2022 How A lot is a Royal Caribbean Singapore Cruise? The way to E book? + Different Steadily Requested Questions

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 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 terribly rich retirees who solely eat, drink and social gathering on board. So sure, no because of 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 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 asking Singapore residence till 2024, giving Southeast Asian vacationers a possibility to discover our residence 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 interested by occurring a cruise, however you’re unsure if it’s one thing for you, it’s your fortunate day! We had 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!

Probably not. Not all the time. It can 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 visitors, and the lodging sort. Therefore, the charges fluctuate enormously.

Let’s speak about journey dates first. In the event 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 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 totally doable to seek out inexpensive sailings, particularly if you happen to guide upfront. Royal Caribbean has only in the near past opened their 2023-2024 seasons, so if you happen to search now, there’s an enormous probability you’ll discover affordable costs.

Then again, November, December and January are likely 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 varieties.

Talking of room varieties, probably the most inexpensive cabin is the Inside state room. And if you happen to’re in a position to guide 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 plenty of components, 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 will 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, films, and many others.)
• entry to facilities (swimming pools, some points of interest)
• cease in Malaysia (tour not included)
• gratuities / suggestions
• taxes and costs

Compared, right here’s what 2 vacationers would most likely spend on a typical DIY land tour in Singapore:

• SGD 370 (P15,000) – Lodge (3 nights at a typical finances resort at P5000/night time)
• SGD 200 (P8000) – Meals (4 days at SGD 25/individual/day)
• SGD 200 (P8000) – Sights & incidentals (SGD100 finances/individual)
• SGD 50 (P2000) – Transportation (SG Vacationer go 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 greater 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 possibly can see, the distinction in bills isn’t that a lot. The cruise price is even decrease, and it will additionally mean you can go to one other nation!

So for me, if you happen to’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 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 may cut back the cruise fare for third or 4th visitors who’re 12 years previous or beneath, staying in the identical room as the first visitors.

Nonetheless, these promos will not be accessible year-round and should not apply to sure dates. These reductions additionally cowl the CRUISE FARE solely. Taxes and different charges nonetheless should be settled by the visitors.

For the Philippine market, probably the most superb 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 routinely 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 may have somebody to name and help you in case of emergency. Having easy accessibility to buyer assist right here within the Philippines is tremendous worthwhile for 2 causes:

• The journey scene can nonetheless be unpredictable today. Journey necessities and border insurance policies change often and shortly. It’s good to have somebody you would flip to in case of pressing issues.
• Reserving and occurring a cruise is a bit bit sophisticated. Or at the least, extra sophisticated than the same old land excursions. There are lots of shifting elements that it is advisable to watch — flight schedules, cruise timings, journey necessities, check-in and boarding processes, exercise and eating reservations, shore excursions, and many others. Having somebody to maintain you up to date can guarantee you may have 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 to 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 wished to alter rooms, however as a result of she booked by way of 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 underneath 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 underneath every class and what units them aside from one another, sorted from least expensive 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. Greater, 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 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 most 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 lots of perks, too. Some facilities are open solely to suite visitors. Listed below are the totally different suite varieties 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) 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 perfect 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 stunning provided that if you guide a cruise, you’re not simply paying for a room but additionally entry to infinite array of meals and facilities. In most cases, pricing is just about per individual, not per room.

Notice {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 will depend on your private preferences and finances.

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. In the event you like taking pictures, the balcony additionally offers 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 finances is a 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 utterly trustworthy, I didn’t actually use it that a lot apart from a few events after 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 nonetheless give me the house 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 value is way decrease.

In the event you’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 similar value. Right here’s a pattern:

Evidently, 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 canine!

Eating at any of the above is FREE of cost, and you’ll have as a lot meals as you want. After I like a specific dish, I order one other serving. Even on the Most 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 range of the cuisines which can 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 a 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, inventive and revolutionary Alice-in-Wonderland-themed eating
• La Patisserie, pastries and desserts
• Chef’s Desk
• Izumi
• Sichuan Purple
• The Scorching Pot
• Vintages
• Leaf & Bean cafe

Room service can also 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 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 social gathering.” 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 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 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 considered one 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 price)
• 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 recurrently staged (most reveals are FREE)
• SeaPlex, a sports activities complicated the place you possibly can journey bumper vehicles; play tennis, pingpong and basketball; strive archery; and extra! (FREE)
• North Star, a glass-enclosed commentary pod and capsule journey 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 health club (FREE)
• Online game arcade

We had been in a position to strive nearly every thing on the listing and we actually had lots of enjoyable! We had been on the Music Corridor each night time and would spend our high-seas day making an attempt many of the rides and points of interest.

And oh, don’t overlook to catch at the least 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 complicated, composed of recreation rooms and lots of kid-friendly points of interest like an arcade, online game rooms, archery room, bumper vehicles, and claw machines.

Among the reveals on the Royal Theatre are additionally healthful, which youngsters 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 kids ages 3 to 11 can play with different youngsters. Mother and father can drop off their youngsters 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 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 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 will be requested. Some rooms are additionally particularly designed for PWD visitors.

Cruising normally 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 verify it, the employees will ship it to your room. And on the final night time, you possibly can depart 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, every thing you want is on board. It’s possible 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 traditional stops, known 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 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 the whole time.

You could have the choice to guide a guided tour from Royal Caribbean known 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 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 suppleness, you possibly can discover independently. However simply just remember to’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 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 site visitors situations. This implies, you’ll be spending at the least 3 hours on the highway.

Necessary! It’s a must to be absolutely vaccinated to discover ports of name.

No, it’s not included within the revealed charges.

Some journey businesses can provide fly-and-cruise packages, however if you happen to’re doing it by yourself, you’ll need to guide the flight individually.

If finances 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 performed, 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, if you discover low cost flights to Singapore, seek for an inexpensive cruise. Once you discover one which matches your flight dates, guide 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 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 await you.

Once more, that will depend on lots of components particularly the room sort and journey dates. However let’s say that you simply’re within the least expensive doable choice — 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 more than likely 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 possibly can 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 mean you can take pleasure in extra!

After all, if you happen to fail to seek out flights and sailings at these costs, you’ll find yourself with the next whole price, so plan your journey effectively.

For cruises departing on or earlier than 30 April 2023: In the event you or any of your touring social gathering checks optimistic for COVID-19 inside 10 days earlier than your crusing date or on the boarding terminal, 100% of the cruise fare will likely 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 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, associates, and {couples} celebrating an important day. After I was on board, I stored desirous 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 likely 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 website, you may get simpler entry to buyer assist, which is extraordinarily worthwhile in case you’ll need to make a change to your reserving otherwise you want additional assist.