The perfect Asian ocean getaway: Spectrum of the Seas

The perfect Asian ocean getaway: Spectrum of the Seas

I have travelled with Royal Caribbean many times before, in the Caribbean area but also in Australia and South Pacific, but I was very curious to try once an Asian experience. Especially since I have heard about the new Spectrum of the Seas ship, so I flew to Singapore for a cruise that also had stops in Penang, Malaysia and Phuket, Thailand, very nice and popular destinations.

I won’t talk about these destinations here, because they are well known, but mostly about the experience on Spectrum. A modern, innovative ship, specially designed for the Asian market.

Boarding in Singapore was from a modern and spacious terminal near Marina Bay, everything went very quickly and smoothly, so in less than half an hour I arrived in my balcony stateroom. Which is very spacious, with a cool design , a living room with a sofa, a work table and an armchair. I was so surprised to find inside a plate of sea food and cold champagne already in the room, so thanks again for the nice welcome, Royal Caribbean!

I then moved on to explore the ship and it took me quite a long time because it is huge. I started from the top, from the pool deck, where the pools are, the spa with the fitness area, but here I liked  the Solarium area the most, which is a peaceful oasis with whirpools, palm trees and a transparent roof, where you can relax in peace and quiet, the whole space being reserved for adults only.

I then also went to book a table for two at the Main Dining Room, which is very bright and spacious, and so I strolled over thru The Via and the Esplanade, spaces with lots of bars, shops and cafes.

Main Dining Room – Spectrum of the Seas
Royal Esplanade – Spectrum of the Seas
Royal Esplanade – Spectrum of the Seas

Speaking of bars, I enjoyed a Deluxe drink Package on the cruise, which is very convenient and gives you unlimited drinks at all the bars and restaurants. And the cocktails are amazing, believe me!

And obviously I also enjoyed the VOOM high-speed internet package, which worked flawlessly throughout the cruise.

The Via – Spectrum of the Seas

On the evenings spent on the Spectrum of the Seas I also wanted to experience the special restaurants.

And I started with a signature Royal Caribbean classic like the American steakhouse Chops Grille, where of course I tasted the legendary succulent steaks in a very intimate atmosphere and with a glass of a very esquisite red wine.

Chops Grille

The second evening I have had to choose between the authentic rustic handmade pasta at Jamie’s Italian and the Japanese Teppanyaki . I have choosen the second one,  which is a celebration of authentic oriental flavors cooked in Japan’s traditional teppanyaki style. From top premium steaks to tasty  seafood, everything is cooked in front of you by a one-man-show expert chef who works right at the table.

Teppanyaki
Teppanyaki – Spectrum of the Seas

And the third night I opted for Chinese food at Sichuan Red, a bold tapestry of authentic spices and Asian-inspired flavours , all with spectacular sea views.

And now a few words also for cruisers passioned by activities and adventures.

I have discovered on Spectrum of the Seas a lineup of on-board experiences never before imagined at sea:

The RipCord by iFly – The first skydiving experience at sea allows everyone from first-time flyers to skydivers to enjoy the sheer thrill and exhilaration of skydiving in a safe, controlled, simulated environment. The sensation of flying takes place inside a 23-foot tall glass flight chamber, the center piece of RipCord by iFly, giving guests the chance to fly while taking in stunning ocean views.

The North Star – Located on the top deck towards the bow of the ship, North Star is a 15-minute journey that takes guests on a tour with a jewel-shaped glass capsule that gently rises to more than 300 feet above sea level, and rotates upwards and over the sides of the ship to provide the most breathtaking, 360-degree views imaginable.

The FlowRider –Beginners and experienced surfers are able to hang ten by boogie boarding or standup surfing on the FlowRider surf simulator. Pair that with great views and the ocean breeze, the surf is always a must on this ship.

The SeaPlex – The largest indoor active space at sea, SeaPlex is an entertainment venue with thrilling new features . SeaPlex takes adventure-seeking guests on a journey from day to night, delivering an abundance of activities at sea, including bumper cars, a flying trapeze and roller skating.

Seaplex – Spectrum of the Seas

The Sky Pad® – this is for an out-of-this-world bungee trampoline experience. Strap in, put on your virtual reality headset and get transported to another time, place, or planet. This adventure will launch you high into the stratosphere and let your imagination soar.

Sky Pad – Spectrum of the Seas

I left the cruise deciding to come back next year, as I received a lot of good news regarding the new itineraries for 2023-2024. A mix of new 5- to 12-night cruises with adventurers to far destinations in Hong Kong, Japan, Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam, and of course the cruise line’s popular short getaways to Malaysia and Thailand. Included are 10 destinations unique to this experience, such as Hong Kong; Tokyo, Osaka and Mount Fuji, Nha Trang and Hue/Danang, Vietnam. So if you think at a cruise in Asia, plan one on the Spectrum of the Seas, it s an incredible experience you’ll never forget.

Pool Deck – Spectrum of the Seas