We’ve been journey running a blog for then previous 15 years, and most of these journeys had been executed 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, once in a while, 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 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 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 affords a hassle-free technique 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 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 through the years, turning into far more accessible and inexpensive. So no, you don’t want a belief fund to affix the enjoyable.
When 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 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 also be set to return to Asia later this yr, changing Anthem in Singapore.
However on this article, we’ll be specializing in Spectrum of the Seas.
Probably not. Not on a regular basis. It can be costly generally however it may be inexpensive, too.
Cruise costs can swing wildly relying on the vacation spot, journey dates, size of the cruise, variety of company, and kind of cabin you e-book. Briefly, it’s all about discovering the combo that works for you (and your pockets).
First up—journey dates. When you do a fast search, you’ll discover that cruises with the very same itinerary (identical nights, identical stops) can have wildly totally different worth tags relying on when they sail. It’s mainly like reserving a flight. The excellent news? Scoring budget-friendly dates isn’t troublesome.
I did a fast search and listed below are the most cost effective sailings for 3, 4, and 5 nights.
See? Snagging an inexpensive cruise is completely doable, particularly should you’re forward of the sport. Royal Caribbean simply rolled out their 2025 and 2026 schedules, so now’s the proper time to dive in. Early hen will get the most effective offers—and possibly even a greater cabin view!
In lots of instances, costs additionally are inclined to go cheaper when the crusing date is absolutely shut. Cruise firms would reasonably promote slots at a decrease price than not promote in any respect.
However observe that December and January are inclined to have the steepest charges as a result of they’re round main holidays — Christmas, New 12 months, and Chinese language New 12 months! You’ll additionally discover the massive distinction between room varieties.
Talking of room varieties, essentially 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 plenty of elements.
Once more, listed below are the most cost effective sailings.
A 3-night cruise that makes a cease in Jeju Island can value as little as USD 331 (PHP 19,400) per individual (inside room, excluding gratuities) for an October 2025 crusing. This may go even decrease should you’re touring with seniors, who are sometimes eligible for a considerable low cost.
I feel that’s a unbelievable 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 points of interest)
- cease in Jeju Island (tour not included)
- taxes
So for me, should you’re in a position to snag a great deal, occurring a cruise is just about like your typical land journey budget-wise.
YES, more often than not! Senior company (55 years outdated and above) can get a ten% low cost off the cruise fare. That is equal to round SGD 80 – 120 per room (USD 58-88), relying on cabin kind.
Royal Caribbean additionally has a number of KIDS SAIL FREE promos, which might scale back the cruise fare for third or 4th company who’re 12 years outdated or under, staying in the identical room as the first company.
Nonetheless, these promos will not be 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 should 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 may discover that costs on Cruising.com.ph is barely greater. That’s as a result of Cruising already consists of the obligatory gratuities. When 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 gained’t want to fret about this as a result of it’s pre-paid.
One large perk of reserving by way of www.cruising.com.ph is that you just get customer support proper right here at house. 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 might have a dependable contact in case of emergencies—a lifesaver, particularly nowadays. The journey scene remains to be fairly unpredictable. Having a neighborhood group 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. An area help group might help maintain all these transferring components in sync for a stress-free journey.
When 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. Living proof: my aunt as soon as booked by way of 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 clean crusing!
And should 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 finest to e-book at www.cruising.com.ph!
Though costs on each websites are virtually at all times the identical (should 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 generally solely on the worldwide website.
Spectrum of the Seas has 4 primary 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 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 screen displaying 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 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 most costly lodging. They arrive with numerous perks, too. Some facilities are open solely to suite company. On Spectrum, listed below are the totally different suite varieties 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 company—although just a few Inside rooms max out at 2–3 folks. However squeezing 4 folks into one room doesn’t at all times provide the finest 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 if you e-book a cruise, you’re not simply paying for a mattress to sleep in. You’re additionally having access to an all-you-can-eat feast, tons of facilities, and nonstop leisure. Most often, 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 at all times has to share a room with an grownup. You can’t e-book a stateroom for an unaccompanied minor.
That relies on your private preferences and finances.
Something with an ocean view -— balcony or no balcony —- is at all times a stable decide. It offers you respiration area, each day dose of sunshine, and the proper spot to admire these countless blue horizons. When you’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 straightforward to verify the climate earlier than heading out for a shore tour.
That mentioned, should you’re on a finances, an inside stateroom isn’t a nasty deal. I’ve stayed in a single just a few 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 trustworthy, I barely used it other than snapping just a few 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 as if the proper center floor —- spacious like a balcony room however priced nearer to a daily ocean view. Since I don’t thoughts a barely blocked view, it seems like an amazing compromise for the worth.

When 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 decide the room with the least obstruction on the identical worth. Right here’s an instance:
Evidently, should 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 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 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 Essential 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’ll be able to even go rogue and ask for one thing that’s not on the menu. Living proof: I at all times request a cheese platter, menu be damned (LOL).
With the unbelievable number of cuisines accessible at no additional value, it’s 100% doable to finish your cruise with out spending a single peso extra on meals.




However should 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 if 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 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 also be accessible however a US$7.95 service cost + 18% gratuity applies per stateroom order aside from continental breakfast.
YES, gratuities are obligatory. Listed below are the charges:
- USD 18.50 per evening per visitor in any stateroom
- USD 21.00 per evening per visitor in any suite
When 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 if you’re already crusing.
When 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, lodge providers, 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. When 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 properly.
So in concept, you don’t want to tip the crew members individually, however be happy to take action should you acquired glorious service and also you need to present appreciation.
I requested just a few pals who’d by no means thought of cruising earlier than: “What do you assume occurs on board?” Unsurprisingly, most of them answered, “Eat, drink, and occasion.” 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 totally different world. There’s a complete universe of actions to discover! With cruise traces in fierce competitors, they’re continually 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. Living proof: Spectrum of the Seas, which is bursting with thrilling points of interest and way of life areas. It’s mainly a floating journey park!
Listed below are a few of them:

- RipCord by iFly, simulated skydiving expertise (with additional value)
- FlowRider, simulated browsing exercise (FREE, however teacher charges apply should 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 frequently staged (most reveals are FREE)
- SeaPlex, a sports activities complicated the place you may journey bumper vehicles; play tennis, pingpong and basketball; attempt archery; and extra! (FREE)
- North Star, a glass-enclosed statement pod and capsule journey that permits 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 in a position to attempt virtually every part on the record and we actually had numerous enjoyable! We had been on the Music Corridor each evening and would spend our high-seas day attempting a lot of the rides and points of interest.

And oh, don’t neglect to catch a minimum of one of many superior reveals 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 sport rooms and numerous kid-friendly points of interest 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 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 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 folks usually assume 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 communicate 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 quick 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. Visitors are pampered from begin to end. Take your baggage, for instance: when you verify it in, the employees takes care of every part, delivering it straight to your room. In your final evening, merely depart it within the hallway, they usually’ll deal with it once more. You’ll solely see it subsequent if you disembark. Zero trouble, zero stress.
And the most effective half? All the pieces you want is on board. Even should you skip exploring the ports of name completely, 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 common stops, referred to 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 obtained 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 maintain every part —- from port transfers to completely timed schedules. However consider, this comfort usually comes with a catch: a reasonably fastened itinerary. So, should you’re a “float” kind, it’d really feel a bit too structured.

If freedom and adaptability are extra your model, exploring independently is the way in which to go! Simply be certain that to regulate the clock. You completely should be again on the ship earlier than the set departure time. Professional tip: you may verify the ship’s arrival and departure instances simply on the Royal Caribbean app. Lacking the boat isn’t precisely the form of journey you need!
No, it’s not included.
Some journey businesses provide handy fly-and-cruise packages, however should you’re planning every part your self, you’ll have to e-book the flight individually.
When you’re on a finances, intention for that candy spot the place each the cruise and flights align with decrease charges. Simpler mentioned than executed? Possibly. However belief me, it’s doable, particularly should you maintain 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 notice inexpensive flights to Shanghai, verify 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 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 if you’re not on the ship, you need to e-book by yourself.
When you determine to spend some nights in Shanghai, you’ll should maintain independently. Don’t fear, there are many lodge choices in Shanghai. Select one in Huangpu, particularly the world surrounding Individuals’s Park, so you may simply entry main vacationer points of interest which can be FREE of cost.
Listed below are a number of the prime properties on-line as ranked by precise prospects:
Seek for extra Shanghai Motels!
That actually relies on 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 upfront. When 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 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 may anticipate to spend. Nevertheless it’s at all times clever 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 take pleasure in extra!
In fact, should you fail to search out flights and sailings at these costs, you’ll find yourself with the next complete value, so plan your journey properly.
Okay, earlier than anything, full disclosure: Our most up-to-date cruise was sponsored by Royal Caribbean, so I could have biases. However I’ve booked with Royal Caribbean at my very own expense just a few instances earlier than, and in my trustworthy opinion, sponsored or not, a SPECTRUM OF THE SEAS cruise is price it! Particularly should you’re in a position to snag promos and low costs!
It’s a journey expertise that I might suggest in a heartbeat for households, pals, and {couples} celebrating a special day. Once I was on board, I stored 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 will get additional 5% DISCOUNT if you use this promo code:.
By reserving on this website, you may get simpler entry to buyer help, which is extraordinarily beneficial 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 preserve this web site as a result of we’ll get slightly one thing at NO EXTRA COST to you. So if this text or this weblog normally is in a position that will help you, use this promo code to indicate your help. Thanks a lot!