To satisfy my mom’s curiousity on cruise travel, last year annual family trip saw 3 of us boarding up the Royal Caribbean – Legend of the Seas for a 4 Nights Isles of Southeast Asia Cruise.

They have since changed the ship for this package to Voyager of the Seas.

I can’t say I am an expert on cruise booking, I am just sharing my personal planning experience from this recent trip.

Step 1: Determine your Travel Period

To obtain the best rates, always plan your cruise vacation a few months in advance. Although Royal Carribean is a quality cruise line that rarely offer early booking discounts, 3rd or 4th travellers for a Stateroom can enjoy special rates up to even 50%.

However, each ship has a limited passenger capacity hence 4 pax per room is pretty much subjected to availability.

Step 2: Choose your Preferred Ports of Call & Cruise Duration

Before you pick up the phone to call for bookings, check out Royal Carribean Packages & Itinerary webpage for their available packages for your preferred dates of travel.

Reason for us choosing 4 nights? I was pretty apprehensive about getting bored to death or becoming super bloated from all the eating onboard so that’s the max i believe we can bear. Plus the Ports of Call were rather attractive.

Our Sailing Itinerary was as follow:

Day 1: Depart from HarbourFront Cruise & Ferry Terminal, Singapore

Day 2: Arrive at Port Klang, Malaysia

Day 3: Arrive at Phuket, Thailand

Day 4: Cruising at Open Sea

Day 5: Back to HarbourFront Cruise & Ferry Terminal, Singapore

Browse through the options, discuss with your co-travellers and shortlisted a few preferred packages and dates.

Step 3: Choosing your Preferred Stateroom

Royal Carribean offers stateroom options (Suite / Deluxe Stateroom, Balcony Stateroom, Oceanview Stateroom, Family Stateroom & Interior Stateroom) for every budget.

I personally recommend the Balcony Stateroom. That’s my brother looking really pleased with my choice. 🙂

You have your own personal balcony space where you can step out to take in the gorgeous view of the ocean. My favourite part is to have breakfast served & savored on the balcony while watching the world goes by.

Suite & Deluxe Stateroom are just more spacious versions of the Balcony Stateroom and the other staterooms have no open windows.

Step 4: Marketing for Best Rates

To get the best rates, make a few calls to Royal Carribean as well as their preferred travel agents.

Royal Carribean allocates staterooms for cruise sales to their authorised travel agents. However for some odd reasons, travel agents who are not within their preferred list seem to be able to sell these staterooms as well. Hence do not make rash decision when prompted to upgrade to a more expensive stateroom due to initial non-availability.

Step 5: Selecting your Stateroom Location

Make sure you check out where your stateroom is located on the deck. I will recommend staying at higher decks for a better view of the open seas. You may want to stay near specific areas on the ship where you are likely to spend most of your time at.

A good balance between elevators convenience and privacy is particularly important if you are travelling with elderly.

Step 6: Selecting your Preferred Dining Time

A responsible sales person will inquire your preferred dinner dining time at the Main Dining Restaurant. It depends on whether you like to catch your evening stage performance before or after dinner. We decided to go for the earlier slot at 5.30pm.

Take note that you can also request to be seated at tables for 2 or 4 pax. Best to do so else you will have to share tables with absolute strangers.

Step 7: Issuance of Setsail Pass

After payment is done, you will receive a Setsail Pass which you will simply need to present on the day itself for your Sea Pass Cards. Sea Pass Cards can be made linked to your credit card for easy onboard payments but you will be subjected to the ship’s currency exchange rates.

Make sure you visit Before You Cruise Webpage to read up on what to pack, check in process at the Cruise & Ferry Centre etc.

The Staterooms will be ready around at 2 – 3 hours before departure so relax & board the ship later else you will be stranded and have to sqeeze with the hoards at popular buffet dining spots.

Check in for Cruises are not as organised as compared to air travel but this not the fault of the Royal Carribean crew. Their staff have been most professional & patient in the entire check in process.

That’s about all you need to know to book your dream cruise holiday on the Royal Carribean. Have fun! 🙂

You may also like to check out my posts on other exciting travel destinations here