A Guide to Cruises

These days, cruise ships have many facilities and offer a wide range of activities.  Singapore is one of the popular cruise terminal in Asia.  A new cruise terminal, Marina Bay Cruise Centre, was built in 2012 to cater to this fast growing business.  Now both Singapore Cruise Centre and Marina Bay Cruise Centre are providing services to at least 20 cruise liners.

My first experience with Royal Caribbean Cruise was an eye opener, a fresh experience and I have since fell in love with cruise trips.  Below links are articles on my cruise trips.
👉2018 - Voyager of the Seas 5D Trip
👉2018 - Mariner of the Seas 4D Trip
👉2017 - Ovation of the Seas 5D Trip
👉2015 - Legend of the Seas 11D Trip
👉2013 - Mariner of the Seas 6D Trip

Here are some information on Royal Caribbean Cruises that I found useful while planning my cruise trips.

Understanding the Price
Cruise Fare
Depending on the number of days, ports of call and choice of stateroom.  In general, the smaller ones, such as Interior Stateroom with no window, are the cheapest.  But at times, due to promotion, a bigger balcony stateroom may cost lesser than a smaller interior room.

Stateroom Choices
Interior Stateroom - no window
Promenade Stateroom - window overlooking the Royal Promenade
Ocean View Stateroom - big porthole with ocean view
Balcony Stateroom - private balcony with ocean view
Suites - larger space with private balcony along with perks such as complimentary concierge service (except for Junior Suites), priority boarding and departure, dedicated entertainment seating, and more

Taxes & Fees
Consist of taxes, administration fees and port expenses.  So, this part is more dependent on the ports of call to visit.

Pre-paid Gratuities
These are mandatory service charges giving to Dining Services Staff, Stateroom Attendants, and other Housekeeping Services Personnel.

Below were excerpts from its official website

Note: These gratuities apply to guests of all ages.  Gratuities for other service personnel are at your discretion.  A 18% gratuity will automatically be added to any purchases in the bar, dining room, spa services and salon services.

Dining Time at Main Dining Room
Upon purchase of a cruise trip, one needs to select a dining time.

1. Traditional Dining at either 5.30pm or 8pm.  This choice lets you enjoy reserved seating at a set time each day.  Despite a pre-set dining time, diners are still requested to join the queue with other diners of the same timing.  If you have missed your dining time, not to worry, you may, at any time, join the queue at The Main Dining Room or proceed to other dining venues.

2. My Time Dining where it lets you place a reservation for your desired dinner time in the Main Dining Room.  If you have not made any reservation, just join the queue.

Inclusive in Price
Dining Onboard
There are several dining and drinking venues on cruise ships. Some complimentary while others charge a fee.
Ovation of the Seas - Dining Venues
Legend of the Seas - Dining Venues
Mariner of the Seas - Dining Venues

Entertainment
All are complimentary unless otherwise stated.  Some examples are:

• Movies at poolside
• 3D movies in theatre
• Broadway production shows
• Performance on Ice
• Magic shows

Activities
Refer to Cruise Compass, fees payable for those with a ($) sign.  Examples of complimentary activities are:

• Rock climbing
• Ice skating
• Inline skating

Official Website

Note
These posts were cruise trips departed from Singapore ports, for cruises departing from other ports, information might be different.