Guide to Land Excursions with Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas from Shanghai

Master the logistics of the four North Asian ports with this family-friendly guide to exploring South Korea and Japan seamlessly with children in tow.

For families sailing on Spectrum of the Seas from Shanghai, the real adventure begins the moment the ship docks. However, navigating four different ports—Jeju, Maizuru (Kyoto), Niigata, and Hakodate—requires more than just a sense of wonder. Between managing sudden temperature drops and navigating foreign transport systems, parents need a clear strategy to maximise their limited time on shore.

This guide focuses exclusively on the "land side" of the voyage to ensure every excursion is as stress-free as possible. Refer to our Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas North Asia Guide for more details about the cruise experience and tips! 

Read this Before Going on Shore

Before stepping off the gangway, there are three non-negotiable requirements for every port in Japan and South Korea.

• The Passport Photocopy Rule: Japan immigration requires a physical photocopy of every family member’s passport to issue shore passes. Prepare these before leaving Singapore. The ship will collect your physical passports upon entering Japan and return them only one day before the final disembarkation.

• The Information Slip: At every port, the ship provides a paper slip containing the terminal address, shuttle bus costs, and local maps. Parents should keep this on them at all times; it is the easiest way to show a taxi driver how to get back to the ship.

• Currency and Connectivity: Every terminal has a currency exchange booth located just outside the exit. While WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used in Jeju, Japan remains heavily reliant on cash (Yen) for local trams and small snack stalls. It is advisable to have physical Yen on hand for every Japanese stop.

Port 1: Jeju Island, South Korea

The arrival at Jeju involves a 15-minute walk from the ship to the terminal entrance via indoor travelators. This is sheltered but long, so ensure toddlers are in strollers or ready for a walk.

• Transport: The most efficient way to travel with a family is via Uber.

• Head to Hello Kitty Island, a four-storey museum featuring a cafe, retail store, and endless photo spots. It is entirely indoors, making it a reliable choice regardless of weather.

• For food, the Jeju Olle Market offers a sheltered street food experience where families can sample local specialities in a manageable environment.

Port 2: Kyoto (Maizuru), Japan

Maizuru serves as the gateway to Kyoto, located approximately 90 kilometres away. Because of the distance, timing is everything.

• The "Q" Number: Families must collect a "Q" number from Guest Services on the ship the day before arrival to secure a spot on the disembarkation shuttle.

• The Train Journey: The shuttle drops travellers at a local bazaar. From there, walk to Nishi Maizuru Station and board the Tantetsu Miyamai-Miyatoyo Line (the Blue Train) towards Amanohashidate Station.

• Top Family Picks: Visit Amanohashidate Viewland. Admission is approximately 1,000 Yen for adults, while children below elementary age are free. Families can choose between a monorail or a chair lift to reach the summit, which features a ferris wheel, sky rides, and a small cafe.

Port 3: Niigata, Japan

Niigata is known for its beautiful parks and riverside walks, but the port is situated away from the main attractions.

• Transport: A shuttle bus is available for 3,000 Yen (children under 6 are free), which drops families at Niigata Station.

• The Taxi Strategy: While the walk from the station to Bandai Pier is roughly 30 minutes, it is strongly recommended to take a taxi (approx. 1,500 Yen). This saves children's energy for the actual sightseeing.

• Top Family Picks: Hakuna Park is a highlight for its outdoor playground and seasonal Sakura views. For shopping, the Niigata Station Mall houses a 3Coins+ and several supermarkets for grabbing Japanese snacks.

Port 4: Hakodate, Japan

This port offers a free 15-minute shuttle bus to the JR Hakodate station area, making it one of the easiest ports to navigate.

• Transport: The local tram system is the best way to get around. Fares are roughly 290 Yen (children under 6 are free). Use a Suica or Pasmo card on a digital wallet for easy payment. Remember to take a paper ticket when boarding from the rear entrance to mark your starting point.

• Top Family Picks: From the JR station, walk 5 mins across the street to the Hakodate Morning Market for sashimi and to kick start your visit with a good meal! Visit the Tropical Botanical Garden (Yunokawa Onsen) to see the famous monkeys soaking in hot springs. For a more private experience, families can book a private onsen at the Takubokutei Hotel for approximately 3,300 Yen, allowing for a communal soak without the public crowds.

BYKidO Pro-Tip: The Shuttle Bus "Sweet Spot"

From our 4 land experiences, we learned that the queue for the return shuttle bus at each port will take at least 30-mins. To maximise the trip, aim to arrive at the shuttle stop just 5 to 10 mins before the last timing (no need to be 30 mins early). The queue will still be there, but you will have spent that extra time enjoying the city rather than standing on a pavement.

More Tips and Details 

This is our experience for the 8D7N cruise departing from Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, Shanghai with ports of call at Jeju (South Korea), Maizuru/Kyoto, Niigata, and Hakodate (Japan).

Remember to wear covered shoes (mandatory for onboard play and all the walking), prepare your physical passport photocopies, and a windbreaker for temperature changes as the cruise heads north.

The same cruise might not be available, but you can definitely use this guide for similar cruises. For more cruise dates, check with Royal Caribbean.