We are excited on our first-ever four nights Ocean Getaway (cruise to nowhere) cruise vacation. This is our first post-covid overseas trip. Set sail from 14th April to 18th April 2022.

About the Spectrum

The Spectrum of the Seas floated out of the shipyard in February 2019 in Papenburg, Germany. In April 2019, she started her maiden voyage from Barcelona to Asia. After two sailing in Singapore, it departed to her homeport in Shanghai, China. The ship is designed-built for the Asian market and is the first Quantum-Ultra class ship.

The Spectrum of the Seas Fast Facts :

• 1139 feet long & 135 feet wide
• Total 16 Decks with 14 accessible for guests
• 2137 staterooms
• total of 5622 guests (maximum)
• 1551 international crews

Pre-boarding : What to know

One month before your sailing, you will start to receive emails from the Royal Caribbean about the check-in procedure. Download the Royal Caribbean app to your mobile to make things more convenient. The app allows you to do online check-in and view the deck plans, activity calendar, and bookings of the activities and meals.

For a successful online check-in, you need to :

• Complete and update your personal information
• Book a timeslot for the wellness check-in (time where you get to board the cruise) 
• Upload the vaccination certificate 
• The day before departure, answer the health questions

Tip: Try to secure the arrival timeslot as early as 30 days before your departure

Pre-Departure Covid Test

On the day of sailing, we need to undergo a supervised rapid antigen test and obtain a negative result to board the ship. Tele-ART is one of the best options since it can be done at the comfort of your home. We choose Raffles Medical as our choice. 

• Download the app “Raffles Connect”
• Book a time slot early
• Log in to the app at the time of the appointment

Boarding time

Arrive at the Marina Bay Cruise Center at the selected arrival time. Staff will guide you through the whole immigration procedure. Once onboard the Spectrum, you may not be able to make any local call unless you have bought their WIFI services. The first stop on board is the Muster station for the safety briefing.

Things to do onboard

You can view the activities schedule on the app one day before the departure. Thus, you can start planning what to do and make the necessary booking once onboard. Remember to secure those popular activities (Skypad, Northstar, bumper car) and entertainment shows early. For sports activities, you need to head to the Seaplex to make the booking.

1. Explore the Spectrum

Scroll around deck15 by the day or under the star for some fresh air

The SunDeck at deck16 is a perfect getaway from the crowd

There are various café onboard to relax either at the cooling environment or under the sun.

2. Movies

Daily movie screening, do check out the app for details. Go early to get the best spot.

3. Live Performance

a. Showgirl : Sit back and relax in this colorful dancing and singing show at the Royal Theatre. Reserve via the app

b. Gold Art Duo : One of the best shows onboard. Highly recommended. Be amazed by the spectacular acrobatic act and dance by Shpatykovskii Andrii and Knysh Levgeniia. Reserve via the app

c. The Silk Road : Enjoy the dancing performance with the combination of the 12K visual lighting and screening at the Two70. Reserve via the app

4. Solarium

This is one of our favorite places onboard. Lie on your back and relax in the cool and open space with the best view. Or get yourself soaked in the pool or jacuzzi with a drink. This adult-only lets you have some peaceful moments.

5. Glass Floor Walk

Right next to the SkyPad, this glass floor walk is exciting. You can view the ocean right underneath your feet while walking.

6. Tons of activities

There are many activities available throughout the day. From morning exercise to Sudoku, and dancing to keep you busy from time to time. Use the Royal app to look for the activities of your interest.

7. Seaplex

Numerous sports activities are available, from table tennis to badminton. Look up the app for the respective timing. Secure a slot at the counter early.

a. Bumper Car : The most popular activity in the Seaplex. Secure a slot through the app as early as possible

b. Archery : Another high demand sports, so be prepared to queue

8. Rock Climbing

The wall has 3 different sections to suit your need. If you are a first-timer or even an expert, there is a section for you to try. So give this free activity a try, but it is not as simple as I thought.

9. NorthStar

Rise high to more than 100meters above the ship for a panoramic scenic view. If budget allows, do try the NorthStar extended ride. The capsule rises vertically, and moves to the right and left of the ship before descending. It lasts about 20minutes. For the normal NorthStar ride, it just rises vertically and descends. NorthStar is the winner of the Guinness World Record for the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship.

Additional costs apply (NorthStar USD$20 | NorthStar Extended USD$40). Reserve via the app.

10. SkyPad

First-ever trampoline bungee jump on the cruise. Give it a try for some exciting experience.

Additional costs apply (USD$10/pax). Reserve via the app.

11. RipCord iFly

Before heading to the wind tunnel, we sat through a safety video and were briefed by the instructor on details about the do and don’t before gearing up for our first-ever sky diving simulator experience. Each of us is given a minute in the wind tunnel. It is a fun and safe way to try out sky diving.

Additional costs apply (USD$40/pax). Reserve via the app.

Dining on Spectrum

1. The Cafe at Two70 (Breakfast, Lunch)

We love having our breakfast at Two70 not only for its great ocean view but also because the entire place is filled with sunlight and it makes us feel great to start the day. The choices are limited but all available are delicious.

We have our healthy lunch while watching the movie.

2. Main Dining Room (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

The menu changes every day. Thus, you can have your lunch/dinner everyday here without having any repeat dishes.

3. Windjammer (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

A wide variety of choices line up in these international buffet. As usual, the dishes change every day

4. Sorrento (Lunch, Dinner, Supper)

Best thin crust pizza onboard.

5. Dog House (Afternoon snack)

Have an afternoon snack after the workout. Give this popular snack a try.

6. Free cone

Do look out for free ice cream cone around noon to evening at deck14 around the pool area. Vanilla and chocolate favor available.

7. Chops Grille

We have our lunch at this steakhouse. One of the best steaks we had onboard, grilled to perfection. The flavourful steak is definitely worth our extra dollar.

Additional costs apply. Reservation required.

8. Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver

We had a yummy savory dinner at this specialty restaurant. Come with an empty stomach and be prepared to be stuffed with delicious dishes from appetizers to its main course. End the meal with the highly recommended tiramisu.

Additional costs apply. Reservation required.

9. Wonderland

The cuisine served is unique and presented to us with a visual feast. A total of 7 appetizers, 2 mains, and dessert. We do enjoy the food but a bit too much for us.

Additional costs apply. Reservation required.

Room onboard the Spectrum

Ocean View Balcony Stateroom

One can relax on the balcony in private and have some quiet time.

After dinner, as you head back to the room, one will be greeted by an animal (towel origami) each day.

Do you know about the RoyalUp? It is a bid base program for you to upgrade the room, maybe at lower cost. You will be notify when the bid is successful. Do check out the Royal Caribbean RoyalUp online.

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