For many people, the thought of happening a cruise doesn’t normally cross our minds. If and when it does, it’s one thing we usually wouldn’t entertain. No surprises there, actually. Cruising is a kind of journey types that usually include a whole lot of misconceptions.
After we requested our pals what they initially considered cruises earlier than they realized what it was truly like, most of them stated the identical factor — that it’s an expensive journey for terribly rich retirees who solely eat, drink and celebration on board. So sure, no because of the way it’s usually depicted in movies, we consider cruises as one thing that’s method out of our attain.
However over the previous a number of years, cruising has turn out to be extra accessible. Whereas no Philippine metropolis is at the moment a house port to any main cruise ship, our neighbor Singapore is! Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas, Asia’s largest cruise ship, is looking Singapore dwelling till 2024, giving Southeast Asian vacationers a possibility to discover our dwelling area in model. SG’s central location means easy accessibility to neighboring ASEAN locations. Relying in your journey dates, the ship might make a cease in Port Klang (gateway to Kuala Lumpur), Penang, Phuket, and extra.
For those who’ve all the time been interested by happening a cruise, however you’re unsure if it’s one thing for you, it’s your fortunate day! We had been lately invited by Royal Caribbean to board and discover the Spectrum of the Seas because it sailed to Malaysia. On this article, we’ll reply a few of your burning questions on cruising from Singapore!
WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?
Not likely. Not all the time. It can be costly however it may be reasonably priced, too.
The worth of the cruise is dependent upon many issues: vacation spot, journey dates, variety of nights, variety of visitors, and the lodging sort. Therefore, the charges fluctuate vastly.
Let’s discuss journey dates first. For those who do a fast search, you’ll discover a number of cruises with the identical itinerary (similar variety of nights and stops) however every crusing’s value is totally different. It’s very very like reserving a flight. However you possibly can simply discover budget-friendly dates! Right here’s a fast scan I did simply now:
As you possibly can see, it’s completely attainable to seek out reasonably priced sailings, particularly if you happen to e book prematurely. Royal Caribbean has only recently opened their 2023-2024 seasons, so if you happen to search now, there’s a giant probability you’ll discover cheap costs.
Alternatively, November, December and January are inclined to have the steepest charges as a result of they’re round main holidays — Christmas, New Yr, and Chinese language New Yr! You’ll additionally discover the large distinction between room sorts.
Talking of room sorts, probably the most reasonably priced cabin is the Inside state room. And if you happen to’re in a position to e book a less expensive date, you’ll discover that the worth of a cruise isn’t too far-off from the price of a typical land tour in Singapore. I’ll break it down and clarify additional within the subsequent part.
The charges fluctuate relying on a variety of elements, as talked about. However right here’s an instance of an reasonably priced discover:
A 3-night cruise that makes a cease in Penang can value as little as SGD 767.52 (PHP 30,700) for two individuals (inside room) for an August 2023 crusing. That’s SGD 383.75 (PHP 15,350) per particular person. This may go even decrease if you happen to’re touring with seniors, who’re 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 so forth.)
- entry to facilities (swimming pools, some points of interest)
- cease in Malaysia (tour not included)
- gratuities / ideas
- taxes and costs
Compared, right here’s what 2 vacationers would in all probability spend on a typical DIY land tour in Singapore:
- SGD 370 (P15,000) – Resort (3 nights at a typical funds lodge at P5000/evening)
- SGD 200 (P8000) – Meals (4 days at SGD 25/particular person/day)
- SGD 200 (P8000) – Sights & incidentals (SGD100 funds/particular person)
- SGD 50 (P2000) – Transportation (SG Vacationer go SGD25/particular person)
- TOTAL: SGD 820 (P33,200) or SGD 410 (P16,600)
In fact, relying in your journey preferences, your precise prices could also be larger or decrease than this, however for me, if I’m staying at a correct lodge, that is what I normally spend on a 4D3N Singapore journey.
However as you possibly can see, the distinction in bills isn’t that a lot. The cruise value is even decrease, and it will additionally can help you go to one other nation!
So for me, if you happen to’re in a position to snag a great deal, happening a cruise is just about like your typical SG 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, 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 under, staying in the identical room as the first visitors.
Nonetheless, these promos should not obtainable year-round and will not apply to sure dates. These reductions additionally cowl the CRUISE FARE solely. Taxes and different charges nonetheless have to be settled by the visitors.
For the Philippine market, probably the most supreme choice is by way of www.cruising.com.ph, managed by the official Royal Caribbean representatives within the nation.
What’s nice about reserving on the official Philippine web site is, you mechanically get customer support and help in case you make a mistake, you want to change one thing, otherwise you wish to prolong funds. Most significantly, you’ve gotten somebody to name and help you in case of emergency. Having easy accessibility to buyer help right here within the Philippines is tremendous useful for 2 causes:
- The journey scene can nonetheless be unpredictable nowadays. Journey necessities and border insurance policies change steadily and shortly. It’s good to have somebody you would flip to in case of pressing issues.
- Reserving and happening a cruise is a bit of bit sophisticated. Or at the very least, extra sophisticated than the standard land excursions. There are a whole lot of transferring components that you want to watch — flight schedules, cruise timings, journey necessities, check-in and boarding processes, exercise and eating reservations, shore excursions, and so forth. Having somebody to maintain you up to date can guarantee you’ve gotten a hassle-free journey.
For those who e book on the worldwide web site, you’re principally by yourself (DIY) and must you want additional help, you want to name their customer support in the US (US). This occurred to my aunt. She mistakenly booked a cabin on a deck and part of the ship that’s totally different and so far-off from her companions. She needed to vary rooms, however as a result of she booked by way of the worldwide web site, she needed to name the US quantity.
And if you happen to use our promo code — WORTHIT — you’ll get a further 5% DISCOUNT on the cruise fare! You need to use this on high of any current promos or reductions.
So it’s finest to e book at www.cruising.com.ph!
The Spectrum of the Seas has 4 main state room classes. However beneath every class, not all rooms are created equal. They’ve totally different configurations and sizes. However right here’s what a fast description of a typical cabin beneath every class and what units them aside from one another, sorted from least expensive to costliest.
- Inside Room. No home windows. Often 166 sq. toes. Some inside rooms have a digital balcony, which is principally a display exhibiting some footage of the ocean.
- Ocean View Room. Greater, normally 182 sq. toes, and with a big window.
- Balcony Ocean View Room. Or just “balcony rooms”. Extra spacious, normally 198 sq. toes. The glass wall going through the ocean additionally makes it look greater. With a spacious balcony.
– You’ll additionally discover rooms tagged “Obstructed Ocean View Balcony“, which refers to these rooms which have a balcony however the view is partially blocked by one thing. For instance, 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 whole lot of perks, too. Some facilities are open solely to suite visitors. Listed below are the totally 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 (not together with suites) can accommodate as much as 4 (4) visitors. (I say “most” as a result of some Inside rooms can solely host 2-3 pax.) That stated, cramping 4 individuals in a room doesn’t essentially give the most effective worth for cash. The worth distinction between reserving 2 rooms with 2 visitors every and reserving 1 room with 4 visitors isn’t a lot.
That’s not stunning on condition that whenever you e book a cruise, you’re not simply paying for a room but additionally entry to limitless array of meals and facilities. In most situations, pricing is just about per particular person, not per room.
Word {that a} minor all the time has to share a room with an grownup. You can not e book a stateroom for an unaccompanied minor.
That is dependent upon your private preferences and funds.
Something with a view of the ocean — balcony or no balcony — is all the time a sensible choice. It offers you some house to breathe. It’s additionally nice if you happen to’re the kind who likes admiring the view of the ocean or waking as much as a little bit of sunshine. For those who like taking images, the balcony additionally supplies a implausible vantage level particularly when the ship is docked at a port of name. And a window is helpful when checking the climate shortly, particularly on days that you simply intend to disembark for a shore tour.
But when funds is a bit of tight, an inside stateroom isn’t dangerous in any respect. I’ve tried it earlier than and I didn’t thoughts that there was no view as a result of I used to be all the time exterior exploring the opposite decks anyway. On our most up-to-date cruise, we had been assigned a balcony room, however to be fully trustworthy, I didn’t actually use it that a lot apart from a few events once I needed to take a photograph of Penang’s and Singapore’s coasts.
That is in all probability why I suppose the obstructed ocean view balcony room can provide me probably the most bang for my buck. I’ve by no means actually tried it, however I’m guessing since I don’t actually thoughts the view, it could actually nonetheless give me the house of a balcony room on the value of an everyday ocean view room. If I’d cruise once more, that is in all probability what I’d e book if the worth is far decrease.
For those who’re concerned about an obstructed ocean view room, it would assist to know the way a lot of the view is blocked. It’s not seen on the worldwide web site, however it’s clearly indicated on cruising.com.ph, permitting you to decide on the room with the least obstruction on the similar value. Right here’s a pattern:
For sure, if you happen to’re going for an obstructed ocean view room, decide one with the least view blockage.
YES. Every reserving comes with entry to 6 (6) complimentary eating choices:
- 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 sizzling canines!
Eating at any of the above is FREE of cost, and you may have as a lot meals as you want. After I like a selected dish, I order one other serving. Even on the Most important Eating Room, if I like two fundamental dishes, I order each. It’s okay and it’s allowed. You possibly can even ask for objects that aren’t on the present menu. I all the time order a cheese platter even when it’s not on the menu (LOL).
Due to the sheer variety of the cuisines which can be obtainable for FREE, it’s completely attainable to finish the journey with out spending something extra on meals.
However if you wish to splurge a bit of, other than these complimentary meals spots, you’ll additionally discover specialty eating places that incur further costs, together with:
- 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 Crimson
- The Scorching Pot
- Vintages
- Leaf & Bean cafe
Room service can be obtainable however a US$7.95 service cost + 18% gratuity applies per stateroom order apart from continental breakfast.
So I requested a few of my pals who by no means thought of cruising earlier than: What do you suppose are in retailer for you on board? Unsurprisingly, most of them stated “eat, drink, and celebration.” However nothing a lot apart from that. I say “unsurprisingly” as a result of years in the past, I assumed the identical, too! After I was youthful, the one psychological pictures of cruising to me had been painted by the flicks I noticed whereby wealthy retirees simply socialize at cocktail events. LOL.
However the fact is, boarding a cruise ship is like moving into one other world. There’s only a globe of issues to do on board! Competitors amongst cruise strains is intense, so each one is constantly one-upping the others by providing a whole lot of options, relying on the goal market. Royal Caribbean, for instance, has been filling their new ships to the brim with enjoyable and thrilling facilities. As one in every of their largest ships, the Spectrum of the Seas has greater than its share of thrilling points of interest and way of life areas.
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 if you happen to want one)
- Skypad, bungee trampoline with digital actuality headset (FREE)
- Mountaineering wall (FREE)
- Royal Theatre, the place musical and different entertaining performances are repeatedly staged (most exhibits are FREE)
- SeaPlex, a sports activities advanced the place you possibly can trip bumper vehicles; play tennis, pingpong and basketball; attempt archery; and extra! (FREE)
- North Star, a glass-enclosed commentary pod and capsule trip 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 gymnasium (FREE)
- Online game arcade
We had been in a position to attempt virtually the whole lot on the checklist and we actually had a whole lot of enjoyable! We had been on the Music Corridor each evening and would spend our high-seas day making an attempt many of the rides and points of interest.
And oh, don’t neglect to catch at the very least one of many superior exhibits on the Royal Theatre and the Two70!
YES. Youngsters have their very own swimming space, full with water slides.
The SeaPlex, a sports activities advanced, composed of recreation rooms and a whole lot of kid-friendly points of interest like an arcade, online game rooms, archery room, bumper vehicles, and claw machines.
Among the exhibits on the Royal Theatre are additionally healthful, which children can take pleasure in.
The Spectrum of the Seas additionally has a so-called Journey Ocean program, which is principally a youth membership or day care, the place youngsters ages 3 to 11 can play with different children. Mother and father can drop off their children right here.
YES, after all. There’s a purpose why most individuals (mistakenly) assume it’s just for retirees and pensioners — in relation to journey types, cruising is a favourite among the many aged!
Whereas the ship is gigantic, it’s fairly straightforward to discover. It has at the very least 16 visitor elevators: 10 between the aft (again finish) and midship, and one other 6 in the direction of the ahead part. From right here, most key points of interest on board are simply accessible.
For visitors with mobility points, cabins close to the elevators could be requested. Some rooms are additionally particularly designed for PWD visitors.
Cruising typically is common amongst senior vacationers due to the sheer comfort. Company are nicely taken care of. For instance, you by no means have to hold your baggage. When you examine it, the employees will ship it to your room. And on the final evening, you possibly can go away it within the hallway once more for the employees to select it up. The subsequent time you’ll see it once more is when you disembark.
On high of all these, the whole lot you want is on board. You might select to not discover the stops or ports of name in any respect and nonetheless have a grand time.
The journey all the time begins and ends in Singapore. However the traditional stops, referred to as ports of name, rely on the quantity nights.
- 3 nights: Penang
- 4 nights: Port Klang/Kuala Lumpur and Penang, OR Penang and Phuket
- 5 nights: Port Klang/Kuala Lumpur, Penang, AND Phuket
The arrival and departure instances fluctuate, however you’ll normally get only a day or half-day at every cease.
The final full day onboard is normally spent at excessive seas, so that you’ll be on the ship the complete time.
You have got the choice to e book a guided tour from Royal Caribbean referred to as SHOREX (Shore Tour) or you possibly can discover the vacation spot by yourself.
The great thing about becoming a member of a shorex is they are going to be caring for the whole lot for you, together with the transfers to and from the port, however it normally comes with a inflexible itinerary.
If you’d like extra freedom and adaptability, you possibly can discover independently. However simply just be sure you’ll be again to the ship earlier than the set time. You possibly can see the arrival and departure instances on the Royal Caribbean app.
Penang and Phuket are fairly straightforward to discover as a result of the pier isn’t too far-off from the details of curiosity or metropolis heart. However Port Klang is hard as a result of it’s roughly 1.5 to 2 hours from Kuala Lumpur, relying on site visitors circumstances. This implies, you’ll be spending at the very least 3 hours on the highway.
Vital! You need to be totally vaccinated to discover ports of name.
No, it’s not included within the printed charges.
Some journey businesses can provide fly-and-cruise packages, however if you happen to’re doing it by yourself, you’ll must e book the flight individually.
If funds is a matter, attempt to seek for every week that can provide you decrease charges for BOTH the cruise AND flights. I do know it’s simpler stated than executed, however it’s attainable. I’m able to discover some dates that do match, particularly when airways have seat gross sales.
Airfare is extra erratic, in order that’s what I normally examine first. Don’t e book flights but, simply scan. Then, whenever you discover low cost flights to Singapore, seek for an reasonably priced cruise. Once you discover one which matches your flight dates, e book the flight and the cruise instantly. Please thoughts your timings. Pay attention to the departure and arrival instances earlier than finalizing your flight reservation.
Attempt to be in Singapore at the very least a day earlier than the beginning of crusing. We don’t suggest reserving a flight on the identical day of boarding as a result of a delay in your flight can simply mess up your journey. The ship received’t anticipate you.
Once more, that is dependent upon a whole lot of elements particularly the room sort and journey dates. However let’s say that you simply’re within the least expensive attainable choice — inside stateroom on a crusing scheduled in an off month a yr away. Supposing you’re a pair flying from Manila, right here’s how a lot you’re almost definitely to spend per particular person:
- P10,000 – roundtrip Manila-Singapore flight
- P1620 – Philippine journey tax
- P2500 – 1 evening at a lodge in Singapore (P5000/evening divided by 2 pax)
- P15,350 – Cruise (inclusive of meals)
- P5,000 – transportation and incidental bills
- P34,470 – TOTAL
Let’s spherical it off to a clear P35,000.
That is the minimal you possibly can count on to spend. But it surely’s all the time clever so as to add some allowance for different attainable 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 Singapore. Having a wiggle room would can help you take pleasure in extra!
In fact, if you happen to fail to seek out flights and sailings at these costs, you’ll find yourself with the next complete value, so plan your journey nicely.
For cruises departing on or earlier than 30 April 2023: For those who or any of your touring celebration exams constructive for COVID-19 inside 10 days earlier than your crusing date or on the boarding terminal, 100% of the cruise fare will probably be refunded.
(As of August 30, 2022)
Okay, earlier than the rest, full disclosure: My most up-to-date cruise was sponsored by Royal Caribbean, so I could have biases. However in my trustworthy opinion, sponsored or not, a SPECTRUM OF THE SEAS cruise is price it! Particularly if you happen to’re in a position to snag promos and low costs!
It’s a journey expertise that I may suggest 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.
I completely loved my keep that I’m already planning on doing it once more, this time with household. (And sure, I will probably be shouldering all my bills this time!)
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:.
By reserving on this website, you may get simpler entry to buyer help, which is extraordinarily useful in case you’ll must 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 a bit of one thing at NO EXTRA COST to you. So if this text or this weblog typically is ready that can assist you, use this promo code to point out your help. Thanks a lot!
