For many people, the concept of occurring 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 type of journey types that usually comes with a variety of misconceptions.
Once 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 opulent journey for terribly rich retirees who solely eat, drink and get together onboard. 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 grow 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 in operation, is asking Singapore residence till 2024, permitting Southeast Asian vacationers a possibility to discover our residence area in type. Singapore’s central location means quick access 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 at all times 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 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 questions on cruising from Singapore!
WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?
Probably not. Not at all times. It may be costly however it may be inexpensive, too. The value of the cruise will depend on many issues: vacation spot, journey dates, variety of nights, variety of company, and the lodging sort. Therefore, the charges fluctuate enormously.
Let’s speak about journey dates first. For those who do a fast search, you’ll discover a cruises with the identical itinerary (identical variety of nights and stops) however every crusing’s value is totally different. It’s very very like 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 doable to seek out inexpensive sailings, particularly in the event you e book prematurely.
Then again, 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.
Essentially the most inexpensive room is the Inside stateroom. And in the event you’re in a position to e book a less expensive date, you’ll discover that the price of a cruise is simply inside the neighborhood 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 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 particular person.
I feel that’s an excellent deal contemplating that it’s inclusive of the next:
- 3-night lodging (inside)
- UNLIMITED meals
- leisure (theatre, motion pictures)
- entry to facilities (swimming pools, some sights)
- cease in Malaysia (tour not included)
- gratuities / suggestions
- taxes and charges
Compared, right here’s what 2 vacationers would in all probability spend on a typical land tour in Singapore:
- SGD 300 (P12,000) – Resort (3 nights at a typical price range lodge at P4000/evening)
- SGD 200 (P8000) – Meals (4 days at SGD 25/particular person/day)
- SGD 200 (P8000) – Sights & incidentals (SGD100 price range/particular person)
- SGD 50 (P2000) – Transportation (SG Vacationer move SGD25/particular person)
- TOTAL: SGD 750 (P30,000) or SGD 375 (P15,000)
After all, relying in your journey preferences, your precise prices could also be increased or decrease than this, however for me, that is what I normally spend on a 4D3N Singapore journey.
However as you may see, the distinction in bills isn’t that a lot. However a cruise would additionally permit you to go to one other nation, too!
So for me, in the event you’re in a position to snag a very good deal, occurring 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 sort.
Royal Caribbean additionally has a number of KIDS SAIL FREE promos, which slashes off the cruise fare for third or 4th company who’re 12 years outdated or beneath, staying in the identical room as the first company.
Nevertheless, these promos are usually not accessible yr spherical and should not apply to sure dates. These additionally cowl the CRUISE FARE solely. Taxes and different charges nonetheless must be settled by the company.
For the Philippine market, probably the most splendid possibility is through Royal Caribbean Philippines, managed by the official representatives within the nation.
What’s nice about reserving on the official Philippine web site is, you routinely 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 could have somebody to name and help you in case of emergency. Having quick access to buyer help right here within the Philippines is tremendous worthwhile for 2 causes:
- The journey scene can nonetheless be unpredictable as of late. Journey necessities and border insurance policies change steadily and rapidly. It’s good to have somebody you might flip to in case of pressing issues.
- Reserving and occurring a cruise is slightly bit difficult. Or at the least, extra difficult than the same old land excursions. There are a variety of transferring components that it’s essential 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 could have a hassle-free journey.
For those who e book on the worldwide web site, you’re mainly by yourself (DIY) and must you want additional help, it’s essential name their customer support in america (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 to US quantity.
So it’s finest to e book at www.cruising.com.ph!
The Spectrum of the Seas has 4 main state room classes. However underneath every class, rooms are usually not all the identical. Some rooms have totally different configurations and sizes. However right here’s what a fast description of a typical room underneath every class and what units them aside from one another, sorted from the most cost effective to costliest.
- Inside Room. No home windows. Often 166 sq. ft. Some inside rooms have a digital balcony, which is mainly a display screen exhibiting footage of the ocean.
- Ocean View Room. Greater, normally 182 sq. ft, and with a big window.
- Balcony Ocean View Room. Or just “balcony rooms”. Extra spacious, normally 198 sq. ft. The glass wall going through the ocean additionally makes it look greater. With a 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 most of the rooms right here. Due to this, obstructed balcony rooms are sometimes cheaper than non-balcony ocean view rooms. - Suites. The most important and most luxurious lodging. They arrive with a variety of perks, too. Some facilities are open solely to suite company. Listed here are the totally 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) company. (Some Inside rooms can solely host 2-3.) That stated, cramping 4 individuals in a room doesn’t essentially cheaper give the perfect worth for cash. The value 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 once you e book a cruise, you’re not simply paying for a room but additionally entry to limitless meals and facilities. In most situations, pricing is just about per particular person, not per room.
Notice {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 will depend on your private preferences and price range.
Something with a view of the ocean, balcony or no balcony, is at all times sensible choice. It provides you some house to breathe. It’s additionally nice in the event you’re the sort who likes admiring the view of the ocean or waking as much as a little bit of sunshine. For those who like taking pictures, the balcony additionally supplies a implausible vantage level! And a window is beneficial when checking the climate rapidly, particularly on days that you just intend to disembark for a shore tour.
But when price range is slightly 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 exterior exploring the opposite decks anyway. On our most up-to-date cruise, we have been assigned a balcony room, however I didn’t actually used it that a lot.
That is in all probability why I suppose 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 will possibly nonetheless give me the house of a balcony room on the value of a daily ocean view room.
For those who’re focused on an obstructed ocean view room, it would 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.
YES. Every reserving comes with entry to 6 (6) complimentary eating choices:
- Major 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 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 Major Eating Room, if I like two major dishes, I order each. It’s okay and it’s allowed.
Due to the sheer variety of the cuisines which might be accessible for FREE, it’s totally doable to finish the journey with out spending something extra on meals.
However if you wish to splurge slightly, except for these complimentary meals spots, you’ll additionally discover specialty eating places that incur extra expenses, together with:
- Chops Grille, steakhouse
- Teppanyaki, Japanese meals ready and served by entertaining cooks
- Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver
- Wonderland, inventive and modern 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 aside from continental breakfast.
So I requested a few of my pals who by no means thought of cruising earlier than what they suppose are in retailer for them onboard? Unsurprisingly, most of them stated “eat, drink, and get together.” 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 photos of cruising to me have 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 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 repeatedly one-upping the others by providing a variety of options, relying on the goal market. Royal Caribbean, for instance, has been launching ship after ship that is stuffed 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 sights and life-style areas.
Listed here are a few of them:
- RipCord by iFly, simulated skydiving expertise (with further price)
- FlowRider, simulated browsing exercise (FREE, however teacher charges apply in the event you want one)
- Skypad, bungee trampoline with digital actuality headset (FREE)
- Mountaineering wall (FREE)
- Royal Theatre, the place musical and different entertaining performances are recurrently staged (most reveals are FREE)
- SeaPlex, a sports activities advanced the place you may experience bumper vehicles; play tennis, pingpong and basketball; attempt archery; and extra! (FREE)
- North Star, a glass-enclosed statement pod and capsule experience that enables a 360-degree view (with further 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 have been in a position to attempt virtually the whole lot on the checklist and we actually had a variety of enjoyable! We have been on the Music Corridor each evening and would spend our high-seas day attempting many of the rides and sights.
The journey at all times begins and ends in Singapore. However the standard 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 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 your complete time.
You could have the choice to e book a guided tour from Royal Caribbean referred to as SHOREX (Shore Tour) or you may discover the vacation spot by yourself.
The fantastic 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, nevertheless it normally comes with a inflexible itinerary.
If you’d like 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 may see the arrival and departure occasions on the Royal Caribbean app.
Penang and Phuket are fairly simple 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 visitors circumstances. This implies, you’ll be spending at the least 3 hours on the street.
Necessary! You must be totally vaccinated to discover ports of name.
No, it’s not included within the revealed charges.
Some journey companies can provide fly-and-cruise packages, however in the event you’re doing it by yourself, you’ll should e book 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 carried out, 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 normally test first. Don’t e book flights but, simply scan. Then, once you discover low-cost flights to Singapore, seek for an inexpensive cruise. Once you discover one which matches your flight dates, e book the flight and the cruise. 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 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 gained’t look ahead to you.
Once more, that will depend on a variety of elements particularly the room sort and journey dates. However let’s say that you just’re within the most cost-effective doable possibility — 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 more than likely to spend per particular person:
- P10,000 – roundtrip Manila-Singapore flight
- P1620 – Philippine journey tax
- P2000 – 1 evening at a lodge in Singapore (P4000/evening divided by 2 pax)
- P15,350 – Cruise (inclusive of meals)
- P5,000 – transportation and incidental bills
- P33,970 – TOTAL
Let’s spherical it off to a clear P35,000.
That is the minimal you may anticipate to spend. However it’s at all times sensible so as to add some allowance for different doable 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 permit you to take pleasure in extra!
For cruises departing on or earlier than 30 April 2023: For those who or any of your touring get together assessments optimistic 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’ll have biases. However in my sincere opinion, sponsored or not, a SPECTRUM OF THE SEAS cruise is price it! Particularly in the event you’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 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 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.
By reserving on this web site, you may get simpler entry to buyer help, which is extraordinarily worthwhile in case you’ll should make a change to your reserving otherwise you want additional assist.
