From 30 June 2022, you’ll be able to once again enjoy stopovers at Penang and Port Klang when sailing with the Spectrum of the Seas. Here’s how to use YouTrip on board — plus tips and tricks to save time and money on land and on the ship!
When was the last time you went on a cruise? For me, it was at the age of five — and so, as you’d expect, my impression of a cruise includes the scent of sunblock, full days at the water playground, and a consistent flow of fruit juice. Not too shabby eh? But as a person nearing the latter part of my twenties, water playgrounds and fruit juice just aren’t big enough draws to get me onboard anymore. Well, that was till I heard about Royal Caribbean Singapore and what they did with the Cruise to Nowhere to make the last few years’ travel hiatus a little less difficult for the average traveller. But now that, according to The Straits Times, travel is back and international Royal Caribbean cruise ships will start calling at ports in Malaysia from the end of the month, we can’t wait to sail the seas again!
🎉 Already bought tickets to the Cruise To Nowhere? Good news! All existing guest bookings will be automatically converted to an international Royal Caribbean cruise headed to Malaysia at no additional cost!
🚢 International Royal Caribbean Cruise: What To Expect
This will be the first time since March 2020 that the Royal Caribbean cruise will be making port calls. In a nutshell, there are two options for travellers:
1️⃣ Three-night cruise: stop at Penang (from S$310)
2️⃣ Four-night cruise: stop at Penang and Port Klang (from S$390)
🚢 International Royal Caribbean Cruise: Entry Requirements
As of now, you’ll essentially be making a trip to Malaysia, so expect entry requirements to sync up to that of the current Malaysian entry requirements. We’ve heard that the Singapore Tourism Board are looking to set up more ports of call in the region by the end of the year — so stay tuned for make updates!
| International Royal Caribbean Cruise | |
| Entry Requirements | ✅ Be fully-vaccinated 🚨 Note: Guests who have had only two doses of Sinovac or Sinopharm, as well as those above 60 who have not received their booster shot, are considered to be partially vaccinated by the Malaysian government ✅ Undergo a supervised ART 24 hours before boarding ✅ Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months ✅ Download MySejahtera app 👉🏻 Complete the pre-departure form under the “traveller” tab 👉🏻 You will be issued a “Digital Traveller’s Card”, reflected on the app 👉🏻 Verify your digital COVID-19 vaccine certificate here 🙅🏻♀️ No COVID-19 tests are required |
🚢 International Royal Caribbean Cruise: How to Spend Less On Board
First of all, do take note that all onboard prices are in USD. This means that your card will be billed in US dollars, and then converted into SGD. This is why YouTrip is key for these transactions to ensure that you skip all those pesky bank fees!
For every purchase made, you’ll receive a receipt — this will all be collated into a final statement that will be delivered right to your room on the final morning of your cruise for your verification.
| What Is It? | How You Can Use YouTrip With It | |
| SeaPass Cards | 👉🏻 Your onboard expense account, i.e. a cashless system for all your purchases (services included) on the ship (except those that require cash i.e gambling) 👉🏻 According to Royal Caribbean Singapore, this card will be either handed out to you at the pier or left in your room 👉🏻 Do note that all complimentary onboard credits are not redeemable for cash and are not transferable — spend it or lose it! 🚨 *Important: If you notice holds on your card, it is the cruise’s way of ensuring funds are available for your purchases: 👉🏻 These holds aren’t charges, but they reduce your available balance so ensure that you’re transferring more into your YouTrip account just in case 👉🏻 Most holds are released within 3 to 5 business days | 💜 Each account may be set up with a credit card or as a cash account. If you’ve chosen the former, convert your SGD to USD beforehand with the YouTrip app and link your YouTrip Mastercard up 👉🏻 If you’re travelling with friends who do not have a YouTrip card, SeaPass allows you to create a master account and add guests as authorised purchasers on your account so they can reap the benefits of YouTrip’s wholesale exchange rates too! 👉🏻 Only after you’ve verified the statement (on the final morning) will the bill be charged to your card (you don’t have to do anything if nothing is wrong) 👉🏻 Alternatively, If you’ve opted for a cash account, you will be required to settle the statement on board prior to disembarking |
| Cash | 👉🏻 If you require cash for certain activities, you may head on over to the Relations Desk and cash in travellers’ cheques for foreign currency exchange 👉🏻 Alternatively, you may make use of the ATM services on board | 💜 Skip out on the bank fees when you use YouTrip’s 24/7 in-app money changer to swap your SGD for USD before withdrawing it at the ATMs on board 👉🏻 Just take note that there are withdrawal fees of the ATMs on the Royal Caribbean |
🚢 International Royal Caribbean Cruise: How to Spend Less On Land
When the international Royal Caribbean cruise docks at Penang or Port Klang, you will be able to choose to book a shore excursion to St. George’s Church in Penang or Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur when you disembark. You can also opt to move around on your own!
When booking your shore excursion or paying for your spending on land, employ your YouTrip card to make full use of our sweet wholesale exchange rates when spending in Malaysian Ringgit.
🚢 Can I Pay For The International Royal Caribbean Cruise With YouTrip?
Yes! Fortunately, Royal Caribbean accepts payments for bookings with Mastercard. Just take note that you will need to make the full payment if you choose to book the cruise online — so transfer enough into your YouTrip account to ensure your stateroom is reserved!
You’re paying for everything you might need during your stay on board the ship. However, it does not include some extra things such as on-land excursions, speciality restaurants, massages or spa treatment, certain beverages, casino gaming, photographs, gratuities, internet, or telephone calls. So be warned! If digital detoxes aren’t your thing, you may choose to purchase Voom, their wifi package, from US$15.99 (~S$21.60) per day.
All Aboard The International Royal Caribbean Cruise!
Now that you’re up-to-date with all you need to know about the International Royal Caribbean cruise headed to Malaysia, you are all set for your next adventure across the seas!
As always, make sure you’ve got your YouTrip card ready to take advantage of our wholesale exchange rates for all purchases when embarking on Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas and on all your international online shopping.
If you don’t have a YouTrip card yet, sign up now and be sure to check out our YouTrip Perks page for exclusive offers and promotions too! For more great tips and articles like this, join our Telegram(@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here or down below!
And while you’re at it, why not join the conversation with thousands of #YouTroopers in our very own Community Telegram Group @YouTripSquad? Get tips and tricks to everything YouTrip including exclusive invites to exciting events and experiences, & be part of the #YouTripSquad! 💜
Related Articles:
Best Things To Eat in Malacca That Are Still Open 2022
All You Need To Know About Entry Requirements To Malaysia
Best Supper Spots in JB To Check Out This Weekend
