Now we have been journey running a blog for then previous 15 years, and most of these journeys had been performed backpacking type. However generally, we wish to commerce hostels for one thing a little bit extra bougie — ideally on the excessive seas. As a result of, let’s face it, now and again, all of us deserve a little 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 final 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 the planet. 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. 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 severely leveled up over time, 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 healthier in 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, 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.
Not likely. 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 friends, 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 (identical nights, identical stops) can have wildly completely 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 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 right time to dive in. Early chook 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 actually shut. Cruise firms would quite promote slots at a decrease fee than not promote in any respect.
However observe 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 sorts.
Talking of room sorts, essentially the most inexpensive cabin is the Inside state room. I’ll break it down and clarify additional within the subsequent part.
The charges differ relying on quite a few elements.
Once more, listed here are the most affordable sailings.
A 3-night cruise that makes a cease in Jeju Island can price as little as USD 331 (PHP 19,400) per individual (inside room, excluding gratuities) for an October 2025 crusing. This may go even decrease in case 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 sights)
- cease in Jeju Island (tour not included)
- taxes
So for me, in case you’re in a position to snag a very good deal, occurring a cruise is just about like your typical land journey budget-wise.
YES, more often than not! Senior friends (55 years previous and above) can get a ten% low cost off the cruise fare. That is equal to round SGD 80 – 120 per room (USD 58-88), relying on cabin sort.
Royal Caribbean additionally has a number of KIDS SAIL FREE promos, which might cut back the cruise fare for third or 4th friends who’re 12 years previous or beneath, staying in the identical room as the first friends.
Nevertheless, these promos aren’t out there year-round and will 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 world web site. However in case 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 may discover that costs on Cruising.com.ph is barely greater. 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 huge perk of reserving by way of www.cruising.com.ph is that you simply 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 have got a dependable contact in case of emergencies—a lifesaver, particularly today. The journey scene continues to be fairly unpredictable. Having a neighborhood crew in your aspect 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 crew will help preserve all these transferring elements 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 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 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 easy crusing!
And in case 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 e book at www.cruising.com.ph!
Though costs on each websites are virtually at all times the identical (in case you take away the gratuities), we nonetheless encourage you to match. Typically, there are promos which can be solely out there on the Cruising web site, and generally solely on the worldwide website.
Spectrum of the Seas has 4 principal stateroom classes, however not all rooms are created equal. Every class has completely different configurations and sizes, so it’s not only a “one dimension suits all” deal. Right here’s a fast breakdown of what you’ll be able to count on 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. Often 166 sq. ft. Some inside rooms have a digital balcony, which is principally a display screen exhibiting some footage of the ocean.
- Ocean View Room. Larger, often 182 sq. ft, and with a big window.
- Balcony Ocean View Room. Or just “balcony rooms”. Extra spacious, often 198 sq. ft. The glass wall dealing with the ocean additionally makes it look larger. With a spacious balcony.
– You’ll additionally discover rooms tagged “Obstructed Ocean View Balcony“, which refers to these rooms which have a balcony however the view is partially blocked by one thing. For instance, on Spectrum, Deck 6 is the place the smaller boats are positioned, obstructing the view of 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 a variety of perks, too. Some facilities are open solely to suite friends. On Spectrum, listed here are the completely different suite sorts 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 friends—although a couple of Inside rooms max out at 2–3 folks. However squeezing 4 folks into one room doesn’t at all times provide the finest bang in your buck. The value 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. Generally, cruise pricing works on a per-person foundation, not per room—so everybody will get a bit of the motion, irrespective of what number of you’re bunking with!
Notice {that a} minor at all times has to share a room with an grownup. You can’t e book a stateroom for an unaccompanied minor.
That depends upon your private preferences and funds.
Something with an ocean view -— balcony or no balcony —- is at all times a strong choose. It offers you respiration area, each day dose of sunshine, and the right spot to admire these countless 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 simple to test 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 nasty deal. I’ve stayed in a single a couple 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 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 as if 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 seems like a fantastic compromise for the worth.
In the event you’re eyeing an obstructed ocean view room, right here’s a tip: test how a lot of the view is blocked. Whereas this information isn’t out there on the worldwide web site, cruising.com.ph makes it crystal clear. You possibly can 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 have got entry to 6 (6) inclusive eating places and meals spots.
- Primary 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’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 Primary Eating Room and I like two dishes, I don’t even trouble selecting -— I simply get each. And guess what? It’s fully allowed. You possibly can even go rogue and ask for one thing that’s not on the menu. Working example: I at all times request a cheese platter, menu be damned (LOL).
With the unbelievable number of cuisines out there at no further price, 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 once you’re feeling fancy or simply need to spice issues up a bit!
On Spectrum of the Seas, these embody:
- Chops Grille, steakhouse
- Teppanyaki, Japanese meals ready and served by entertaining cooks
- Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver
- Wonderland, inventive and revolutionary Alice-in-Wonderland-themed eating
- La Patisserie, pastries and desserts
- Chef’s Desk
- Izumi
- Sichuan Pink
- The Scorching Pot
- Vintages
- Leaf & Bean cafe
Room service can be out there 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 website, you’ll should 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, resort companies, and different hardworking of us behind the scenes.
As well as, an computerized 18% gratuity is tacked onto all pre-cruise and onboard purchases for drinks (together with beverage packages), specialty eating, room service, and mini bar gadgets. In the event you’re treating your self to some pampering on the spa or salon, an computerized 20% gratuity will probably be added to these purchases as nicely.
So in concept, you don’t want to tip the crew members individually, however be at liberty to take action in case you acquired wonderful service and also you need to present appreciation.
I requested a couple 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 social gathering.” 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 coming into a completely completely 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 way of life areas. It’s principally a floating journey park!
Listed here are a few of them:
- RipCord by iFly, simulated skydiving expertise (with further price)
- 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 exhibits 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 commentary pod and capsule trip that enables a 360-degree view (with further price)
- Swimming swimming pools and whirlpools (FREE)
- Music corridor, with band performances each night time (FREE)
- Star Second, karaoke! (FREE)
- Spas and fitness center (FREE)
- Online game arcade
We had been in a position to attempt virtually all the things on the listing and we actually had a variety 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 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 a variety 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 principally 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 folks typically suppose 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 dimension, 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, a lot of the ship’s key sights 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 a success with senior vacationers. Visitors are pampered from begin to end. Take your baggage, for instance: when you test it in, the employees takes care of all the things, delivering it straight to your room. In your final night time, merely go away 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? Every little thing you want is on board. Even in case you skip exploring the ports of name totally, you’ll nonetheless have an incredible time absorbing all of the ship has to supply!
This season, the journey virtually at all times begins and ends in Shanghai. However the normal stops, 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: 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 all the things —- from port transfers to completely timed schedules. However have in mind, this comfort typically comes with a catch: a fairly fastened itinerary. So, in case you’re a “float” sort, it would really feel a bit too structured.
If freedom and suppleness are extra your type, exploring independently is the best way to go! Simply be certain that to keep watch over the clock. You completely must be again on the ship earlier than the set departure time. Professional tip: you’ll be able to test 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 businesses provide handy fly-and-cruise packages, however in case you’re planning all the things your self, you’ll have to e book the flight individually.
In the event you’re on a funds, goal 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 in case you preserve a watch out for airline seat gross sales!
Right here’s how I often do it: Begin by scanning for affordable flights. No have to e book but; simply scout. As soon as you see inexpensive flights to Shanghai, test for cruises that match these dates. If the celebrities align and also you discover a whole lot for each, e book them ASAP. Timing is vital right here. Double-check the cruise departure and arrival schedules earlier than locking in your flight.
Professional tip: Arrive in Shanghai at the very least a day earlier than your cruise begins. Reserving a same-day flight is dangerous enterprise. One delay and your ship will sail off with out you. Ships await 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, it’s important to e book by yourself.
In the event you resolve to spend some nights in Shanghai, you’ll should maintain independently. Don’t fear, there are many resort 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 clients:
Seek for extra Shanghai Lodges!
That actually depends upon a bunch of things—room sort, journey dates, you title it. However let’s say you’re all about snagging the most affordable deal doable: an inside stateroom on a cruise set for an off-peak month, booked months upfront. 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 individual:
- P12,775 – roundtrip Manila-Shanghai flight
- P1,620 – Philippine journey tax
- P3,448 – China visa (double entry)
- P24,620 – 4-night Shanghai-Okinawa Cruise (inclusive of meals)
- P4,335 – Cruise gratuities
- P1,700 – Port charges
- P2,500 – 1 night time at a resort 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’ll be able to count on to spend. Nevertheless it’s at all times smart so as to add some allowance for different doable bills. You may 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 get pleasure from extra!
After all, in case you fail to search out flights and sailings at these costs, you’ll find yourself with the next whole price, so plan your journey nicely.
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 instances earlier than, and in my sincere 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 advocate in a heartbeat for households, pals, and {couples} celebrating a special day. After I was on board, I saved eager 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 further 5% DISCOUNT once you use this promo code:.
By reserving on this website, you will get simpler entry to buyer assist, which is extraordinarily invaluable in case you’ll should make a change to your reserving otherwise you want additional assist.
And by utilizing this code, you’ll additionally assist us keep this web site as a result of we’ll get a little bit one thing at NO EXTRA COST to you. So if this text or this weblog normally is in a position that can assist you, use this promo code to indicate your assist. Thanks a lot!
