From adventurous fun to great dining experiences, here's all the fun that families can have on the Royal Caribbean cruise ship, Spectrum of the Seas!
Embark on a family-friendly journey aboard the Royal Caribbean cruise ship, Spectrum of the Seas! From exciting activities to diverse dining options, here's what to expect on this unforgettable 4D3N cruise from Singapore to Penang and back.
If you are considering or planning a cruise holiday, read on to find out more about cruising on the Spectrum of the Seas!
*This cruise experience was sponsored by Royal Caribbean but the sharing are our own.
Setting Sail: Singapore-Penang-Singapore Itinerary
The 4D3N Singapore-Penang-Singapore itinerary starts from the Marina Bay Cruise Centre, and stops at Penang on the 2nd day, before making its way back to Singapore over the last 2 days.
Upon arrival at the cruise centre, you will be subjected to security checks before heading over to the check-in counters. Remember to have your booking details and passport ready for checking in. You will not be receiving your room keys yet, instead you will find your room keys when you get to your room.
We recommend downloading the Royal Caribbean App before to check-in online. The App can also be used to check schedules and make reservations onboard. We also suggest arriving earlier to be one of the first to board the ship.
Tip: rooms will normally be ready by 2.30 - 3 pm. You can pack a smaller bag so that you can enjoy some of the facilities without going through your luggage.
Boarding the Spectrum of the Sea
Once boarding commences, you will head to the Singapore immigration counters and finally to the gangway where you can see the ship in its entirety. You might immediately notice just how huge the cruise ship is. It has 18 decks (16 are accessible by passengers) and is 348m long. At maximum capacity, the ship can hold up to 4,905 passengers.
Before boarding the ship, don't be alarmed that you will have to surrender your passports as this will facilitate the immigration clearance at your next port of call.
Once onboard, you can go ahead and explore the cruise, there will be F&B and facilities available for you already! We recommend that you head to Two70 where you can watch the aft of the ship as you leave the port and there will be booths nearby for you to make bookings too!
You will find your room's keycard at outside your room. Do note that Royal Caribbean does not provide a lanyard or holder for your keycard.
Ocean Balcony Stateroom
We stayed at the Ocean Balcony Stateroom which gave us a view of the ocean and the chance to catch the sunrise, sunset and hear the waves as we sailed. For those with younger kids, please remind them to be careful and to not run, jump or climb at the balcony,
The room came with a queen size bed, a sofa bed and an attached bathroom, and will comfortably sleep a family of 4. The bathroom comes with 2-in-1 shower and shampoo, and families should bring your own toiletries, including toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Photo Credits: Royal Caribbean Cruises
You may also consider the two-level Ultimate Family Suite for a special experience! The suite comes an in-suite slide, a balcony with rock-climbing wall, and a spa-like Master bathroom! There's also a private cinema that doubles as a karaoke room too!
Tip: take note of the location of your rooms and the elevators nearest to you. There are elevators on both ends of the ship, and on some decks, you won't be able to cross from one end to the other!
Entertainment
Dive into a spectrum of activities and shows, from adventures like the FlowRider to spectacular performances! Some activities and shows will require pre-booking and / or additional fees. You can check their schedules and book for them via the Royal Caribbean App. Even if the App states something is full, we recommend that you still walk-in and check for availability.
We had so much fun on the ship, and here's are some of our experiences!
Adventure Ocean
Located at Deck 11 and 12, the award-winning Adventure Ocean Youth Programme is designed with kids in mind!
Tiny travellers aged 3 to 5 will have an education blast in the Aquanauts group. The Explorers program keeps 6 to 8 year-olds entertained with activities such as themed parties and more. And learning is a thrill-fest for 9 to 11 year-olds in the Voyagers group.
There is also the Babies & Tots programme that offers nursery drop-off sessions for 6 to 36 months old. Apart from the drop-off service, families will also find a complimentary play area for kids (with adult supervision) on Deck 11.
No booking is required, you can simply drop by on a first-come-first-served basis. Additional fees may apply for certain programmes!
Dodgem Cars (Bumper Car)
Photo Credits: Klook
Buckle up and take the wheel for non-stop fun on the only dodgem cars at sea. Get ready to speed, bounce and bang around the floor! Dodgem Cars is located at SeaPlex Deck 15.
No booking is required, rides are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Participants must be 5 years old and 107 cm tall to ride with a guardian or 8 years and 122 cm tall to ride alone
Laser Tag: Battle for Planet Z
Also located at Deck 15, SeaPlex, Battle for Planet Z is an exciting Laser Tag battle where two forces are facing off and you are either the remnant of a robot civilisation, or the alien scouting party looking for refuge from a meganova, only one force can take control in this glow-in-the-dark laser tag faceoff!
Reservations are required, and players must be at least 5 years old and 101.5 cm tall. Closed-toe shoes are required to take part. Fees may apply.
Arcade
Have fun at the old-school arcade machines and modern ones too at the Arcade located at SeaPlex Deck 15. Payment for games are made via your SeaPass and there is no min. age for playing!
SeaPlex
As you can tell from the above, much of the family fun activities are at SeaPlex, the largest indoor active space at sea, located at Deck 15! Families will also find a full-sized basketball court, take part in archery, have a game of table tennis, play at the many digital games and more!
No reservations are required and participation is based on a first-come-first-served basis. Some activities may require additional fees.
FlowRider
Grab your board and get ready to have splashing fun at the FlowRider! Imagine 100,000 litres of water rushing your way on this 12-metre-long FlowRide® surf simulator! Will you be a pro, or just trying to stay upright?
Reservations and fees are required and can be done via the your SeaPass. Participants need to be at least 132 cm on the Boogie Board and 147 cm on the Stand-up.
Tip: wear your swim attires underneath as the force of water may pull of your shorts.
Rock Wall Climbing
Climb 12 metres above deck on the signature Rock Climbing Wall on Deck 15. This is a complimentary activity and no reservations are required. Climbers need to be at least 6 years old.
Ripcord by iFly
Experience the freedom of freefall without leaving the deck at the RipCord by iFLY simulator! This must be the most unique experience onboard a cruise ship! Kids must be at least 3 years old. Additional fees and reservations required.
The North Star
Rising 300 feet, The North Star offers you a 360-degree view of the world as the ship cruise along the ocean! You will get views of the endless horizon across the ocean, or hop onboard when the ship is leaving the port for views of the shores! Participants need to be at least 107cm. Additional fees and reservations required.
Shows
The entertainment doesn’t stop on the Spectrum of the Sea with different performances to catch each evening! Show schedules and bookings can be done via the Royal Caribbean App!
Tip: even if the App shows that the show is full, still drop by and you might just get a seat any way!
The Effectors
Photo Credits: Singapore Cruise Society Facebook page
Happening at the Royal Theatre on Deck 5, The Effectors follows our band of heroes, who draw their powers from their ability to create! Follow the exciting adventure filled with colours, lights and visual effects as they face off against the ruthless Crash, their arch-nemesis who’s bent on stopping the show and destroying the world!
The Silk Road
Photo Credits: The New Paper
The Silk Road is a original production showing at Two70. At this unique theatre, families are treated to a visual extravaganza across the 270 degrees, 2-storey high immersive screens. Coupled with the colourful and exotic cultures of the Far East, your and your little ones will embark on a journey along the legendary Silk Road filled with stunning music, dazzling costumes and diverse dance styles!
At the same location, you will also get to enjoy the Virtual Fireworks,a stunning display that is not to be missed, on the last night of your cruise!
Pools
Spectrum of the Sea offers a number of water play options, be it lazing by the pool or some serious water play, let's take a look at what you and your little ones can expect!
Splashaway Bay
Located at Deck 14, Splashaway Bay offers a water adventure that features colourful waterslides, water cannons, fountains, pools and whirlpools for tots to tweens. To enter the slide, children need to be at least 106.6 cm tall, and a maximum weight of 136 kg.
Outdoor Pool
Bask in the sun or relax in the shade while you sip a cool tropical cocktail and enjoy the complimentary loungers and live music. Kids need to be potty trained to enter the pool.
Solarium - Indoor Pool
For those looking for some alone time, this adults-only indoor pool offers a floor to ceiling windows with a view of the sea. Get a cocktail and dip yourselves in the warm water for a nice quiet time!
Shore Excursions
Depending on your cruise itinerary, you will have the opportunity to go on the shore excursions. We visit Penang on our trip. Bookings can be done via the Royal Caribbean App, and you will gather in the morning before being brought on a guided tour of the city.
Food
Spectrum of the Sea offers multiple food options. This includes a number of complimentary restaurants as well as specialty ones that require top-up. Let's take a look at what you can expect!
Complimentary Options
Windjammer
This inclusive all-you-can-eat buffet is available at all meal times (breakfast, lunch and dinner). This is the usual go-to restaurant but do note to come early as it can get quite pack during the peak timings.
Main Dining Room
Don't let the name fool you, the Main Dining Room is actually a 2-storey ala-carte dining venue that is inclusive in your package. On each of the deck, they offer a Chinese or Western Menu where you can order each dish as many times as you like with top-up options too!
We would suggest the Main Dining Room over the Windjammer as the experience is less chaotic and the food better. It also helps that the menu rotates every night so you won't be having the same dish!
Other complimentary dining options onboard
- Noodle Bar
- Splashaway Café
- Sorrento’s - Authentic New York Pizzeria
- The Café @Two70®
- SeaPlex Dog House
Specialty Restaurants
Royal Caribbean has ten specialty restaurants with price ranging across the board. Here are the ones that we tried during our cruise.
Wonderland
Our favourite and most recommended specialty restaurant for families! Wonderland is a journey into the tea party at Alice in Wonderland with servers are dressed up as fantasy characters, a menu covered in invisible ink, and each dish being a surprise and a delight!
Families should take note that it is a very sugary menu, and you may need to deal with a child on sugar-rush after the meal.
Chops Grille
A classic American steakhouse, Chops Grille serves juicy steaks, fresh seafood, hearty side dishes, and sumptuous desserts. We had the 3-course set-menu, and the kids enjoyed their own kids menu too. The atmosphere is cosy and classy, making a great options for celebrating a special occasion with the family!
Izumi
At Izumi, you will get to enjoy fresh sushi, sashimi and other Japanese menus. They even offer a kids menu for little ones too! However, if you only have limited meals onboard, we recommend that you save your stomach space for the restaurants mentioned above or perhaps to give the other restaurants a try!
The other specialty restaurants onboard the Spectrum of the Seas are
- Chef’s Table
- Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver
- Sichuan Red®
- La Patisserie (we were given free cookies and ice cream, but we are not sure if we just got lucky)
- The Hot Pot
- Teppanyaki
- Leaf & Bean
We understand many kids may not be able to finish their food. We are not sure if this is provided across all restaurants, but at the specialty restaurants, we had the option of being given a cover for our plates and to bring it back to the room!
More Tips
- Bottled water was only provided on the first day in our room. We were advised to fill up at the restaurants. So bringing a bottle around might be useful.
- Check in early to do the activities such as Flow Rider and Rock Climbing
- If you intend to purchase any packages (dining, drinks or WIFI), do purchase them earlier as they are normally cheaper
- Remember to bring your own toiletries, including shampoo and body wash if you don't want to use 2-in-1
- Use the Royal Caribbean App but also double check at the venues when onboard.
Next Sail Dates
To book your next cruise trip or to find out more, visit Royal Caribbean Singapore now!
