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 lots of misconceptions.
After we requested our associates what they initially considered cruises earlier than they discovered what it was truly like, most of them stated the identical factor — that it’s an opulent journey for very 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 manner 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 presently 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 house till 2024, giving Southeast Asian vacationers a possibility to discover our house area in model. SG’s central location means easy accessibility to neighboring ASEAN locations. Relying in your journey dates, the ship could make a cease in Port Klang (gateway to Kuala Lumpur), Penang, Phuket, and extra.
If you happen to’ve at all times been interested in happening a cruise, however you’re unsure if it’s one thing for you, it’s your fortunate day! We have been not too long ago 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?
Probably not. Not at all times. It can be costly however it may be reasonably priced, too.
The worth of the cruise relies on many issues: vacation spot, journey dates, variety of nights, variety of company, and the lodging kind. Therefore, the charges fluctuate significantly.
Let’s discuss journey dates first. If you happen to do a fast search, you’ll discover a number of cruises with the identical itinerary (identical variety of nights and stops) however every crusing’s value is completely different. It’s very very like reserving a flight. However you’ll be able to simply discover budget-friendly dates! Right here’s a fast scan I did simply now:
As you’ll be able to see, it’s totally attainable to seek out reasonably priced sailings, particularly should you guide upfront. Royal Caribbean has only in the near past opened their 2023-2024 seasons, so should you search now, there’s a giant likelihood you’ll discover cheap costs.
However, November, 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 large distinction between room sorts.
Talking of room sorts, essentially the most reasonably priced cabin is the Inside state room. And should you’re in a position to guide 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 quite a few 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 individual. This will go even decrease should you’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, films, and so on.)
- entry to facilities (swimming pools, some points of interest)
- cease in Malaysia (tour not included)
- gratuities / suggestions
- taxes and costs
As 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 price range resort at P5000/night time)
- SGD 200 (P8000) – Meals (4 days at SGD 25/individual/day)
- SGD 200 (P8000) – Sights & incidentals (SGD100 price range/individual)
- SGD 50 (P2000) – Transportation (SG Vacationer cross SGD25/individual)
- TOTAL: SGD 820 (P33,200) or SGD 410 (P16,600)
After all, 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 resort, that is what I normally spend on a 4D3N Singapore journey.
However as you’ll be able to see, the distinction in bills isn’t that a lot. The cruise value is even decrease, and it could additionally can help you go to one other nation!
So for me, should you’re in a position to snag an excellent deal, happening a cruise is just about like your typical SG 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, relying on cabin kind.
Royal Caribbean additionally has a number of KIDS SAIL FREE promos, which may 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.
Nevertheless, these promos will not be obtainable year-round and should not apply to sure dates. These reductions additionally cowl the CRUISE FARE solely. Taxes and different charges nonetheless have to be settled by the company.
For the Philippine market, essentially the most supreme choice is through 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 robotically get customer support and help in case you make a mistake, you want to change one thing, otherwise you need to lengthen funds. Most significantly, you have got somebody to name and help you in case of emergency. Having easy accessibility to buyer assist right here within the Philippines is tremendous beneficial for 2 causes:
- The journey scene can nonetheless be unpredictable lately. Journey necessities and border insurance policies change regularly and rapidly. It’s good to have somebody you may flip to in case of pressing issues.
- Reserving and happening a cruise is a bit of bit sophisticated. Or no less than, extra sophisticated than the standard land excursions. There are lots of shifting elements that you have to watch — flight schedules, cruise timings, journey necessities, check-in and boarding processes, exercise and eating reservations, shore excursions, and so on. Having somebody to maintain you up to date can guarantee you have got a hassle-free journey.
If you happen to guide on the worldwide web site, you’re mainly by yourself (DIY) and must you want additional help, you have 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 completely different and so far-off from her companions. She wished to alter rooms, however as a result of she booked through the worldwide web site, she needed to name the US quantity.
And should you use our promo code — WORTHIT — you’ll get an extra 5% DISCOUNT on the cruise fare! You should use this on prime of any present promos or reductions.
So it’s finest to guide 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 completely different configurations and sizes. However right here’s what a fast description of a typical cabin beneath every class and what units them other than one another, sorted from most cost-effective to most costly.
- Inside Room. No home windows. Normally 166 sq. toes. Some inside rooms have a digital balcony, which is mainly a display screen 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 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, 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 most costly lodging. They arrive with lots of perks, too. Some facilities are open solely to suite company. Listed here are the completely different suite sorts 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 (not together with suites) can accommodate as much as 4 (4) company. (I say “most” as a result of some Inside rooms can solely host 2-3 pax.) That stated, cramping 4 folks in a room doesn’t essentially give the most effective worth for cash. The worth distinction between reserving 2 rooms with 2 company every and reserving 1 room with 4 company isn’t a lot.
That’s not stunning on condition that while you guide 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 individual, not per room.
Word {that a} minor at all times has to share a room with an grownup. You can’t guide a stateroom for an unaccompanied minor.
That relies on your private preferences and price range.
Something with a view of the ocean — balcony or no balcony — is at all times a sensible choice. It provides you some area to breathe. It’s additionally nice should you’re the sort who likes admiring the view of the ocean or waking as much as a little bit of sunshine. If you happen to like taking pictures, 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 rapidly, particularly on days that you simply intend to disembark for a shore tour.
But when price range 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 at all times outdoors exploring the opposite decks anyway. On our most up-to-date cruise, we have been assigned a balcony room, however to be fully sincere, I didn’t actually use it that a lot aside from a few events after I wished to take a photograph of Penang’s and Singapore’s coasts.
That is in all probability why I assume the obstructed ocean view balcony room can provide me essentially 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 may nonetheless give me the area 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 guide if the worth is far decrease.
If you happen to’re taken with 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 identical value. Right here’s a pattern:
For sure, should you’re going for an obstructed ocean view room, choose 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 scorching canine!
Eating at any of the above is FREE of cost, and you’ll have as a lot meals as you want. Once I like a selected dish, I order one other serving. Even on the Most important Eating Room, if I like two foremost dishes, I order each. It’s okay and it’s allowed. You’ll be able to even ask for gadgets that aren’t on the present menu. I at all times 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 totally 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, inventive and revolutionary Alice-in-Wonderland-themed eating
- La Patisserie, pastries and desserts
- Chef’s Desk
- Izumi
- Sichuan Pink
- The Sizzling Pot
- Vintages
- Leaf & Bean cafe
Room service can be obtainable however a US$7.95 service cost + 18% gratuity applies per stateroom order aside from continental breakfast.
So I requested a few of my associates who by no means thought of cruising earlier than: What do you assume are in retailer for you on board? Unsurprisingly, most of them stated “eat, drink, and celebration.” However nothing a lot aside from that. I say “unsurprisingly” as a result of years in the past, I assumed the identical, too! Once I was youthful, the one psychological photographs of cruising to me have been painted by the flicks I noticed whereby wealthy retirees simply socialize at cocktail events. LOL.
However the reality is, boarding a cruise ship is like getting 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 lots 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 certainly one of their largest ships, the Spectrum of the Seas has greater than its share of thrilling points of interest and life-style areas.
Listed here are a few of them:
- RipCord by iFly, simulated skydiving expertise (with additional value)
- FlowRider, simulated browsing exercise (FREE, however teacher charges apply should you 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 reveals are FREE)
- SeaPlex, a sports activities advanced the place you’ll be able to trip bumper vehicles; play tennis, pingpong and basketball; strive archery; and extra! (FREE)
- North Star, a glass-enclosed remark 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 night time (FREE)
- Star Second, karaoke! (FREE)
- Spas and fitness center (FREE)
- Online game arcade
We have been in a position to strive nearly every little thing on the listing and we actually had lots of enjoyable! We have been on the Music Corridor each night time and would spend our high-seas day making an attempt a lot of the rides and points of interest.
And oh, don’t neglect to catch no less than 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 advanced, composed of sport rooms and lots of kid-friendly points of interest like an arcade, online game rooms, archery room, bumper vehicles, and claw machines.
A few 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 kids ages 3 to 11 can play with different children. Dad and mom can drop off their children right here.
YES, in fact. There’s a purpose why most individuals (mistakenly) assume it’s just for retirees and pensioners — in terms of journey types, cruising is a favourite among the many aged!
Whereas the ship is gigantic, it’s fairly straightforward to discover. It has no less than 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 company with mobility points, cabins close to the elevators will be requested. Some rooms are additionally particularly designed for PWD company.
Cruising generally is standard amongst senior vacationers due to the sheer comfort. Friends are effectively 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 night time, you’ll be able to depart it within the hallway once more for the employees to select it up. The following time you’ll see it once more is when you disembark.
On prime of all these, every little thing you want is on board. You could select to not discover the stops or ports of name in any respect and nonetheless have a grand time.
The journey at all times begins and ends in Singapore. However the ordinary stops, referred to as ports of name, rely upon 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 occasions 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 will have the choice to guide a guided tour from Royal Caribbean referred to as SHOREX (Shore Tour) or you’ll be able to discover the vacation spot by yourself.
The fantastic thing about becoming a member of a shorex is they are going to be caring for every little thing for you, together with the transfers to and from the port, but it surely normally comes with a inflexible itinerary.
If you need extra freedom and suppleness, you’ll be able to discover independently. However simply just be sure you’ll be again to the ship earlier than the set time. You’ll be able to see the arrival and departure occasions 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 no less than 3 hours on the street.
Essential! It’s a must to be absolutely vaccinated to discover ports of name.
No, it’s not included within the revealed charges.
Some journey companies can supply fly-and-cruise packages, however should you’re doing it by yourself, you’ll must guide the flight individually.
If price range is a matter, attempt to seek for per week that can provide you decrease charges for BOTH the cruise AND flights. I do know it’s simpler stated than performed, 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 guide flights but, simply scan. Then, while you discover low cost flights to Singapore, seek for an reasonably priced cruise. Once you discover one which matches your flight dates, guide the flight and the cruise instantly. Please thoughts your timings. Be aware of the departure and arrival occasions earlier than finalizing your flight reservation.
Attempt to be in Singapore no less than a day earlier than the beginning of crusing. We don’t advocate 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 look forward to you.
Once more, that relies on lots of elements particularly the room kind and journey dates. However let’s say that you simply’re within the most cost-effective 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 might be most probably to spend per individual:
- P10,000 – roundtrip Manila-Singapore flight
- P1620 – Philippine journey tax
- P2500 – 1 night time at a resort in Singapore (P5000/night time 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’ll be able to count on to spend. However it’s at all times sensible so as to add some allowance for different attainable bills. You may end up wanting a drink, purchase a memento, strive 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!
After all, should you fail to seek out flights and sailings at these costs, you’ll find yourself with a better whole value, so plan your journey effectively.
For cruises departing on or earlier than 30 April 2023: If you happen to or any of your touring celebration assessments constructive for COVID-19 inside 10 days earlier than your crusing date or on the boarding terminal, 100% of the cruise fare shall be refunded.
(As of August 30, 2022)
Okay, earlier than anything, full disclosure: My most up-to-date cruise was sponsored by Royal Caribbean, so I’ll have biases. However in my sincere opinion, sponsored or not, a SPECTRUM OF THE SEAS cruise is value it! Particularly should you’re in a position to snag promos and low costs!
It’s a journey expertise that I may advocate in a heartbeat for households, associates, and {couples} celebrating an important day. Once I was on board, I saved fascinated 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 shall be shouldering all my bills this time!)
Ebook 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 while you use this promo code:.
By reserving on this website, you may get simpler entry to buyer assist, which is extraordinarily beneficial 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 keep 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 generally is ready that can assist you, use this promo code to indicate your assist. Thanks a lot!
