Sailing Spectrum of the Seas from Shanghai had been on our wish list for years. It’s one of those trips that feels a little mysterious from the UK: a Royal Caribbean ship built for the Chinese market, a city most British cruisers have never visited, and ports in Japan on the doorstep.
So we went and found out for ourselves. This page brings the whole trip together in order, from the flight out of Gatwick to our first day in Japan, so you can follow it from start to finish or jump straight to the part you’re planning.
Our Shanghai and Spectrum of the Seas trip, day by day
1. Flying from the UK to Shanghai
We flew direct from London Gatwick with China Eastern, and explain why we picked it over British Airways (whose direct route has to avoid Russian airspace, adding hours to the journey). Then our first days exploring Shanghai before the cruise.
Read: Flying from the UK to Shanghai and our pre-cruise days →
2. The Rolex Shanghai Masters final
A bucket-list day: watching the final of the Rolex Shanghai Masters, and how to fit a big event into your time in Shanghai before you sail.
Read: A perfect day in Shanghai at the Rolex Shanghai Masters final →
3. Boarding Spectrum of the Seas in Shanghai
What embarkation is like at the Shanghai cruise terminal, and our first impressions of the ship, from the venues you won’t find on European sailings to the spaces every Royal Caribbean fan will recognise.
Read: Boarding Spectrum of the Seas from Shanghai →
4. A day at sea: how Chinese is Spectrum of the Seas?
The question we’re asked more than any other. On our first full sea day we toured the bridge, showed you our balcony cabin and looked at who actually sails on Spectrum. In short, Chinese guests are the large majority on short four and five-night sailings, while longer sailings with more Japan ports have a much more international mix.
Read: How Chinese is Spectrum of the Seas? →
5. Our first day in Japan: Okinawa
The day Kieran had been waiting for. The Japanese Naval Underground Headquarters, Okinawa World and the Gyokusendō cave, a ryokan-style lunch with sake tasting, then shopping on Kokusai-dōri and the glorious chaos of Don Quijote.
Read: How we spent an unforgettable day in Okinawa →
Is a Spectrum of the Seas cruise from Shanghai right for you?
- You’ll love it if you want Asia without the hassle of planning it all yourself, you’re curious about a ship designed for a different market, and you’d like Japan ports without flying all the way to Tokyo.
- Think about sailing length. Short sailings are very much geared to Chinese holidaymakers. Longer sailings with more Japan ports feel more international.
- Give yourself time in Shanghai. It’s a long flight, and the city deserves at least a couple of days before you board.
- Get the paperwork right. Entry rules for China and Japan change, so we’ll check the current requirements for your passport when you book.
Want to do this trip yourself?
Come with us. Shanghai to Sakura is our small hosted group trip for spring 2027: Shanghai, Shanghai Disneyland and Japan, sailing on Spectrum of the Seas with Kieran & Phil travelling alongside you, and flights, hotels, Disney and the cruise all included.
Prefer to go on your own dates? As Royal Caribbean specialists we can build your own version with flights, hotels in Shanghai and the right cabin on board. See our Royal Caribbean guide, browse all our trip reports, or get a free quote.