For many people, the concept 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 kind of journey kinds that usually include loads of misconceptions.
After we requested our buddies what they initially considered cruises earlier than they realized what it was truly like, most of them mentioned the identical factor — that it’s an expensive 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 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 asking Singapore house till 2024, giving Southeast Asian vacationers a chance to discover our house area in fashion. 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 the event you’ve all the time been inquisitive about occurring 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?
Probably not. Not all the time. It can be costly however it may be inexpensive, too.
The value of the cruise relies on many issues: vacation spot, journey dates, variety of nights, variety of visitors, and the lodging sort. Therefore, the charges differ vastly.
Let’s discuss journey dates first. In the event you 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 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 fully doable to seek out inexpensive sailings, particularly for those who guide prematurely. Royal Caribbean has only recently opened their 2023-2024 seasons, so for those who search now, there’s a giant probability you’ll discover affordable 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 varieties.
Talking of room varieties, probably the most inexpensive cabin is the Inside state room. And for those who’re in a position to guide a less expensive date, you’ll discover that the worth of a cruise isn’t too distant from the price of a typical land tour in Singapore. I’ll break it down and clarify additional within the subsequent part.
The charges differ relying on a lot of elements, as talked about. However right here’s an instance of an inexpensive 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 may go even decrease for those who’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 sights)
- 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 lodge at P5000/evening)
- 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 go 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 larger or decrease than this, however for me, if I’m staying at a correct lodge, 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 could additionally let you go to one other nation!
So for me, for those who’re in a position to snag deal, occurring a cruise is just about like your typical SG journey budget-wise.
YES, more often than not! Senior visitors (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 sort.
Royal Caribbean additionally has a number of KIDS SAIL FREE promos, which might cut back the cruise fare for third or 4th visitors who’re 12 years previous or under, staying in the identical room as the first visitors.
Nonetheless, these promos aren’t accessible 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 visitors.
For the Philippine market, probably 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 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 have got somebody to name and help you in case of emergency. Having easy accessibility to buyer help right here within the Philippines is tremendous helpful 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 would flip to in case of pressing issues.
- Reserving and occurring a cruise is a little bit bit sophisticated. Or at the very least, extra sophisticated than the same old land excursions. There are loads of transferring elements that it is advisable 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.
In the event you guide on the worldwide web site, you’re principally by yourself (DIY) and must you want additional help, it is advisable 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 distant 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.
So it’s greatest to guide 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 completely different configurations and sizes. However right here’s what a fast description of a typical cabin below every class and what units them aside from one another, sorted from most cost-effective to costliest.
- Inside Room. No home windows. Often 166 sq. ft. Some inside rooms have a digital balcony, which is principally a display displaying some footage of the ocean.
- Ocean View Room. Larger, often 182 sq. ft, and with a big window.
- Balcony Ocean View Room. Or just “balcony rooms”. Extra spacious, often 198 sq. ft. The glass wall dealing with the ocean additionally makes it look 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 loads of perks, too. Some facilities are open solely to suite visitors. Listed below are the completely different suite varieties 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 mentioned, cramping 4 individuals in a room doesn’t essentially give the very best worth for cash. The value distinction between reserving 2 rooms with 2 visitors every and reserving 1 room with 4 visitors isn’t a lot.
That’s not shocking on condition that whenever you guide a cruise, you’re not simply paying for a room but in addition entry to limitless 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 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 all the time a sensible choice. It offers you some area to breathe. It’s additionally nice for those who’re the sort who likes admiring the view of the ocean or waking as much as a little bit of sunshine. In the event you like taking images, the balcony additionally gives a implausible vantage level particularly when the ship is docked at a port of name. And a window is beneficial when checking the climate rapidly, particularly on days that you simply intend to disembark for a shore tour.
But when price range is a little bit tight, an inside stateroom isn’t unhealthy 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 sincere, I didn’t actually use it that a lot aside from a few events once I wished 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 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 may well nonetheless give me the area of a balcony room on the value of an everyday ocean view room. If I might cruise once more, that is most likely what I might guide if the worth is far decrease.
In the event you’re concerned with 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 identical value. Right here’s a pattern:
For sure, for those who’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:
- 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 may have as a lot meals as you want. After I like a specific dish, I order one other serving. Even on the Important Eating Room, if I like two primary dishes, I order each. It’s okay and it’s allowed. You possibly can even ask for gadgets 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 might be accessible for FREE, it’s fully doable to finish the journey with out spending something extra on meals.
However if you wish to splurge a little bit, other than these complimentary meals spots, you’ll additionally discover specialty eating places that incur extra prices, 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 accessible 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-about cruising earlier than: What do you assume are in retailer for you on board? Unsurprisingly, most of them mentioned “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! After I was youthful, the one psychological pictures of cruising to me had 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 entering 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 loads 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 sights and way of life areas.
Listed below are a few of them:
- RipCord by iFly, simulated skydiving expertise (with additional price)
- FlowRider, simulated browsing exercise (FREE, however teacher charges apply for those who want one)
- Skypad, bungee trampoline with digital actuality headset (FREE)
- Mountaineering wall (FREE)
- Royal Theatre, the place musical and different entertaining performances are usually staged (most reveals are FREE)
- SeaPlex, a sports activities complicated the place you may experience bumper automobiles; play tennis, pingpong and basketball; strive archery; and extra! (FREE)
- North Star, a glass-enclosed commentary pod and capsule experience that enables a 360-degree view (with additional price)
- 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 strive nearly every little thing on the record and we actually had loads of enjoyable! We had been on the Music Corridor each evening and would spend our high-seas day attempting a lot of the rides and sights.
And oh, don’t overlook to catch at the very least one of many superior reveals on the Royal Theatre and the Two70!
YES. Kids have their very own swimming space, full with water slides.
The SeaPlex, a sports activities complicated, composed of recreation rooms and loads of kid-friendly sights like an arcade, online game rooms, archery room, bumper automobiles, and claw machines.
A number 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 principally 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. There’s a cause why most individuals (mistakenly) assume it’s just for retirees and pensioners — in the case 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 very least 16 visitor elevators: 10 between the aft (again finish) and midship, and one other 6 in direction of the ahead part. From right here, most key sights on board are simply accessible.
For visitors with mobility points, cabins close to the elevators may be requested. Some rooms are additionally particularly designed for PWD visitors.
Cruising basically is common amongst senior vacationers due to the sheer comfort. Visitors are properly taken care of. For instance, you by no means have to hold your baggage. When you verify it, the employees will ship it to your room. And on the final evening, you may go away it within the hallway once more for the employees to choose it up. The subsequent time you’ll see it once more is when you disembark.
On prime of all these, every little 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 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 occasions differ, 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 have got the choice to guide 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 little thing for you, together with the transfers to and from the port, but it surely often comes with a inflexible itinerary.
If you would like extra freedom and suppleness, you may 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 occasions on the Royal Caribbean app.
Penang and Phuket are fairly straightforward to discover as a result of the pier isn’t too distant from the details of curiosity or metropolis heart. However Port Klang is difficult 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 very least 3 hours on the street.
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 supply fly-and-cruise packages, however for those who’re doing it by yourself, you’ll should guide the flight individually.
If price range is a matter, attempt to seek for every week that may give you decrease charges for BOTH the cruise AND flights. I do know it’s simpler mentioned than finished, however it’s doable. 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 verify first. Don’t guide flights but, simply scan. Then, whenever you discover low-cost flights to Singapore, seek for an inexpensive cruise. If 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 at the very 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 await you.
Once more, that relies on loads of elements particularly the room sort and journey dates. However let’s say that you simply’re within the most cost-effective doable 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 probably to spend per individual:
- 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 may anticipate to spend. But it surely’s all the time smart so as to add some allowance for different doable 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 let you take pleasure in extra!
In fact, for those who fail to seek out flights and sailings at these costs, you’ll find yourself with the next complete price, so plan your journey properly.
For cruises departing on or earlier than 30 April 2023: In the event you 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 can 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 sincere opinion, sponsored or not, a SPECTRUM OF THE SEAS cruise is price it! Particularly for those who’re in a position to snag promos and low costs!
It’s a journey expertise that I might advocate in a heartbeat for households, buddies, and {couples} celebrating a special day. After I was on board, I saved interested by 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!)
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.
By reserving on this web site, you will get simpler entry to buyer help, which is extraordinarily helpful in case you’ll should make a change to your reserving otherwise you want additional assist.
