For many people, the thought of occurring a cruise doesn’t often cross our minds. If and when it does, it’s one thing we usually wouldn’t entertain. No surprises there, actually. Cruising is a type of journey kinds that always include a number of misconceptions.
Once we requested our buddies what they initially considered cruises earlier than they realized what it was really like, most of them stated the identical factor — that it’s an opulent journey for terribly rich retirees who solely eat, drink and celebration on board. So sure, no due to the way it’s usually depicted in movies, we consider cruises as one thing that’s means out of our attain.
However over the previous a number of years, cruising has grow to be extra accessible. Whereas no Philippine metropolis is at present 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 asking Singapore residence till 2024, giving Southeast Asian vacationers a chance to discover our residence area in type. 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.
In case you’ve all the time been inquisitive about occurring a cruise, however you’re undecided if it’s one thing for you, it’s your fortunate day! We have been just 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 value of the cruise is determined by many issues: vacation spot, journey dates, variety of nights, variety of friends, and the lodging kind. Therefore, the charges fluctuate enormously.
Let’s discuss journey dates first. In case you 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 worth is totally different. It’s very very similar to reserving a flight. However you may simply discover budget-friendly dates! Right here’s a fast scan I did simply now:
As you may see, it’s totally attainable to search out reasonably priced sailings, particularly should you ebook upfront. Royal Caribbean has only in the near past opened their 2023-2024 seasons, so should you search now, there’s an enormous likelihood you’ll discover cheap costs.
Then again, 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 massive distinction between room varieties.
Talking of room varieties, essentially the most reasonably priced cabin is the Inside state room. And should you’re capable of ebook a less expensive date, you’ll discover that the value 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 lot of components, 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 price 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 could go even decrease should you’re touring with seniors, who’re 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, 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 most likely 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) – Points of interest & incidentals (SGD100 price range/individual)
- SGD 50 (P2000) – Transportation (SG Vacationer cross SGD25/individual)
- TOTAL: SGD 820 (P33,200) or SGD 410 (P16,600)
In fact, relying in your journey preferences, your precise prices could also be increased or decrease than this, however for me, if I’m staying at a correct resort, that is what I often spend on a 4D3N Singapore journey.
However as you may see, the distinction in bills isn’t that a lot. The cruise price is even decrease, and it will additionally let you go to one other nation!
So for me, should you’re capable of snag a superb deal, occurring a cruise is just about like your typical SG 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, relying on cabin kind.
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.
Nonetheless, these promos aren’t out there 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 friends.
For the Philippine market, essentially the most ultimate possibility 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 mechanically 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’ve 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 today. Journey necessities and border insurance policies change regularly and rapidly. It’s good to have somebody you possibly can flip to in case of pressing issues.
- Reserving and occurring a cruise is somewhat bit sophisticated. Or at the least, extra sophisticated than the same old land excursions. There are a number of shifting elements that you must 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’ve got a hassle-free journey.
In case you ebook on the worldwide web site, you’re mainly by yourself (DIY) and must you want additional help, you must name their customer support in the USA (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 through the worldwide web site, she needed to name the US quantity.
So it’s greatest to ebook at www.cruising.com.ph!
The Spectrum of the Seas has 4 main state room classes. However below 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 below every class and what units them other than one another, sorted from least expensive 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. Larger, often 182 sq. toes, and with a big window.
- Balcony Ocean View Room. Or just “balcony rooms”. Extra spacious, often 198 sq. toes. The glass wall 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 a number of perks, too. Some facilities are open solely to suite friends. Listed here are the totally different suite varieties sorted by dimension 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 (not together with suites) can accommodate as much as 4 (4) friends. (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 value distinction between reserving 2 rooms with 2 friends every and reserving 1 room with 4 friends isn’t a lot.
That’s not stunning provided that once you ebook a cruise, you’re not simply paying for a room but in addition entry to countless array of meals and facilities. In most situations, pricing is just about per individual, not per room.
Be aware {that a} minor all the time has to share a room with an grownup. You can not ebook a stateroom for an unaccompanied minor.
That is determined by your private preferences and price range.
Something with a view of the ocean — balcony or no balcony — is all the time a good selection. It offers you some house 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. In case you like taking pictures, the balcony additionally gives a incredible 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 just intend to disembark for a shore tour.
But when price range is somewhat 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 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 once I needed to take a photograph of Penang’s and Singapore’s coasts.
That is most likely why I assume the obstructed ocean view balcony room may give 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 might probably nonetheless give me the house of a balcony room on the worth of an everyday ocean view room. If I’d cruise once more, that is most likely what I’d ebook if the value is way decrease.
In case you’re keen on an obstructed ocean view room, it’d assist to understand how 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 worth. Right here’s a pattern:
Evidently, should you’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:
- Foremost 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 may have as a lot meals as you want. Once I like a specific dish, I order one other serving. Even on the Foremost Eating Room, if I like two primary dishes, I order each. It’s okay and it’s allowed. You’ll be able to 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 out there for FREE, it’s totally attainable to finish the journey with out spending something extra on meals.
However if you wish to splurge somewhat, other than these complimentary meals spots, you’ll additionally discover specialty eating places that incur further prices, together with:
- Chops Grille, steakhouse
- Teppanyaki, Japanese meals ready and served by entertaining cooks
- Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver
- Wonderland, artistic and modern 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 out there however a US$7.95 service cost + 18% gratuity applies per stateroom order apart from continental breakfast.
So I requested a few of my buddies 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 believed the identical, too! Once I was youthful, the one psychological photographs of cruising to me have been painted by the films I noticed whereby wealthy retirees simply socialize at cocktail events. LOL.
However the reality 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 repeatedly one-upping the others by providing a number 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 considered 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 price)
- 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 commonly staged (most exhibits are FREE)
- SeaPlex, a sports activities complicated the place you may 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 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 have been capable of strive nearly every thing on the listing and we actually had a number 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 overlook to catch at the 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 complicated, composed of sport rooms and a number of kid-friendly points of interest like an arcade, online game rooms, archery room, bumper vehicles, and claw machines.
A few of the exhibits on the Royal Theatre are additionally healthful, which children can get pleasure from.
The Spectrum of the Seas additionally has a so-called Journey Ocean program, which is mainly a youth membership or day care, the place kids ages 3 to 11 can play with different children. Mother and father 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 — on the subject of journey kinds, cruising is a favourite among the many aged!
Whereas the ship is gigantic, it’s fairly straightforward to discover. It has at the 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 friends with mobility points, cabins close to the elevators will be requested. Some rooms are additionally particularly designed for PWD friends.
Cruising on the whole is in style amongst senior vacationers due to the sheer comfort. Friends 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 night time, you may go away it within the hallway once more for the employees to choose it up. The following time you’ll see it once more is when you disembark.
On high of all these, every thing you want is on board. Chances are you’ll 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 typical 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 often get only a day or half-day at every cease.
The final full day onboard is often spent at excessive seas, so that you’ll be on the ship your complete time.
You may have the choice to ebook a guided tour from Royal Caribbean referred to as SHOREX (Shore Tour) or you may discover the vacation spot by yourself.
The great thing about becoming a member of a shorex is they are going to be taking good care of every thing for you, together with the transfers to and from the port, however it often comes with a inflexible itinerary.
In order for you extra freedom and adaptability, you may 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 middle. However Port Klang is hard as a result of it’s roughly 1.5 to 2 hours from Kuala Lumpur, relying on visitors situations. This implies, you’ll be spending at the least 3 hours on the street.
Vital! It’s important to be totally vaccinated to discover ports of name.
No, it’s not included within the printed charges.
Some journey businesses can supply fly-and-cruise packages, however should you’re doing it by yourself, you’ll must ebook the flight individually.
If price range is a matter, attempt to seek for per week that may give you decrease charges for BOTH the cruise AND flights. I do know it’s simpler stated than finished, 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 often examine first. Don’t ebook flights but, simply scan. Then, once you discover low cost flights to Singapore, seek for an reasonably priced cruise. Whenever you discover one which matches your flight dates, ebook the flight and the cruise instantly. Please thoughts your timings. Pay attention to the departure and arrival occasions earlier than finalizing your flight reservation.
Attempt to be in Singapore at the least 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 gained’t look ahead to you.
Once more, that is determined by a number of components particularly the room kind and journey dates. However let’s say that you just’re within the least expensive attainable possibility — inside stateroom on a crusing scheduled in an off month a 12 months away. Supposing you’re a pair flying from Manila, right here’s how a lot you’re almost definitely 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 may count on to spend. Nevertheless it’s all the time smart so as to add some allowance for different attainable bills. You would possibly 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 let you get pleasure from extra!
In fact, should you fail to search out flights and sailings at these costs, you’ll find yourself with the next complete price, so plan your journey nicely.
For cruises departing on or earlier than 30 April 2023: In case you 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 can 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 could have biases. However in my sincere opinion, sponsored or not, a SPECTRUM OF THE SEAS cruise is value it! Particularly should you’re capable of snag promos and low costs!
It’s a journey expertise that I might advocate in a heartbeat for households, buddies, and {couples} celebrating an important day. Once I was on board, I stored serious 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 can 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.
By reserving on this web site, you will 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.
