shanghai - 5 NIGHTS
• Shanghai – Okinawa (Naha) – Ishigaki – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Kumamoto – Nagasaki – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Nagasaki – Fukuoka – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Jeju – Fukuoka – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Busan – Fukuoka – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Fukuoka – Kumamoto – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Kagoshima – Nagasaki – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Kagoshima – Okinawa – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Sasebo (Uragashira) – Kagoshima – Shanghai - 7 NIGHTS
• Shanghai – Kobe – Osaka – Tokyo – Shanghai
• Shanghai – Osaka – Kobe – Tokyo – Shanghai - 8 NIGHTS
• Shanghái – Jeju – Maizuru – Niigata – Hakodate – Shanghái
You’ve acquired two choices for exploring your vacation spot: e-book a guided Shore Tour (or SHOREX) with Royal Caribbean or go full DIY and discover by yourself.
The great thing about a SHOREX? They maintain every little thing —- from port transfers to completely timed schedules. However be mindful, this comfort typically comes with a catch: a reasonably fastened itinerary. So, when you’re a “drift” sort, 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 ensure that to keep watch over the clock. You completely should be again on the ship earlier than the set departure time. Professional tip: you may 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 supply handy fly-and-cruise packages, however when you’re planning every little thing your self, you’ll must e-book the flight individually.
In the event you’re on a finances, intention for that candy spot the place each the cruise and flights align with decrease charges. Simpler stated than carried out? Perhaps. However belief me, it’s doable, particularly when you 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 must e-book but; simply scout. As soon as you notice inexpensive flights to Shanghai, examine 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 essential 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 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 need to e-book by yourself.
In the event you determine to spend some nights in Shanghai, you’ll need to maintain independently. Don’t fear, there are many lodge choices in Shanghai. Select one in Huangpu, particularly the realm surrounding Individuals’s Park, so you may simply entry main vacationer sights which can be FREE of cost.
Listed here are among the prime properties on-line as ranked by precise clients:
Seek for extra Shanghai Motels!
That basically will depend 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. In the event you’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 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 may count on to spend. Nevertheless it’s all the time sensible 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 help you get pleasure from extra!
In fact, when you fail to seek out flights and sailings at these costs, you’ll find yourself with a better complete value, so plan your journey effectively.
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 a number of instances 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 suggest in a heartbeat for households, pals, and {couples} celebrating a special day. Once I was on board, I stored interested by 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 once you use this promo code:.
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