✈️ Shanghai 🏮 Shanghai Disney 🌸 Japan 🇯🇵
Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas
From £3,450 per person – Solo Supplement of £550
Small hosted group · Flights, hotels, Disney & cruise included
This is not a typical cruise, and it’s not a typical city break either.
Shanghai to Sakura is a hosted, small-group journey by Magical Traveller, specialists in Disney and cruise travel — with trusted local support on the ground in Shanghai, designed for travellers who want to experience Asia with confidence, without rushing, and without feeling overwhelmed.
Planned for early spring, the timing of this trip gives us the best possible chance to experience Shanghai’s delicate magnolia season alongside Japan’s famous cherry blossom blooms. While nature can never be guaranteed, this is one of the most beautiful times of year to experience Asia at its most photogenic.
You’ll begin with a curated stay in Shanghai, taking in iconic sights, cultural highlights and a full day at Shanghai Disneyland, before continuing by sea onboard Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas. The cruise includes overnight stays in Japan, allowing you time to explore properly, not just skim the surface.
Hosted throughout by Magical Traveller, with trusted local support on the ground, this journey is ideal if:
- You’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that feels exciting, not exhausting
- You’ve always wanted to visit China or Japan, but felt unsure about doing it alone
- You love cruising, but want more meaningful time ashore
- You’re curious about Shanghai Disney, but want more than just a theme park trip
✨ What Makes This Trip Special?
- Hosted throughout by Magical Traveller, you’re never navigating this alone
- A gentle, well-paced introduction to China, perfect for first-time visitors
- Shanghai Disney included, with support and optional upgrades
- An 8-night Royal Caribbean cruise with overnight stays in Japan
- Incredible value compared to arranging this independently
- Designed specifically with UK travellers in mind
What’s Included in Shanghai to Sakura
- ✈️ Return flights from the UK to Shanghai
- 🏨 4 nights in a hand-picked Shanghai hotel (bed & breakfast)
- 🏮 2 Days Fully guided touring in Shanghai with local specialists
- 🍽️ Lunches & dinners included on guided sightseeing days
- 🆓 1 Free day with Optional Tours
- 🏰 1 day Shanghai Disneyland ticket & return transfers
- 🚢 8-night cruise on Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas
- 🛏️ Balcony cabin onboard (based on two sharing)
- 📶 Wi-Fi & gratuities included onboard
- 🍽️ 3 speciality dining experiences onboard
- 🎭 Reserved seating for selected shows
- 🚍 Transfers throughout (airport, hotel, touring & port)
- 👥 Hosted throughout by Magical Traveller
🗓 Your Day-by-Day Itinerary
🚢 Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas
Classic Royal Caribbean cruising, enhanced for Asia
Spectrum of the Seas brings everything people love about Royal Caribbean —big-ship energy, standout entertainment, and a wide choice of dining, but with thoughtful touches designed specifically for Asia.
Built as part of Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Ultra Class, Spectrum blends familiar favourites with Chinese-inspired venues, cuisine and design, making her the perfect ship for exploring this part of the world in comfort and style.
This is a ship that works brilliantly whether it’s your first Royal Caribbean cruise or you’ve sailed with them before and want to experience something a little different.
⭐ What Makes Spectrum of the Seas Special
Signature Royal Caribbean experiences
- Spectacular headline shows in the main theatre
- Rock climbing wall, bumper cars and sports courts
- Adults-only Solarium for relaxed sea days
- Full-service spa and fitness centre
- Multiple pools and whirlpools
- Wide range of bars, lounges and live music venues
Dining & onboard life
- Main dining room and casual favourites included
- A variety of speciality restaurants, from teppanyaki-style dining to elevated Chinese and international options
- Vibrant evening atmosphere without feeling overwhelming
Asian-inspired enhancements
- Venues and menus tailored for the Chinese market
- Design touches and dining concepts you won’t find on Royal Caribbean ships elsewhere
- A unique onboard atmosphere that reflects where you’re sailing
Why Spectrum Works So Well for This Journey
After busy days exploring Shanghai, Japan, and Shanghai Disneyland, Spectrum of the Seas becomes your floating hotel, unpack once, settle in, and enjoy:
- Overnight stays in Japan without repacking
- Sea days to rest, recharge and enjoy the ship
- Familiar comforts alongside new cultural touches
It’s big-ship cruising done well, exciting when you want it, relaxing when you don’t.
⬇️ Explore the ship, cabins and deck plans below using the interactive cruise tool.
🏙️ Shanghai
A perfect first introduction to China
Shanghai is often described as China’s most accessible city for Western travellers, and once you’re there, it’s easy to see why.
This is a city where ancient gardens sit beside futuristic skyscrapers, where historic European architecture lines the Bund, and where modern China feels exciting rather than intimidating. It’s clean, efficient, vibrant, and incredibly photogenic.
For this journey, we’ve deliberately allowed time to slow down and take it in, rather than rushing through highlights in a single day. With guided touring, trusted local support and a central luxury hotel base, Shanghai becomes a place to enjoy, not navigate.
You’ll experience:
- The historic Bund by day and night
- Classical Chinese gardens at Yu Garden
- Skyline views from Magnolia Tower at sunset
- River cruising and modern neighbourhoods
- Time to shop, explore, or simply relax
For many guests, Shanghai becomes one of the most surprising highlights of the entire trip. You can read our trip report from our time in Shanghai here
🏰 Shanghai Disneyland
Disney storytelling on a truly epic scale
Shanghai Disneyland is unlike any other Disney park in the world.
Built with a much larger footprint than its American and European counterparts, it offers wider walkways, larger lands, and headline attractions you simply can’t experience elsewhere — including TRON Lightcycle Power Run and the stunning reimagining of Pirates of the Caribbean.
At the heart of the park is the Enchanted Storybook Castle, the largest Disney castle ever built, designed to celebrate every Disney princess story rather than just one.
We’ve included a full dedicated day at the park, with transfers arranged, so you can enjoy the experience without logistical stress. Optional add-ons are available for those who want to return for a second day or upgrade their experience.
This isn’t just “another Disney park”, it’s a genuine bucket-list experience for Disney fans, and a brilliant contrast to the culture, history and cruising that surround it.
🇯🇵 Japan: Culture, Cities & Cherry Blossoms
Overnight stays that let you explore properly
One of the standout features of this journey is the way you experience Japan — not through rushed port calls, but with overnight stays that give you time to explore at your own pace.
Spring is one of the most beautiful times to visit, with milder weather and the potential to experience Japan’s cherry blossom season. While blossom timing can never be guaranteed, this itinerary gives you one of the best possible windows to see Japan at its most atmospheric.
⚓ Kobe – Your Gateway to Kansai
Kobe is a relaxed, stylish port city with a rich international history. Known globally for Kobe beef and its sake brewing heritage, it’s an enjoyable destination in its own right — with waterfront promenades, historic districts and excellent food.
Because the ship stays overnight, you’re free to:
- Explore Kobe at a relaxed pace
- Enjoy the city’s food and harbour views into the evening
- Stay ashore later without worrying about rushing back to the ship
Kobe also serves as the perfect gateway to the Kansai region, putting some of Japan’s most famous cities within easy reach.
🌆 Osaka – Energy, Street Food & Neon Nights
Just a short train ride from Kobe, Osaka is one of Japan’s most exciting cities — lively, informal and famous for its street food culture.
Many travellers choose to visit Dotonbori, Osaka’s iconic nightlife and food district, where neon signs, canal-side walkways and open kitchens bring the city to life after dark.
Osaka is ideal if you’re looking for:
- Incredible street food and casual dining
- Shopping and nightlife
- A vibrant contrast to more traditional Japanese cities
🏯 Kyoto – Temples, Tradition & Timeless Japan
For those wanting a deeper cultural experience, Kyoto is reachable as a longer day trip thanks to the overnight stay.
Japan’s former capital, Kyoto is known for:
- Historic temples and shrines
- Traditional streets and gardens
- A slower, more reflective atmosphere
Visiting Kyoto in spring offers the chance to see the city at its most elegant, with seasonal colour adding to already stunning scenery.
🗼 Tokyo
A taste of the world’s most fascinating city
Tokyo is one of the most exciting cities on the planet, a place where tradition and ultra-modern life coexist. From neon-lit streets and world-class shopping to historic neighbourhoods, food culture and pop icons, it’s a city that leaves a lasting impression even with limited time.
On this journey, Spectrum of the Seas docks overnight, giving you the chance to experience Tokyo beyond a single rushed port call. While two days is never enough to “do” Tokyo fully, it’s the perfect introduction, and for many guests, it becomes the spark that inspires a future, deeper visit.
What You Can Experience in Tokyo
With an overnight stay, you’ll have the flexibility to choose how you spend your time, whether that’s:
- Exploring iconic districts like Shibuya, Shinjuku or Ginza
- Enjoying Tokyo’s legendary food scene, from casual street eats to stylish bars
- Shopping for fashion, tech or quirky Japanese finds
- Experiencing the city after dark, when Tokyo really comes alive
You’re free to explore independently, join informal group plans, or simply enjoy the ship as a calm base between outings.
Tokyo Disneyland – An Honest Note
Tokyo Disney is often asked about, and it’s absolutely possible to visit during the overnight stay. However, due to docking times and travel distance, time in the parks would be limited.
For this reason, Tokyo Disney is not included as a hosted or organised experience on this trip. Guests who wish to visit are welcome to do so independently, and we can provide advice, but we recommend treating this as a taster rather than a full Tokyo Disney Park experience.
Shanghai Disneyland remains the fully included and dedicated Disney highlight of this journey.
Why This Works So Well by Cruise
By visiting Japan as part of a cruise:
- You avoid hotel changes and luggage transfers
- You can choose how busy or relaxed your days are
- You return each evening to familiar comfort
Whether you stay local in Kobe, head to Osaka for energy and food, or venture to Kyoto for culture, you decide how you experience Japan.
This flexibility is exactly what makes the overnight stays so special.
Why This Combination Works So Well
By pairing Shanghai, Shanghai Disneyland, and a Royal Caribbean cruise to Japan, this journey offers:
- Cultural depth
- Familiar comfort
- Iconic attractions
- And time to breathe
It’s adventurous without being overwhelming — exactly how Asia should feel on your first (or next) visit.
💷 Pricing & How to Join
Twin / Double Sharing: £3,450 per person
Based on two adults sharing accommodation throughout.
Solo Traveller: £4,000 per person
A limited number of solo spaces are available, subject to confirmation.
💳 Deposits
To secure your place on Shanghai to Sakura:
- £290 per person (twin/double sharing)
- £360 per person (solo traveller)
👥 Group Size
This is a hosted small-group journey, limited to 25 like-minded travellers.
Group sizes are intentionally kept small to ensure a relaxed, personal experience, with support throughout from Magical Traveller and trusted local partners.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to travel to China for this trip?
No visa is currently expected for this trip.
The itinerary has been designed to comply with China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy, and the UK and China have announced that UK passport holders are expected to be able to enter China without a visa or transfer permit by the time this trip departs.
Is this suitable if I’ve never been to Asia?
Yes, this trip is designed to be a comfortable first experience, with British hosts and English-speaking local guides.
How big will the group be?
This will be a hosted group of up to 25 guests. Large enough to feel social and fun, but small enough to stay personal, flexible and well supported. The group is for like-minded Disney, cruise, and Asia fans who want to experience this part of the world together without feeling lost in a crowd.
Is the trip fast-paced?
No. The itinerary has been deliberately designed with breathing space and days to relax/free explore where possible.
Can I do my own thing on some days?
Absolutely. Participation in optional days is just that — optional. But we are on hand to offer tips and advice.
📩 Ready to Book?
If you are ready to book or have questions about this trip, please use the form below to contact us or email us at Hello@magical-traveller.com. You can also call us on 0117 473 0596
❓ Do I need a visa to travel to China for this trip?
At the time of planning, this journey has been deliberately designed to comply with China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy, which allows eligible travellers to enter China without a traditional visa when travelling onward to a third country, in this case, Japan.
In addition, the UK and China have announced that UK passport holders will no longer be required to obtain a visa or transfer permit for short stays by the time this trip departs. While final implementation details are subject to government confirmation, this indicates that no advance visa application is currently expected for this journey.
For peace of mind:
- The itinerary already complies with the existing 240-hour transit rules
- Entry requirements will be monitored closely as part of the hosted trip
- Full, up-to-date guidance will be provided well in advance of travel
If entry requirements change at any time, Magical Traveller will clearly and promptly advise all guests.
Important Information & Booking Terms
Hosted Journey & Itinerary Changes
Shanghai to Sakura is a hosted small-group journey curated by Magical Traveller and delivered in partnership with third-party suppliers, including airlines, hotels, local tour operators and Royal Caribbean.
While every effort is made to operate the itinerary as described, all elements are subject to change. Cruise itineraries, port timings, onboard experiences, and land arrangements may be amended by suppliers due to operational, weather, safety or regulatory reasons.
Magical Traveller cannot be held responsible for changes made by suppliers, but will always communicate updates clearly and act in your best interests where possible.
Supplier Terms & Conditions
Your booking is subject to the terms and conditions of all end suppliers, including but not limited to:
- Royal Caribbean International
- Airlines used for international flights
- Overseas hotels and ground operators
In the event of any conflict, supplier terms will take precedence. Copies of relevant supplier terms will be provided at the time of booking or upon request.
Entry Requirements, Visas & Travel Documentation
Magical Traveller will provide guidance and support regarding passport validity, visas, transit permits and entry requirements relevant to this itinerary.
However, responsibility ultimately rests with each traveller to ensure they:
- Hold a valid passport
- Meet all entry and transit requirements
- Obtain any required visas or permits
- Have appropriate travel insurance in place
Entry requirements are subject to change by governments and authorities, sometimes at short notice.
At the time of planning, this journey has been deliberately designed to comply with China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy, which allows eligible travellers to enter China without a traditional visa when travelling onward to a third country, in this case, Japan.
In addition, the UK and China have announced that UK passport holders will no longer be required to obtain a visa or transfer permit for short stays by the time this trip departs. While final implementation details are subject to government confirmation, this indicates that no advance visa application is currently expected for this journey.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended from the time of booking. Insurance should cover, at a minimum, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, and travel disruption.
Magical Traveller does not sell travel insurance and cannot advise on individual policies.
Group Size & Hosted Experience
This is a hosted group experience, limited to a maximum of 25 guests. While Magical Traveller will host and coordinate the journey, some activities may be optional, and guests are free to explore independently at any time.
Pricing & Payments
All prices are correct at the time of publication but are subject to availability until booked. A deposit is required to secure your place, with the remaining balance payable by the date advised at confirmation.
Failure to meet payment deadlines may result in cancellation by the supplier under their booking terms.
General
By registering interest or proceeding to booking, you acknowledge and accept these terms and the applicable supplier conditions.
You can read the supplementary terms for this Hosted tour here: Supplementary Booking Conditions: Shanghai to Sakura Hosted Journey